What the 2024 Santa Fe lineup includes
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in five trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy, and N Line. Each trim adds features and upgrades to the base model, and you can also choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on most trims. The Santa Fe is a three-row SUV that seats up to seven people, though the third row is tighter than the first two.
Beyond trim level and drivetrain, your main choice is engine size. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is available on higher trims and produces 277 horsepower — noticeably more power for towing and acceleration. Most buyers choose the base engine unless they plan to tow regularly or want quicker acceleration.
Key Takeaways
- The SE and SEL trims are the most affordable and come with essential features like backup camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto on all 2024 models.
- The Limited and Calligraphy trims add leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and upgraded sound systems, but cost several thousand dollars more.
- The N Line is a sportier version with a turbocharged engine, upgraded suspension, and distinctive styling, positioned between the Calligraphy and higher-end trims in price.
- All-wheel drive costs roughly $1,500 to $2,000 more than front-wheel drive and is worth considering if you live in an area with snow or rough terrain.
- The turbocharged engine adds about $2,500 to the price but improves towing capacity from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds.
SE and SEL: The entry-level trims
The SE is the base model and includes a 7-inch touchscreen, backup camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and six airbags. Climate control is manual rather than automatic, and you get cloth seats. The SE comes with front-wheel drive as standard.
The SEL adds automatic climate control, a power driver's seat, roof rails, and an 8-inch touchscreen. It also includes Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite, which adds features like forward collision warning and lane-keeping information. The SEL is usually the best value in the lineup because it covers most features most buyers want without the premium pricing of higher trims.
Limited and Calligraphy: Mid-to-premium trims
The Limited adds leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, and a Bose premium audio system. The 8-inch touchscreen gains navigation and wireless phone charging. Safety features expand to include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. This trim appeals to buyers who spend significant time in the vehicle and want comfort upgrades.
The Calligraphy is Hyundai's luxury-focused trim. It includes everything from the Limited plus upgraded leather, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and additional interior trim details. The Calligraphy also comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas lower trims require you to pay extra for it. This trim costs several thousand dollars more than the Limited but targets buyers prioritizing interior refinement.
N Line: The performance-oriented option
The N Line is a distinct variant available on SEL and Limited trims. It comes standard with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and distinctive exterior styling including a more aggressive front grille and unique wheels. The N Line also includes a sport-mode transmission setting that holds gears longer for more spirited driving.
The N Line appeals to drivers who want noticeably better acceleration and handling without paying for the Calligraphy's luxury features. It costs less than a Calligraphy but more than a standard Limited. If you enjoy driving dynamics and plan to keep the vehicle long-term, the N Line's upgrades may justify the extra cost through improved durability of the sport suspension components.
Front-wheel drive versus all-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims except the Calligraphy and costs less to purchase and operate. It handles winter driving adequately in most climates and provides better fuel economy. Front-wheel drive is the practical choice if you live in a mild climate or drive primarily on highways.
All-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels and improves traction on snow, ice, and unpaved surfaces. It also slightly improves handling in wet conditions. All-wheel drive costs roughly $1,500 to $2,000 more upfront and reduces fuel economy by about 1 to 2 miles per gallon. If you experience regular snow, live in a mountainous area, or frequently drive on gravel roads, all-wheel drive is worth the investment.
Engine choice: Base versus turbocharged
The 2.5-liter base engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates adequately for daily driving and highway merging, though it is not quick. This engine can tow up to 2,000 pounds, which covers small trailers and jet skis but not larger boats or enclosed trailers. Fuel economy is approximately 26 to 28 miles per gallon combined, depending on drivetrain.
The turbocharged 2.5-liter produces 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque — a significant jump in power. Acceleration is noticeably quicker, and towing capacity increases to 3,500 pounds. Fuel economy drops slightly to around 24 to 26 miles per gallon combined. The turbocharged engine is standard on the N Line and available on Limited and Calligraphy trims. Choose the turbocharged engine if you plan to tow regularly, frequently merge on busy highways, or straightforward prefer stronger acceleration.
Comparing total costs across configurations
A base SE with front-wheel drive and the standard engine is the least expensive configuration. Adding all-wheel drive increases the price by roughly $1,500 to $2,000. Upgrading to the SEL trim adds approximately $2,500 to $3,500. The Limited adds another $4,000 to $5,000 over the SEL, and the Calligraphy adds $3,000 to $4,000 over the Limited.
The turbocharged engine costs approximately $2,500 extra when available. The N Line variant typically costs $1,500 to $2,500 more than a standard Limited but includes the turbocharged engine as part of that price. When comparing configurations, add up each option separately rather than comparing trim names, because a Limited with front-wheel drive and the base engine costs significantly less than a Calligraphy with all-wheel drive and the turbocharged engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit three car seats in the second row?
Yes, the second row is wide enough for three car seats, though the middle seat is narrower than the outer two. If you have three young children, test the fit with your specific car seats before purchasing, as some seats are bulkier than others and may not all fit comfortably.
How much cargo space does the Santa Fe have?
With all seats in place, the Santa Fe offers approximately 36 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the third row increases this to about 72 cubic feet, and folding both the second and third rows provides roughly 76 cubic feet. This is adequate for groceries and luggage but smaller than some competitors.
Is the turbocharged engine worth the extra cost?
The turbocharged engine is worth the cost if you tow regularly, drive in mountainous terrain, or value quicker acceleration. For typical suburban driving and occasional highway trips, the base engine is sufficient and saves you money on purchase price and fuel costs over the vehicle's life.
Does the Calligraphy come with all-wheel drive?
Yes, all-wheel drive is standard on the Calligraphy trim. All other trims offer all-wheel drive as an optional upgrade. If all-wheel drive is important to you and you want the Calligraphy's features, this is a benefit; if you prefer front-wheel drive, you cannot get it on the Calligraphy.
What is the difference between the N Line and a standard Limited?
The N Line includes a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and distinctive styling as standard features. A standard Limited with the turbocharged engine upgrade and all-wheel drive will cost roughly the same but lacks the sport suspension and exterior styling changes. Choose the N Line if you want the complete performance package; choose a Limited if you want the turbocharged engine but prefer the standard suspension and appearance.