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2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Santa Fe Hybrid: What To Choose?
Hyundai’s new Santa Fe generation sports a boldly boxy design that stands in stark contrast to its predecessor. With expanded dimensions, including a third row, there’s enhanced space for both cargo and passengers, catering to outdoor enthusiasts by accommodating roof-top tents and larger adventure equipment through its wide tailgate. The SUV boasts a turbocharged 277-hp 2.5-liter inline-four engine mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe Hybrid showcases a radical departure from its previous soft lines, adopting a linear, boxy exterior reminiscent of luxury SUVs like the Range Rover. Its interior offers three rows of seats, extendable to seven riders, with a hybrid powertrain coupling a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, likely featuring all-wheel drive. This model will enter the competitive mid-size hybrid SUV market, facing rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Kia Sorento Hybrid, Mazda CX-90 PHEV, and Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
| Hyundai Santa Fe | Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | |
| Dimensions | 188.0 in x 78.4 in x 66.3 in (est) | 188.0 in x 78.4 in x 66.3 in (est) |
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 | 1.6L turbocharged 4-pot + electric motor |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 177 hp (est) |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 8.0 sec | 9.5 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA | NA |
| Top-Speed | 130 mph | 118 mph |
Hyundai Santa Fe
Engine & Performance
Beneath the hood of each non-hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe resides a robust turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine generating 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. While front-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission come as the standard configuration, the option for all-wheel drive exists. This shift marks the replacement of the previous Santa Fe’s 191-horsepower base engine, infusing the entry-level trim with increased power.
Price & Mileage
While precise pricing remains undisclosed, it’s anticipated that the revamped Santa Fe’s striking aesthetics will coincide with a notable uptick in the base cost compared to its dated predecessor. This projection places the starting price for Santa Fe around $33,000. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is yet to provide fuel economy assessments for the fresh iteration of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Acceleration & Features
Although testing of the new Santa Fe is pending to assess the compatibility of its updated dimensions with the familiar 277-hp powertrain. Our speculation leans towards Hyundai maintaining the balanced and nimble driving dynamics of the previous model. Dominating over half of the dashboard are a pair of expansive 12.3-inch displays. While the gauge cluster adopts a fully digital format. The infotainment screen thoughtfully retains tangible knobs for functions such as climate and audio volume.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Engine & Performance
A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine lies at the core of each Santa Fe Hybrid. Accompanied by an electric motor to provide an additional boost. While the total combined horsepower for this dynamic pair remains undisclosed by Hyundai. It’s reasonable to assume it resembles the previous generation’s 226-hp setup. All versions feature a six-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid model is anticipated to come standard with all-wheel drive. In contrast to the nonhybrid Santa Fe, which allows the choice between front- or all-wheel drive configurations.
Price & Features
Hyundai has yet to divulge details concerning the trim configurations or pricing of the Santa Fe Hybrid. However, it’s anticipated to adhere to a comparable structure as its predecessor. An estimated starting price of $38,000 is foreseen for the Santa Fe Hybrid. Although the EPA hasn’t unveiled fuel efficiency projections for this model. Its utilization of a parallel hybrid powertrain akin to the earlier generation implies analogous performance in this regard.
Acceleration & Features
During a test conducted in 2021, a 226-hp variant displayed a leisurely acceleration to 60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds. Notably, the Santa Fe Hybrid’s dashboard integrates a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen infotainment system within a curved panel. Additionally, a separate 6.6-inch touchscreen is dedicated to controlling the climate settings. Interior convenience is heightened by the inclusion of two wireless smartphone charging pads and several USB-C ports.