The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has carved a niche for itself, particularly the Calligraphy trim, which elevates the SUV experience to near-luxury levels. Stepping inside, you’re immediately greeted by a cabin that feels a cut above expectations, especially considering its price point. Let’s delve into what makes the Santa Fe’s interior a standout feature.
Luxurious Fit and Finish
The Calligraphy trim truly lives up to its name when it comes to interior aesthetics and material quality. Suede graces the pillars, sun visors, and headliner, offering a soft, premium touch throughout the cabin. Stitched leather adorns the doors, dashboard, and center armrest, further enhancing the upscale ambiance. A unique striped, birch-like accent trim on the dash adds a distinctive and sophisticated element. While subtle “H” and horizontal design cues are present, they are tastefully integrated without being overbearing. Even tactile elements like door release handles and dash vents operate with a satisfying smoothness, contributing to the overall sense of quality. The interior’s luxuriousness might even feel disproportionately upscale compared to the exterior styling for some, yet it undeniably justifies the Calligraphy’s price tag, approaching the $50,000 mark.
Alt text: Premium interior of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy showcasing stitched leather dashboard and soft suede headliner, highlighting the luxurious fit and finish.
Ease of Access
One of the most user-friendly aspects of the Santa Fe is its exceptional accessibility. Getting into the front seats is remarkably easy, thanks to a floor that’s lower than many small and even midsized SUVs. This low floor and seat base make it effortless to step inside, a boon for drivers of all heights, especially shorter individuals. The second row requires a bit more of a step up due to the elevated seats, and some ducking might be needed. However, the flat-shaped roof design contributes to a wide, rectangular door opening, mitigating any potential difficulty.
Alt text: Easy vehicle access demonstrated by the 2024 Santa Fe, highlighting its wide door opening and low floor designed for convenient entry and exit.
Comfortable Driving Position and Front Seats
The Santa Fe offers a chair-like driving position that prioritizes comfort. Headroom is abundant, and knee space is generous, even for those who prefer a splay-legged posture. A wide and well-positioned left footrest adds to the relaxed driving experience. Both armrests are conveniently placed, although the padding on the door armrest is firm, and the center armrest is also quite stiff. Notably, the driver’s right elbow may rest on the hard plastic edge of the center armrest, which could be improved. While most drivers will find a comfortable position, some might encounter a slight challenge in perfectly aligning the steering wheel for both optimal comfort and an unobstructed view of the instrument panel, potentially requiring a slight compromise.
The front seats themselves feel like they’ve been borrowed from Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, representing a significant upgrade compared to competitors in its class. The leather upholstery appears to be of high quality, with a pleasant texture and a durable feel. The seat base is broad, but the torso bolsters might feel somewhat constricting for larger occupants. Some drivers might find the seatback to be on the firmer side. The power extendable under-thigh support is a nice feature, although many may find it more of a novelty than a necessity for driving. The driver’s seat includes four-way lumbar adjustment for personalized support.
Alt text: Premium front seats of the 2024 Santa Fe showcasing power adjustments, including lumbar support and thigh extension, emphasizing driver and passenger comfort.
However, adjusting the bottom cushion’s leading-edge tilt isn’t independently controlled; altering the bottom cushion’s height affects the entire seat angle. This interconnected adjustment means that after changing the bottom cushion, you’ll likely need to readjust the seatback as well. Adding a touch of luxury and relaxation, a button activates a lounge position, complete with leg support, similar to features found in EVs like the Kia EV9. This feature is perfect for taking a comfortable nap when parked.
Spacious and Feature-Rich Second-Row Seating
The second row in the Santa Fe features theater-style seating, slightly elevated above the front row. While this design offers improved visibility for rear passengers, it does slightly increase entry difficulty and marginally reduces headroom compared to the front. Despite the slight reduction, headroom remains adequate. Even with the power tilt base and seatback in their lowest positions, the elevated seat bottom can make ingress and egress a bit more challenging. Once inside, however, leg and knee room are abundant. The open space beneath the front seats makes it easy for passengers to tuck their feet away comfortably. The second-row seats are flatter and less sculpted than the front seats, a typical design choice to allow for folding functionality. Passengers have noted that the captain’s chairs, especially in the Calligraphy trim, are remarkably comfortable for this vehicle class. Our Calligraphy test model included premium enhancements like retractable window shades and heated, power tilt/recline second-row seats. Practicality is also well-addressed with convenient USB-C charging ports, bag hooks, and generously sized pockets on the front seatbacks, along with dual cupholders integrated into the doors for drinks and additional storage.
Alt text: Spacious second-row captain’s chairs in the 2024 Santa Fe, highlighting ample legroom, retractable window shades, and passenger comfort features.
Conclusion: A Premium Interior Experience
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, particularly in its Calligraphy trim, delivers an interior experience that genuinely impresses. From the high-quality materials and refined finish to the comfortable and spacious seating, the Santa Fe’s cabin stands out in its segment. While there are minor points for potential improvement, the overall ambiance and feature set justify its position as a compelling choice for those seeking a premium SUV experience without venturing into true luxury pricing. The interior of the 2024 Santa Fe successfully answers the question of its value, offering a genuinely upscale environment for both driver and passengers.
