2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: First Australian details, hybrid-only model to bring price rise

The cheapest version of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe seven-seat SUV is estimated to cost close to $60,000 drive-away when it arrives in Australian showrooms as soon as next month.

Hyundai Australia has advised the new Santa Fe – larger and packed with more technology than before – will be available in three model grades, all with 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid power as standard.

A traditional petrol engine is likely to follow at a later date – a 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder succeeding the 3.5-litre V6 – but a diesel engine will not return for the new generation, despite accounting for the majority of the previous model’s sales.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but the standard fitment of hybrid tech – in front or all-wheel drive – as well as the larger and stiffer body, and extra equipment across the range are expected to see the base price climb.

The current entry-level petrol Santa Fe – the cheapest of four model grades – is priced from $46,050 plus on-road costs, or about $50,000 to $51,000 drive-away.

Using other Hyundai models as a guide, hybrid technology may add about $4000 to the price of front-wheel-drive versions, which combined with new features could push the RRP close to $55,000, and the drive-away price near $60,000.

Three model grades will be offered in the new-generation line-up, with seven seats on the cheaper two models – and a choice of six or seven seats in the top-of-the-range Calligraphy, which replaces today’s Highlander model.

All models will be fitted with 20-inch wheels, as well as a full suite of advanced safety technology.

Also expected to be standard are dual 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment, running new-generation software with wireless/wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, over-the-air software updates, and Bluelink phone connectivity.

Matte paint will be available as an option for the first time, while there will be up to six interior trim options, depending on the model.

Powering all variants at launch will be a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, a small electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack, developing 172kW and 376Nm combined (up 3kW/26Nm on the previous Santa Fe hybrid).

It will be matched with a six-speed automatic transmission driving all wheels (AWD) or – for the first time in a hybrid Santa Fe in Australia – just the front wheels (FWD)

In the US, claimed fuel economy in mixed driving conditions is 6.5L/100km (36mpg) for the FWD, or 6.9L/100km (34mpg) for the AWD – compared to 7.4L/100km (32mpg) for the outgoing Santa Fe Hybrid AWD.

More details of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe are due closer to Australian showroom arrivals in May or June this year, including prices.