Which 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]  

Hyundai Motors Philippines has launched the latest version of the Santa Fe mid-size crossover SUV. It comes into the market with a bolder look, an improved feature set, and plenty of high-tech safety technologies.

Next-gen 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

At launch, the company brought in three variants for the next-gen model. In the top-spec position is the Calligraphy AWD DCT, while standing in the mid-spec trim is the GLS AWD AT. The entry-level variant meanwhile, is the GLS 2WD AT.

So how do these variants differ from each other specs-wise? Which one should a buyer get? Let’s find out.

Hyundai Santa Fe Variants: Exterior

On the outside, all three trims of the next-gen Santa Fe assume the same impactful boxy look but there are some notable exterior differences between the two GLS trims and the Calligraphy.

All trims get the same H-pattern daytime running lamps, but the Calligraphy comes with wide-projection LEDs

For starters, all three variants are 4,830mm long and 1,900mm wide. The GLS however, is a tad shorter with its height of 1,770mm, while the Calligraphy is 10mm taller. All three also have a ground clearance of 177mm and a wheelbase length of 2,815mm.

Next up, the Calligraphy variant is the only version that comes with wide projection LED headlamps with low beam assist. The other two trims come with multi-faced reflector LED headlamps.

The top-spec variant also gets an assist handle for easy access to the roof, which is good if one installs a roof rack or cargo carrier. This feature is likewise absent on the GLS trims.

Santa Fe from the rear

The Calligraphy likewise stands out more thanks to its set of 21-inch alloy wheels. The GLS variants meanwhile, ride on a set of smaller 20-inch wheels.

Besides those already mentioned, all three trims come standard with LED daytime running lamps, LED position lamps, LED rear fog lamps, and LED taillights. Likewise standard are rain-sensing wipers, a power sunroof, a power tailgate, roof rails, as well as an LED-lighted roof-mounted spoiler.

Hyundai Santa Fe Variants: Interior

In terms of passenger capacity, all variants of the next-gen Santa Fe can comfortably seat up to seven occupants. All three also get plenty of soft-touch surfaces for their well-arranged dashboards.

The top-spec Calligraphy, however, does get Nappa leather for its seats, while the GLS trims come with regular leather. Plus, the steering wheel on the top-spec model is two-toned in color, while the steering wheel on the GLS variants is plain black leather.

A peek inside the all-new Santa Fe

For the front row, the driver and front passenger of the Calligraphy are provided with what Hyundai calls “Power Relaxation Seats.” These come with a variety of features like memory function (driver), ventilation, power-adjustability, as well as heating. The front seats of the GLS meanwhile only get power adjustability.

Over to the second row, the Calligraphy one-ups the GLS again thanks to an added heating function. Then again, the second-row seats for all three variants come standard with a 60:40 split-folding feature, as well as sliding and reclining adjustments. All three variants then use a 50:50 split-folding third-row seat.

For driving amenities, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a push-to-start button, an electrochromic rearview mirror, an LED overhead console lamp, an LED mood lamp, a drive mode selector, paddle shifters, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold are standard on all three trims.

With all the seats folded down

All three variants also get a total of six USB charging ports, 12 cupholders, four bottle holders, rear window curtains, a cargo screen, and a cargo lamp.

Only the Calligraphy gets access to a UV-C tray which is fitted on top of the glove box. Of note, this feature uses ultraviolet light to sterilize small items.

Hyundai Santa Fe Variants: Tech & Safety

Present on the Calligraphy, the GLS AWD, and the GLS 2WD is a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display that’s paired with a 12.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster. On all variants, the central screen features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, as well as voice recognition. Also present on all three trims is a six-piece speaker system.

All three variants also get a smartphone wireless charging pad. But on the Calligraphy, this feature can accommodate two phones. On the GLS, meanwhile, its standard-sized pad can handle only one phone.

Standard on all variants is a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display

Likewise unique to the Calligraphy is a heads-up display (HUD).

Regarding safety, the whole variant lineup of the all-new Santa Fe pretty much shares the same kit. All get a total of six airbags, and all come with anti-lock braking, trailer stability assist, stability control, hill-start assist, tire pressure monitoring, child seat anchors, and an engine immobilizer, among others.

For further safety, all three variants get adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane follow assist, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, blind-spot collision avoidance, parking distance warning, a 360-degree monitor, rear occupant alert, manual speed limit assist, and reverse parking collision avoidance.

Hyundai Santa Fe Variants: Engine & Performance

The Philippines-spec Hyundai Santa Fe has two different engines and transmission systems. For the top-spec Calligraphy, it gets a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline mill that’s paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The GLS variants meanwhile, use a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

As a result, the Calligraphy makes more power at 277 horsepower and 422 Nm of torque. The two GLS variants meanwhile, can output 191 horsepower and 246 Nm of torque.

On the Calligraphy, its 2.5-liter Smartstream engine is turbocharged

By having varying transmissions, one can expect differences in handling as well. The same goes for their braking force since the Calligraphy gets 18 (front) and 16-inch (rear) discs, while the GLS variants come with smaller 17 (front) and 16-inch (rear) discs.

Only the Calligraphy comes exclusively with all-wheel-drive. The GLS meanwhile, is offered in a front-wheel-drive or AWD version.

Exclusive to the AWD versions of the Santa Fe is a self-levelizer for its shock absorbers. All three trims, however, come standard with a McPherson strut front suspension, and a multi-link rear suspension.

Hyundai Santa Fe Variants: Price

Hyundai Santa Fe Variants: Conclusion

In choosing the right Santa Fe for you, it’s pretty straightforward. For the utmost performance and driving enjoyment, one should for the top-spec Calligraphy. It has the most in terms of engine power. Plus, it gets better front seats as well as a HUD.

Those in need of added traction from their rides but don’t care much about power might lean towards the GLS AWD. If one feels that one doesn’t need AWD, there’s the entry-level GLS 2WD.

Hyundai Santa Fe from the side

Where amenities and safety are concerned though, all three are just about on par against each other. All three also get the same attractive boxy exterior, though the Calligraphy does get a more stylish cabin thanks to the strategic addition of Nappa leather and a two-tone steering wheel.

For those serious about getting their hands on the next-gen Santa Fe though, do take its three trims for a test drive for a more informed decision.

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