The Hyundai Santa Fe has long been a staple in the midsize SUV market, known for its blend of style, comfort, and technology. With the release of the 2024 Santa Fe Calligraphy, Hyundai has introduced significant updates over the 2021 model. This article delves into the key differences between the two generations, focusing on exterior design, interior features, technology, and overall driving experience.
2021 and 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy models comparison:
| Feature | 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy | 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Design | Sleeker, streamlined appearance; paint-matched trim; diamond pattern in LED lights | Boxy, rugged design; H-pattern LED lights; gloss black trim on the side |
| Grille | Standard front grille | Wider, three-dimensional grille with active air shutters for improved aerodynamics |
| Headlights | LED headlights without H-pattern | H-pattern LED headlights with a unique modern style |
| Cameras | 360-degree camera | 360-degree camera with enhanced visibility and clarity |
| Rear Hatch | Power hatch | Power hatch with additional third-row seating option |
| Third Row Seating | Not available | Available, with foldable third row for additional seating and flexibility |
| Sunroof | Single panoramic sunroof | Dual sunroofs with a solid panel in the middle |
| Interior Upholstery | Diamond-stitched seats, limited color options | Nappa leather upholstery with light grey and other modern color options |
| USB Ports | USB-A ports | Updated USB-C ports for faster charging and compatibility |
| Charging Pads | One wireless charging pad | Two wireless charging pads for multiple devices |
| Ambient Lighting | Standard ambient lighting | Customizable ambient lighting with additional H-pattern illumination |
| Rear-View Mirror | Standard mirror | Digital rear-view mirror with camera feed for an unobstructed view |
| Display Screens | Combination of digital and analog | Dual 12.3-inch digital displays integrated for a seamless look |
| Infotainment System | Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Driver Assistance Features | Standard lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control | Enhanced adaptive cruise control, improved lane-keeping assist with advanced safety systems |
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 277 hp | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, improved performance with better response |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch transmission for smoother and more responsive shifts |
| Chassis and Suspension | Standard tuning | Stiffer chassis and refined suspension tuning for better handling and comfort |
| Headliner Material | Suede | Alcantara for a premium feel |
| Infotainment Display | No cohesive screen integration | Single-pane appearance for two screens, providing a unified digital experience |
| Memory Seating | Two levels | Enhanced memory seating with customizable profiles |
| Fuel Efficiency | Standard fuel efficiency | Improved fuel efficiency due to aerodynamic enhancements with active air shutters |
2021 and 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Exterior Design
The 2024 Santa Fe Calligraphy showcases a complete redesign, departing from the sleeker lines of the 2021 model. The new model features a boxier, more rugged aesthetic, reminiscent of Land Rover’s design language. This transformation includes a prominent H-pattern in the LED daytime running lights and a broader, three-dimensional grille, giving the SUV a more commanding road presence.
In contrast, the 2021 Santa Fe Calligraphy maintains a more streamlined appearance with subtle curves and a cohesive design. Both models come equipped with 360-degree cameras, enhancing safety and parking convenience. However, the 2024 version introduces active air shutters in the front grille, improving aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
2021 and 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Interior Features
Inside, the 2024 Santa Fe Calligraphy elevates luxury with a spacious cabin and premium materials. The interior boasts Nappa leather upholstery, ambient lighting with customizable themes, and a panoramic sunroof that enhances the sense of openness. The dashboard features dual 12.3-inch digital displays, seamlessly integrating the instrument cluster and infotainment system for a modern, cohesive look.
The 2021 model, while still offering a comfortable and well-appointed interior, features a single panoramic sunroof and a combination of digital and analog displays. The seats are adorned with diamond stitching, providing a touch of elegance, though the color options were limited compared to the newer model.
Technology and Connectivity: Advanced Upgrades
The 2024 Santa Fe Calligraphy introduces several technological advancements. It includes a digital rearview mirror, providing an unobstructed view by utilizing a rear-mounted camera feed. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity and convenience. Additionally, the new model offers two wireless charging pads, accommodating multiple devices simultaneously.
In comparison, the 2021 model features a single wireless charging pad and requires a wired connection for smartphone integration. While it offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, the 2024 model expands on this with enhanced safety technologies, including improved lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control systems.
2021 and 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, the 2024 Santa Fe Calligraphy is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive shifts. The new model also offers improved handling dynamics, thanks to a stiffer chassis and refined suspension tuning.
The 2021 model, equipped with a similar 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, offers commendable performance but lacks some of the refinements found in the newer generation. The transmission, while competent, doesn’t match the responsiveness of the dual-clutch system in the 2024 model.
Engine & 0-60 Time
The Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy trim has seen notable advancements in engine performance and acceleration between the 2021 and 2024 models. The 2021 Santa Fe Calligraphy is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
This engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which offers a responsive and engaging drive. Performance tests for this model recorded a 0-60 mph time of approximately 6.1 seconds, placing it in a strong position within its midsize SUV class.
For the 2024 model, Hyundai retains the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with similar outputs of 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. However, with the redesign, the 2024 Santa Fe has increased in size and weight, resulting in a minor shift in acceleration performance. Current testing reports indicate a 0-60 mph time of around 7.4 seconds for the new model, slightly slower than the 2021 version.
Price Comparison
The 2021 Santa Fe Calligraphy, as the top-tier trim, debuted with an MSRP of around $43,435 for the all-wheel-drive version. This pricing positioned it attractively within the midsize SUV market, especially given its premium materials, ambient lighting, and comprehensive driver-assistance systems.
In 2024, the redesigned Santa Fe Calligraphy arrives with a starting MSRP near $48,300, introducing a bolder exterior design, more spacious and modernized interiors, and enhanced features like dual 12.3-inch digital displays and improved adaptive safety technologies.
The $4,865 price increase reflects Hyundai’s upgrades in performance, luxury, and functionality. This adjustment aligns with the significant updates in exterior styling, as well as interior refinements like Nappa leather seating and additional USB-C charging ports, giving the 2024 model a clear edge in convenience and modern appeal.
