The SUV game just experienced a massive change. Have you seen the new Hyundai Santa Fe? It got one heck of a transformation to return to its rugged roots. One 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe feature might not look the best, but it was designed for an excellent reason. 

What is the biggest 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe problem?

This is very subjective, but based on my time with the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, critics are surprised by its butt. 

The rear end looks a little bloated with tiny taillights toward the end of the lift gate. It can remind you of the backside of a larger person wearing pants too small. Also, the tailights have an H symbol for a distinctive Hyundai style. 

However, you need to think about why the lift gate looks this way. It’s designed to provide the largest space possible when open. This way while you’re car camping you can get a larger view of nature. 

Also, the space provides a low liftover height and plenty of room to make things easier upon loading larger or bulky items. 

During my week with the Hyundai Santa Fe, this isn’t the only intelligent design aspect that I discovered. 

For example, there’s an abundance of space to take advantage of. The traditional gear shifter was removed to provide a space in front of the center console, plus the glove box is very generous. 

The center console can be opened from the front and rear, so your passengers can access it if needed. Plus, the cargo hold has storage bins under the floor. 

Speaking of access, both sides of the Santa Fe have a handle near the roof that pulls out. You can hold on to it to climb on the roof or access your equipment. 

I used the UV sanitizing light in the compartment above the glove box to disinfect my phone and house keys. It takes 10 minutes to clean whatever you can fit in the box. This could be useful during camping trips. 

I found the third-row seats to be a little cramped and I’m only 5’1”. However, my knees didn’t hit the back of the second-row seats. But then I discovered that the third-row seats recline! I would have no problem relaxing back there during car trips and looking out the sunroof. 

Plus, the Santa Fe prioritizes comfort for everyone. There are air vents and USB ports in each row, for every passenger. Even kids in the back can stay cooler, which may reduce car sickness. 

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has a longer wheelbase, providing an ultra-smooth ride on the road and impressive ride quality over gravel and dirt trails. 

It could have tighter handling and more confident brakes, but switching to Sport Mode automatically adjusts those items. There’s also an Eco Mode for saving fuel and a comfort mode for relaxing trips. 

A few tech impressive tech highlights include the dual wireless phone charging pad, the digital key so you can use your phone as a key, and Hyundai Pay. Hyundai Pay lets you pay for fast food and parking without having to find your wallet or phone. 

Every aspect of the new Hyundai Santa Fe is designed to deliver quality comfort, convenience, and performance for entire families.