2024 HYUNDAI SANTA FE PHEV REVIEW: HYUNDAI GOES PREMIUM!

EV Channels Review

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe marks a significant departure, evolving into a premium, rugged, and impressively practical large SUV. The reviewer highlights the revolutionary design, particularly the bold front end with its distinctive H-shaped headlights, though notes the slab-sided rear is less aesthetically pleasing but serves a functional purpose for the cavernous boot. Interior quality is praised as a major step up, with excellent material choices, comfortable seating, and a well-integrated dual-screen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The rear cabin is lauded for its spaciousness and thoughtful features, making it competitive with premium rivals. While the plug-in hybrid system offers a respectable 30+ mile electric range and a sensible price premium over standard hybrids, real-world MPG on petrol alone is noted at 38.5 MPG, which is not groundbreaking. The driving experience prioritizes comfort, with a soft, compliant suspension ideal for relaxed journeys, though it can feel a bit wallowy when pushed. The reviewer is thoroughly impressed, considering it a revolution rather than mere evolution, and prefers it over its predecessor and even some premium competitors, though a fully electric version would be a welcome addition.