Hyundai has finally detailed the 2024 Santa Fe, almost a full month after they revealed the official photos of the model. But there was something that did not get the spotlight that it deserved that day: it was the bad-boy looking Santa Fe XRT Concept.
The day the 2024 Santa Fe made global debut, Hyundai also unveiled a concept car based on it. And the photos speak volumes. Yet you can't expect to be a concept car and take the spotlight from the production version. But the XRT came and went with not much ado.
The concept is pretty much based on the range-topping 2024 Santa Fe Calligraphy, but with some add-ons that make it look more rugged and adventure-ready.
It keeps the angular design and the H theme, just like the model set to enter production soon. But it is yet unknown if the XRT concept will turn into an actual trim, off-road-oriented and rugged looking. "Tailored to cater to divers needs of outdoor enthusiasts," as the carmaker describes it.
The five-spoke wheels in black wear more rugged BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires. It is designed to handle challenging terrains with confidence and ease, Hyundai explains. Furthermore, they use big words to describe the version with an off-roader personality. It ignites the ultimate venture spirit, they claim, mentioning the "thrill of the wild" in the same sentence.
Photo: Hyundai
There is a roof rack, and there is a spare tire, also mounted on top of the car, unlike many popular off-roaders, which would rather have it put it at the rear, like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Jeep Wrangler. But there is where Hyundai mounted a ladder. There are two hooks at the front, and GoPros shows up on the front fenders so the driver gets to see exactly where he puts wheels in the off-road.
Hyundai keeps the interior a secret for the moment. So we can only assume that the cabin should match the theme of the exterior.
Still, we are not sure if the South Koreans are planning to really sell this version as it shows up in the photos or to offer various accessories for extra money.
The carmaker will roll off the 2024 Santa Fe with two powertrains stateside. The range-topping version of the fifth-gen Santa Fe is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 277 horsepower (281 PS) and 311 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All these figures take it to an acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) in 8.0 seconds. Top speed is 131 mph (210 kph).
The entry-level version comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.6-liter unit integrated into a hybrid powertrain, which is capable of 177 horsepower (180 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. This one comes with a six-speed auto and takes forever to go from 0 to 62 mph: 9.5 seconds. The needle of the odometer stops at 118 mph.
Hyundai gave up on the plug-in hybrid variant, which came with all-wheel drive and a combined system output of 268 horsepower.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Market launch for North America and Europe is scheduled for the first half of next year. That is most likely the moment we will find out pricing.
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