When I first slid into the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, I had a moment—one of those moments where you think, "Wow, this is nicer than my living room." It's the kind of interior that makes you want to chill, put your feet up (but, you know, safely on the pedals), and just enjoy the ride. Here’s the scoop on what it’s like inside this rolling lounge.
Driving Position: Chair Mode Activated
The driving position in the Santa Fe is as comfortable as it gets, with a chairlike seating position that offers tons of headroom—even if you’re sitting in that splay-legged "I'm too cool for this" position. There's also a nice, wide left footrest, perfect for those long drives along I-95 or cruising down to the Miami beaches. Both armrests are within easy reach, but here’s a heads-up: the door armrest is a bit on the hard side, and the center one is firm, too. You might find your elbow resting on hard plastic instead of plush comfort. It’s like Hyundai thought, "Let’s keep them alert!"
As for the steering wheel, some drivers found it tricky to position perfectly for both comfort and a clear view of the instrument panel. It’s like the Santa Fe is playing a game of "you can't have it all"—but with a little compromise, you’ll still have a smooth drive.
Front Seats: Genesis-Level Comfort
Now, let’s talk about the front seats. These seats are so premium that you might think Hyundai borrowed them from their luxury cousin, Genesis. The leather feels top-notch, durable yet soft, like it was made to last through countless road trips. The seat base is wide, but if you’re on the larger side, you might feel a little squeezed by the torso bolsters. It's like the seat is giving you a hug—whether you want one or not.
There’s a power-extendable under-thigh support, which sounds fancy, but most drivers found it a bit extra for day-to-day driving. However, the four-way lumbar adjustment is a back-saver for those long treks up and down the Turnpike. One quirky detail, though: adjusting the bottom cushion affects the entire seat, so if you want a bit of a tilt, you’ll have to readjust the seatback. It’s a bit of a dance, but one that’s worth it for the overall comfort.
And then there’s the button that turns your seat into a lounge chair. Yes, you read that right. Like some fancy EVs, the Santa Fe’s front seat can recline and extend leg support for those “I just need a nap” moments—perfect for when you’re parked, waiting for the kids to finish soccer practice, or just chilling at a scenic spot.
Second-Row Seats: Elevated Comfort
The second-row seats in the Santa Fe are theater-style, meaning they’re slightly raised compared to the front row. It’s like sitting in the VIP section. This does mean access is a bit more challenging, and headroom takes a slight hit, but nothing major. Once you’re in, though, there’s plenty of legroom and knee room. Plus, the space under the front seats is open, so your feet have a cozy nook to hang out in.
The seats are flatter and less bolstered than the front ones—probably so they can fold down more easily—but still comfy. The Calligraphy trim even spoils you with luxuries like retractable window shades and heated, power-tilt seats. Passengers in the back will also appreciate the convenient USB-C charge ports, large pockets on the front seatbacks, and dual cup holders on the doors for a drink and some extra storage. It’s like Hyundai thought of everything you might need for a long ride or quick trip.
Interior Design: Boxy But Cool
The interior design sticks with the Santa Fe’s strong, boxy exterior vibes. Everything inside is rectangular—except the steering wheel and a few knobs. Even the XRT trim gives off Land Rover Defender vibes with its rugged, boxy cockpit. But don’t worry, it’s not all about looks. The front row offers a surprising amount of storage space, including a pass-through under the center console that’s big enough for a purse or backpack. The available dual wireless smartphone charger is a neat touch, letting you juice up two phones at once. And those giant cubbies in the doors? Perfect for stashing everything from water bottles to snacks for those beach days in Fort Lauderdale.
Second and Third Rows: Roomy Enough for the Crew
Fold the second and third-row seats down, and you’re looking at a flat surface that makes hauling gear easy. The third row isn’t as spacious as in the larger Hyundai Palisade, but it’ll fit kids and smaller adults comfortably. Hyundai claims there’s 14.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, and during our suitcase test, we managed to fit five carry-ons back there. With the third row stowed, that number jumped to 16, and with both the second and third rows down, we packed in a whopping 34 cases. So, whether you’re hauling luggage for a weekend getaway or fitting in a new surfboard, the Santa Fe’s got you covered.
Tech Heaven: Double the Screens, Double the Fun
Let’s not forget the tech. The dashboard is dominated by two 12.3-inch displays—one for your gauge cluster and the other for infotainment. Despite the screen-heavy layout, Hyundai has graciously kept physical knobs for climate control and audio, which is a relief when you just want to crank up the A/C without navigating a menu. Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensure that your playlists and maps are always within reach, and there’s even a UV-C sterilization compartment in the glovebox to zap germs from your phone or wallet. Talk about thinking ahead!
So, while the Santa Fe may not be your actual living room, it sure tries its best to feel like one on wheels. From the luxe front seats to the versatile cargo space and tech-savvy features, this SUV is ready to cruise South Florida in style.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: Performance Meets Swag in South Florida
I can never get enough of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Its bold design sets it apart from anything else in its segment. Hyundai took a significant leap this year, offering a vastly different vehicle than last year's model—style, sophistication, and solidness all rolled into one. But let’s get to the heart of what matters most: performance.
For me, performance isn't just about stats; it's about the driving experience, and the Santa Fe brings plenty of both. Before hitting the road, I always like to check out the driver's area—the steering wheel, the console—and I couldn't help but notice something that genuinely excites me about this SUV: paddle shifters. That’s right, a large three-row SUV equipped with paddle shifters. It’s an interesting combination and one that gives the Santa Fe a little extra personality, even though this segment typically prioritizes comfort and utility over driving fun.
Under the hood of the non-hybrid Santa Fe, you’ll find a turbocharged 277-hp 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This setup provides a solid balance between performance and efficiency, which is crucial for a family-oriented three-row SUV. And while the Santa Fe isn't exactly a track star, it handles itself well for its size. In fact, it managed a respectable 6.3-second 0-to-60 time in our tests. Now, some might wonder why 0-to-60 tests even matter for an SUV like this. After all, it’s not a sports car. But in a competitive three-row SUV segment, where everyone is trying to offer the best blend of power, utility, and comfort, those performance numbers are a solid indicator of how the vehicle will feel on the road, especially during highway merging and passing.
Speaking of highways, I drive mostly in South Florida, where smooth performance is key. The Santa Fe handled everything from Miami's beachside roads to the hectic flow of I-95, the Turnpike, and I-75 with ease. Whether cruising through Fort Lauderdale or zipping through Hollywood, the Santa Fe’s ride comfort remains a top priority. The turbocharged engine performs quietly under most conditions, making those long drives along the coast or through the heart of Miami much more enjoyable.
Handling isn't athletic, but that's to be expected in this category. If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV with a bit more driving excitement, the Mazda CX-90 might be worth checking out. But if you're like most SUV buyers, you'll appreciate the Santa Fe’s focus on comfort, space, and style.
Overall, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a standout in its class, offering a balance of swagger and sophistication that’s perfectly suited to South Florida driving. Whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, or just enjoying the view, this SUV has plenty to offer.
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