Just missed the mark for this long time Hyundai owner
I really wanted to love this car because, on paper, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has a lot going for it. The redesign looks great, the interior is modern, and it is packed with technology for the price. The screens, driver assist features, and overall interior layout feel very upscale. The first and second rows are comfortable, and the ride itself is smooth and enjoyable for everyday driving.
Hyundai also marketed this model as having a third row, which sounds like a big plus for families. Unfortunately, in reality, the third row is extremely uncomfortable and honestly almost not worth having. It’s very tight, and I can’t imagine anyone sitting back there for long. On top of that, when the third row is up the trunk space basically disappears, so do not plan on a third row and luggage or shopping.
Another frustrating design choice is that the third row doesn’t fold automatically. It takes effort to fold up and down, and it becomes a hassle if you need to switch between passenger space and storage.
My biggest issue, though, has been reliability and service. My 2024 Santa Fe has been in the shop multiple times already. Getting things fixed has been a challenge and it often feels like you have to fight to get issues addressed. On top of that, the dealership never seems to have loaner cars available, so you really need to have a backup vehicle if your car needs service. In fact, I ended up keeping my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe because I don’t trust the reliability of my 2024 enough to rely on it as my only vehicle.
One more thing I would strongly caution buyers about: I bought the matte paint finish and I would not recommend it. It looks nice at first, but it is extremely difficult to maintain and keep looking good.
Overall, the 2024 Santa Fe has a lot of nice features and a beautiful interior, but between the impractical third row, lack of cargo space with it in use, and the reliability/service frustrations, it hasn’t lived up to expectations for me.