Radical 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Premieres With Two Powertrains for US, XRT Concept

Now that's the proper, official world premiere for all regions. As far as North America is concerned, the first public appearance is set for the Los Angeles Auto Show.

After four successful generations and with production since 2000, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe was officially introduced online by Hyundai Worldwide, as well as directly to media and social media influencers "under the sunset glow in Santa Fe, New Mexico." Yep, obviously, they spared no expense to ensure its popularity remains as high as ever in the United States.

Many automakers reinvent their models when hitting a low point or when the nameplate comes back to life after a short (like the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser) or long hiatus (like the Ford Maverick). But Hyundai is going down the rebranding route just because they want to innovate and make sure their seven-seat Santa Fe has the right tools to fight important US models like the Ford Explorer, all-new Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, or the first-ever Toyota Grand Highlander.

And they are doing it under the concept 'Open for More,' where the all-new Santa Fe wants to expand everyday experiences by connecting both the city and nature, inside and outside. Because the exterior and interior design has been known since July, there's no reason to dwell there – it suffices to say the longer wheelbase now accommodates a seven-seat arrangement, complete with stuff like a Relaxation Seat with Leg Rest, UV-C Sterilization Tray, dual wireless charging system for smartphones, and the Panoramic Curved Display.

It is more important to note that Hyundai released some essential facts and figures. For example, the fifth generation will first go on sale at home in South Korea later this month, while North America and Europe will have to wait for a tentative release sometime during the first half of 2024. As far as North America is concerned, there are 11 exterior hues available - Phantom Black, Serenity White Pearl, Curated Silver Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Ultimate Red Metallic, Earthy Brass Metallic Matte, Atlantis Blue Pearl, Hampton Gray, Terracotta Orange, and Rockwood Green Pearl.

The cockpit's Panoramic Curved Display includes dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, and the second plus third rows are both fully foldable and designed to "create a terrace-like space at the rear with the wider tailgate open." Eco-friendly materials are included with the soft-touch surfaces, the glossy exterior black paint uses recycled carbon materials, and the Ecotronic Gray for North American markets revolves around a "natural bamboo charcoal coating method."

Aside from the five interior colors - Obsidian Black, Supersonic Gray, Pecan Brown, Forest Green, and Black Ink – other vital revelations from the world premiere are focused on the available powertrains. At home in South Korea and across North America, the 2024 Santa Fe will be offered on sale with two engines – a Theta III 2.5T GDI mixed with the 8DCT dual-clutch auto packing 281 ps/277 hp and an electrified Gamma III 1.6T GDI HEV (6AT) providing 180 ps/178 hp.

In Europe, on the other hand, all 2024 Santa Fe versions will be electrified – the regular hybrid option is joined by a 1.6-liter turbo plug-in hybrid offering just 160 ps/158 hp! Other regions will also receive a regular 2.5-liter rocking 194 ps/191 hp mixed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the regular Santa Fe, Hyundai also introduced the XRT Concept, a prototype "tailored to cater diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts" – as opposed to Santa Fe's Calligraphy trim which is designed for "premium urban lifestyles."