We’re starting a long-term test of the hybrid SUV, which happens to be one of the cheaper models in the Santa Fe lineup
What powers the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
My first impression while in the driver’s seat of this all-wheel-drive hybrid is that it doesn’t feel as powerful as the non-hybrid; however, unless you yearn to feel the power, it’s really not a deal-breaker. For someone like myself, most drives consist of school pick-ups and drop-offs, and other kid-related drives that don’t require intense amounts of power (whether it’s something that’s wanted or not).
The hybrid powertrain is a 1.6L I4 with an electric motor that delivers a combined 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The non-hybrid uses a turbocharged 2.5L engine, good for 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
2024 Santa Fe Hybrid fuel consumption
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid should consume an average of 6.9 L/100 km (6.8 city, 6.9 highway) per NRCan. We’ve only been driving it for a few days, but the lowest numbers seen so far hover around 7.8 L/100 km, so we’ll be sure to keep an eye on that and see if it changes. The hybrid Santa Fe, however, gets much better fuel economy than the non-hybrid, which is rated at almost double the hybrid’s city averages. The non-hybrids average 10.6 L/100 km (12.1 city, 8.8 highway).
How much is the Hyundai Santa Fe in Canada?
However, opt for the hybrid trims and you’ll not only save money on gas, but also on the SUV itself, which I thought was by far the most interesting thing about the Santa Fe. The hybrids are cheaper and only available in the two lowest trims, starting just over $40,000 for the base trim; and $45k for this tested model with the Trend package. If you’re hoping for a fully-loaded Santa Fe, then you’ll have to forfeit the hybrid powertrain. Well, that, or you’ll need to go for the Canadian-exclusive NHL Edition, which is technically above the trim ringing in at $56,998 (plus fees). On the flip side, you can’t get a base Santa Fe with the 2.5L engine.
I thought this was an especially interesting move by Hyundai in not giving that hybridized option to higher trims, but just as interesting is making the hybrids cheaper when other companies put them on the higher and more expensive trims. Notably, during a recent first drive of sister company’s Kia Carnival Hybrid, the hybrids are offered across the trim lineup in lower and higher versions of the gasoline models, as well. I guess time will tell which is the better pricing strategy.
Hyundai has also released pricing for the 2025 models, which all get a slight bump up in price. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid will start at $42,499 (plus fees) while the tested trim increases to $46,499. The top Ultimate Calligraphy trim has a price tag of $54,799, where it was previously $53,499 for the 2024 model year.
How different is the new Hyundai Santa Fe from the previous generation?
This fifth-gen Hyundai Santa Fe looks absolutely nothing like the previous model. From the boxy body to these H-shaped headlights (someone remarked they look like a dog’s chew-bones, and now I can’t unsee it).
I previously questioned why, when this is so far gone from the older models, did Hyundai not just call it something new and enter the playing field with a new three-row? According to a rep at the first drive, the “Santa Fe” name is huge, and it didn’t make sense to start from scratch instead of running with this well-known badge. I guess time will tell whether that was the right move. Though I can’t help wonder how many people prefer the older models’ typical SUV looks to the new one’s bold appearance. And if the people in that camp now feel forced to look elsewhere.
The new Santa Fe also has an additional row, which now puts it in a different class of three-row competitors, which can be good or bad depending on the buyer. I previously noted the while the Santa Fe is a three-row SUV, it should be considered a two-row with tons of cargo space, with the option of third-row seating, if absolutely necessary. I won’t get started on limited cargo space behind the third row yet—we’ll save that for an update.
We’ve got this 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe for the upcoming winter months, and my kids and all their winter gear will definitely be putting that third row and cargo area to the test. Of course, we’ll be sure to report back on its winter driving capabilities and fuel economy. If there’s anything you want to know about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, let us know in comment section and we’ll be sure to look into it.
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