Hyundai's original sport-ute improves with age

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Hyundai freshened its original sport-utility vehicle for 2024, and the changes have produced a better Santa Fe from bumper to bumper.

That's particularly true for folks who buy a midsize crossover sport-utility vehicle with cargo carrying capacity at the top of their priority lists.

The South Korean automaker's "Open for More" concept features a wider liftgate (powered, of course) opening and more interior room. The roomier interior is aided by a longer wheelbase, making for comfortable third-row seating.

Like some pop in your SUV?  That was there in the tested 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD, equipped with a 2.5-liter turbo-4 engine rated at 277 horsepower.  Off-the-line accelerations were brisk, and revs-up maneuverability was excellent.

I tend to prefer a center console gear shifter, but I quickly became comfortable with the shifter mounted on the steering column.

The look is classic SUV, but I liked the unique H-shaped headlamps and taillamps.

Fuel mileage is pretty good at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. As with all Hyundais, the warranty package is generous.

Another Hyundai staple: a ton of customer-pleasing features as standard.

On the tester, the dual-pane sunroof, multiple collision-avoidance systems, 21-inch Calligraphy alloy wheels, Nappa leather surfaces, surround-view monitor, head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, rear window sunshades and a primo Bose audio system were all standard.

A similarly equipped vehicle might go for 60-grand.  The bottom line on the tested Calligraphy was $49,905.

Hyundai calls its reworked Santa Fe ready "for next-level adventures."  OK, I'll buy that ... and it's also a value-priced daily driver at the top of the crossover food chain.