The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has turned heads with its bold exterior redesign, but stepping inside reveals an equally impressive interior that redefines expectations for a midsize SUV. This review delves into the cabin of the Santa Fe, specifically focusing on the luxurious Calligraphy trim, to assess its fit and finish, accessibility, seating comfort, and overall passenger experience. Does the interior live up to the hype and justify the price point? Let’s take a closer look.
Premium Fit and Finish: A Touch of Luxury
The Santa Fe Calligraphy trim immediately impresses with its meticulously crafted interior. Suede adorns the pillars, sun visors, and headliner, providing a soft and premium tactile experience throughout the cabin. Stitched leather graces the doors, dashboard, and center armrest, further elevating the sense of luxury. The unique striped, birch-like accent trim on the dash adds a distinctive and sophisticated touch, setting it apart from typical SUV interiors. While Hyundai’s signature “H” and horizontal design elements are present, they are subtly integrated, contributing to an understated elegance. Attention to detail is evident in the smooth operation of moving parts, such as door release handles and dashboard vents, reinforcing the high-quality feel. In fact, the interior’s upscale ambiance might even surpass expectations set by the exterior styling. The premium fit and finish of the 2024 Santa Fe’s cabin undeniably answers the question of its near-$50,000 sticker price, justifying the investment with tangible luxury.
Effortless Access: Getting In and Out
One of the standout features of the 2024 Santa Fe is its exceptional ease of entry. The vehicle boasts a notably low floor, lower than many smaller SUVs and all other midsize SUVs in its class. This design choice makes ingress and egress remarkably effortless, especially for shorter drivers who often struggle with taller vehicles. Stepping into the Santa Fe is akin to entering a car, rather than climbing into an SUV. While the second row presents a slightly different experience due to the elevated seats, access remains user-friendly. Some ducking is required when stepping up into the second row, but the flat roofline contributes to a wide and rectangular door opening, mitigating any potential challenges. Overall, the 2024 Santa Fe prioritizes accessibility, making it a welcoming vehicle for passengers of all sizes and mobility levels.
Driving Position and Ergonomics: Comfort at the Helm
The driver’s seat in the 2024 Santa Fe offers a chair-like seating position that prioritizes comfort and command. Ample headroom and generous knee space ensure a comfortable driving experience, even for those who prefer a more relaxed, splay-legged posture. The wide and well-positioned left footrest adds to the ergonomic design, promoting driver comfort on longer journeys. Both armrests are strategically placed, although the padding on the door armrest is noted as firm, and the center armrest is also relatively stiff. The driver’s right elbow may naturally rest on the hard plastic left edge of the center armrest, which could be improved with additional padding. Some drivers may encounter a slight challenge in finding the ideal steering wheel position that balances both comfort and an unobstructed view of the instrument panel, potentially requiring a compromise between the two.
Front Seat Comfort and Features: Genesis-Inspired Luxury
The front seats of the 2024 Santa Fe, particularly in the Calligraphy trim, feel a cut above the competition, reminiscent of premium seats found in Genesis vehicles. They represent a significant upgrade compared to rival models in the midsize SUV segment. The leather upholstery exudes quality, with a pleasing tactile feel and a durable impression. The seat base is generously wide, accommodating various body types, although the torso bolsters may feel somewhat constricting for larger occupants. While some drivers found the seatback to be on the firmer side, the overall comfort level is undeniably high. Features like power extendable under-thigh support add a touch of luxury, although some drivers might find this feature less practical during regular driving. Four-way lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat allows for personalized support.
However, the seat adjustment controls have a linked functionality that might require some getting used to. Adjusting the bottom cushion up or down also affects the seatback, as the bottom cushion doesn’t move independently. This interconnected movement necessitates readjusting the seatback after altering the bottom cushion height. Adding to the premium features, a lounge position button reclines the seat and extends leg support, similar to those found in EVs like the Kia EV9. This feature is designed for relaxation when parked, offering a comfortable space for napping or resting.
Second-Row Seating: Theater-Style and Feature-Rich
The 2024 Santa Fe employs theater-style seating in the second row, slightly elevating it compared to the front seats. This design choice, while enhancing visibility for rear passengers, does introduce minor compromises in access and headroom. While headroom remains adequate, it is slightly reduced compared to the front. Even with the power tilt base and seatback in their lowest positions, the elevated seat bottom can make entry and seating a bit more challenging. Once inside, however, the second row offers ample leg and knee room. The open space beneath the front seats allows passengers to comfortably tuck their feet away, further enhancing legroom. The second-row seats are flatter and less sculpted than the front seats, a common design choice to facilitate folding them down for cargo space. Passengers have noted the captain’s chairs, available in certain trims like the Calligraphy, to be remarkably comfortable, especially for this vehicle class.
The Calligraphy trim further enhances the second-row experience with luxurious additions such as retractable window shades for privacy and sun protection, and heated and power tilt/recline functionality for personalized comfort. Practicality is also well-addressed with convenient USB-C charging ports, bag hooks, and generously sized pockets on the front seatbacks. Dual cup holders integrated into the doors provide additional storage and drink placement options. These thoughtful features make the second row of the 2024 Santa Fe a comfortable and passenger-friendly space.
Conclusion: A Refined and Comfortable Cabin
The interior of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, particularly in the Calligraphy trim, represents a significant step forward in terms of luxury, comfort, and thoughtful design. From the premium materials and meticulous fit and finish to the spacious and feature-rich seating in both rows, the Santa Fe’s cabin elevates the driving and passenger experience. While minor ergonomic points could be refined, the overall impression is one of sophisticated comfort and upscale quality, making the 2024 Santa Fe a compelling option in the competitive midsize SUV market. For those prioritizing interior comfort and a touch of luxury, the 2024 Santa Fe Review highlights a cabin that truly delivers.
