Hyundai Santa Fe Reimagined

Hyundai had completely reimagined the Santa Fe for 2024, and this isn’t just a facelift; it’s a full-on reset. Once known as a reliable, middle-of-the-road family SUV, the new Santa Fe now walks into the scene with squared-off shoulders, a rugged silhouette, and design cues that might just make a few Land Rovers squint in confusion. It’s boxy, bold, and built to stand out in a crowd of soft-edged crossovers. This is Hyundai’s most adventurous take on the Santa Fe yet, and it works surprisingly well.

Rather than just playing it safe, Hyundai leaned into the overlanding and adventure aesthetic without compromising on the family-friendly DNA that made the Santa Fe so popular. The 2024 Santa Fe makes a powerful first impression with its sharp, upright design and noticeably boxy proportions.

Santa Fe – Design

Forget the soft curves and neutral shapes of the old model; this new Santa Fe is all about edges, angles, and purpose. The front fascia is dominated by an H-shaped LED light signature, matched by a similarly shaped tail-light arrangement. The grille is broader and bolder, and the hood sits flatter and higher, giving it a commanding road presence, similar to something a Defender would provide.

The roofline is relatively flat, enhancing cargo room, and the tailgate opening is now one of the largest in its class. The Santa Fe is built with adventuring in mind, right down to the available 21-inch wheels, wide-opening doors, and matte exterior options. This is the new budget Defender Alternative.

Santa Fe – Interior

Step inside the Santa Fe, and you’re met with a near-luxury cabin experience. Hyundai has given it clean, modern lines with upscale materials, ambient lighting, and plenty of smart storage. The second-row captain’s chairs (available on higher trims) and third-row seating give it real flexibility for both passengers and gear.

A panoramic curved display houses two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, running the latest version of Hyundai’s software, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Wireless charging, USB-C ports, and even UV-C sterilisation for phones and accessories all make an appearance, showing Hyundai’s attention to both tech and wellness.

Santa Fe – Powertrain

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe in Dubai offers a few engine options, including a 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-4 and a 2.5L turbo petrol engine. The 2.5L turbo engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and produces 277 horsepower and 421 NM of torque. A 1.6L engine is also available with the lower variants of the model.

The Santa Fe features an all-wheel-drive system with terrain modes like Snow, Mud, and Sand, proving it’s more than just a city SUV. Ride quality remains comfortable, with enough firmness to handle light off-roading and highway cruising equally well. It’s not built to follow a Bronco Raptor into the dunes, but it’ll get your family to the campsite without stress.

Santa Fe – Price In The UAE

Hyundai Santa Fe price in the UAE starts from AED 125,000. Prices of Hyundai Santa Fe trims can vary from dealership to dealership based on factors such as discounts, warranty, and additional features.

Santa Fe – Verdict

The Hyundai Santa Fe is no longer just a family SUV but more of a statement. Hyundai has taken a big swing with this redesign, and it’s landed perfectly. The bold styling, versatile interior, and solid performance make it an SUV that feels just as at home in a hotel valet line as it does at a desert camp. While it won’t out-baja a Bronco Raptor or scale cliffs like a Land Cruiser, it doesn’t try to.

Instead, the Santa Fe embraces its identity as a refined, family-first explorer with a new attitude. It looks like a rugged SUV, drives like a refined crossover, and is priced far below the segment’s so-called “elite.” For families in the UAE who want something practical, bold, and different, the 2024 Santa Fe is hard to ignore.