Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) is rolling through 2024 so far, the automaker isn’t wasting time and even gave us media a sneak peek and a chance to experience the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.
If you’re interested in knowing the specs and the price, we already wrote the launch article which you can view now 16. You can however find out about our experience with the Santa Fe by reading on.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe First Drive
We were summoned by the brand to the R33 drift track just off San Simon Pampanga for the preview. We were told that there would be 3 stations highlighting different strengths of the Santa Fe.
My group started in the offroading part of the test, and although it was light-moderate offroading I have to say that the Santa Fe handled the beaten path well. I could feel while driving it that they went to great lengths to minimize the effect of not being on a smooth road surface.
Drivers and passengers are insulated from the outside world, and while the overall driving dynamics offroad were still approachable and not intimidating. I particularly enjoyed how the Santa Fe managed to be comfortable in the dirt and over small mounds not once putting a foot wrong.
The next station was a stationary part, wherein we could analyze and experience the Santa Fe closely. When it comes to giving the full SUV experience, the Santa Fe is one of the most complete in the market. It has all the relevant and up-to-date features that any possible owner would want. From a plethora of connectivity options, creature comforts, and driving aids the Santa Fe doesn’t shortchange buyers.
What I do want to highlight even more though is the feeling of the vehicle’s interior materials, the Hyundai Santa Fe provides a luxury feel that we normally find in much more expensive cars, and for the price tag of PHP 2M-3M the brand has done well in making sure owners would be proud to showcase their Santa Fe’s.
My favorite thing about the Santa Fe though is the looks, It has true presence when parked or in motion. Hyundai has done an excellent job in trying to return to the boxy design motif, it manages to have modern touches but imposing looks. Anybody would say that the Santa Fe would be a good car to be seen in.
The last station was a handling one, a short maneuvering course followed by an autocross portion and ending with an acceleration and brake test. I was skeptical at first about this station because of the vehicle’s heft, but they seemed to be very confident about how well the Santa Fe handles. I have to say that while it’s not an agile sports car, it does a good job of being easy to move around confined spaces, and the steering allows for some confidence when attacking sharper angles and sudden turns. While the acceleration with the 281 hp turbo engine is blistering enough, and complimented by excellent brakes that can stop this massive vehicle quickly.
Verdict
While my driving experience with the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe was short, I can say with absolute certainty that it is a force to be reckoned with. It drives well, looks good, is full of features, and is priced competitively. It isn’t just an alternative to the established, it could be a top-of-mind option.
