Smart and Sustainable Electric Mobility
Filed under: Green,Motorsports,Hybrid,Racing Vehicles
Continue reading 2026 Formula 1 car renderings revealed as FIA details major regulation changes
2026 Formula 1 car renderings revealed as FIA details major regulation changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 6 Jun 2024 15:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Hyundai,Kia,Tesla,Volkswagen,Crossover,SUV,Electric,Comparison
EV Comparison Test: The best electric SUV for the average price of a new car in 2024 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 5 Jun 2024 06:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Zac Palmer
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a legitimately cool vehicle. That isn’t something we’ve been able to say about any Santa Fe up until now, and it’s all thanks to the Hyundai design department putting in some astounding work with this latest iteration of the three-row SUV. Its resemblance to Land Rovers of years past is uncanny, but even though it reminds of other SUVs, the box-like design is still plenty personal to and fitting with Hyundai. From the funky rear end to the massive windows and pixel lights, this Santa Fe is undoubtedly going to turn heads.
Its hybrid powertrain gives folks looking for efficiency a great option, maxing out at 36 mpg combined, and the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is a torque monster that can tow up to 4,500 pounds in the off-road-centric XRT trim. Speaking of, the added lift and all-terrain tires on this model make it a nice option for those hoping to hit some rougher roads on their way to the campsite. Hyundai’s made the Santa Fe’s interior a lovely spot for all seven passengers, too, provided those in the third row are children or smaller adults. Its square shape gives it spectacular utility, though you won’t be fitting much behind the third row. If you want a more usable third row and space behind it, the Hyundai Palisade is lying in wait, but as it stands, the Santa Fe is a stylish and utilitarian three-row with a solid value argument to boot.
The Santa Fe is a totally new, redesigned model for 2024. It’s vastly different than the outgoing Santa Fe, as the SUV takes on a whole new character for this generation.
The Santa Fe’s Land Rover-like boxy design on the outside translates to the inside, as huge windows make for excellent visibility in all directions. It’s far classier inside than you’d expect for its price, made all the better when you select the two-tone green and cream or Pecan Brown (above, bottom left) interior options on upper trims.
The steering wheel also looks like it was ripped right out of a Land Rover, as do the squared-off air vents (that mimic the headlight design) and angled climate control screen flanked by temperature dials for the driver and passenger. The large center console area – provided you spec a higher trim – has two dedicated wireless charging pads for a pair of smartphones (a rarity, and some of the best wireless phone chargers we’ve ever used), and the cubby under the armrest opens from either the front or back.
A curved display houses a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the gauges and another for the Hyundai Group’s latest multimedia system that gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To the right, there are two gloveboxes: a top one behind the dash panel with an optional UV-C sterilization compartment (it uses UV light to sterilize small items) and a more traditional one by the passenger’s knees. This is in addition to deep door pockets that’ll hold huge water bottles and storage space under the center console.
The Santa Fe is another three-row Hyundai SUV (like the Palisade), but it’s notably smaller with the big restrictions being third-row space and cargo capacity, particularly when the third row is raised.
That said, you’ll find generous accommodations for first- and second-row passengers, with that boxy design lending itself to mega headroom. Getting into the third row is kind of a hassle, since the seats don’t slide forward enough, but once you manage to wedge yourself back there, the amount of space is just a touch less than what you’ll find in a Palisade. Your biggest annoyance in the way-back may well be the height of the seats that leave your knees pointing upwards. The remaining cargo space behind that third row is just plain tiny, much like the mechanically related Kia Sorento that has similar exterior dimensions. If that's a problem, loading extra stuff on the raised roof rails is uniquely aided by grab handles in the C pillars that help you hoist yourself up while standing on the rear tire.
Put the third row down, and you’ll enjoy plentiful space at 40.5 cubic feet. Drop the second row, and that expands to a cavernous 79.6 cubic feet. Loading items into the Santa Fe’s cargo area is uniquely pleasant, too, because Hyundai specifically set out to design a hatch with as wide an opening as possible by installing the hatch struts low on the body where you’d normally find taillights. Look at the extra load width utility on offer side-by-side with the previous-gen Santa Fe (comparison above), and you’ll start to understand why this new one has such a funky rear-end design.
There are two powertrain options for the Santa Fe, with the standard model being equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that shifts via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Output from the engine is rated at 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on every trim level except for the XRT, where AWD is standard. Fuel economy for the FWD model is listed at 20 miles per gallon city, 29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. That drops to 20/28/23 mpg with AWD. Meanwhile, the XRT trim takes an efficiency hit thanks to its all-terrain tires and lifted stance, down to 19/26/22 mpg.
As for the hybrid, that powertrain consists of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, single electric motor and six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is rated at 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, and you can choose either front- or all-wheel drive. Of course, the “upgrade” here is all about fuel economy, as the hybrid is rated at 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 36 mpg combined. Opting for AWD drops those down to 35/34/34 mpg.
Both powertrain options offer smooth power delivery and enough oomph to get the Santa Fe out of its own way. But at higher speeds – or if you find a winding side road – the less-powerful hybrid setup can feel anemic, especially during mid-range acceleration. The more powerful 2.5-liter turbo setup really feels like the best option, able to move the large Santa Fe with greater confidence. It doesn’t sound half bad either, with a respectable growl.
The Santa Fe is plenty nice to drive, with decent steering and controlled body manners, but there’s nothing sporty about it. You sit high behind the steering wheel, and there’s a commanding view down the long, flat hood that – yep – kind of has a Land Rover vibe. Fitted with 21-inch wheels, the Santa Fe transmits some of the bigger bumps and blemishes through to the cabin, but the smaller 18-inch wheels and higher-sidewall tires smooth things out beautifully.
As for the off-road-leaning XRT, we're pleased to report that the extra height and the chunkier all-terrain tires don't really change the pavement experience, at least not in any significant way. On the gravel and dirt roads, what is pretty impressive is how comfortable and stable the Santa Fe feels. For the hills, the Santa Fe cruises up easily, with the all-wheel-drive lock adding some extra traction. With that said, things could get jerky on the 1-2 upshift. Between being a dual-clutch transmission that has to balance clutch slipping and the turbocharged powertrain, it's not the smoothest to change.
We spend a day both on- and off-road in the rugged XRT trim of the Santa Fe lineup.
Our first shot of the completely redesigned Santa Fe where we explain its engineering and provide initial driving impressions.
The 2024 Santa Fe starts at $35,345 for its base SE trim with the 2.5-turbo and front-wheel drive. We’d recommend stepping up to at least the $37,845 SEL model that adds nice-to-haves like a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and roof rails. If you want the aforementioned (and highly recommended) green interior, though, you’ll need to step up to the Limited or Calligraphy trims.
The XRT model is an interesting proposition at $41,995 with its 1.5 inches of extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, standard AWD, extra 1,000 pounds of towing capacity (4,500-pound max) and unique exterior appearance.
Joel Stocksdale
If you’re going for maximum efficiency, the Hybrid starts at $38,345 for the SEL model, which makes it only a smidge more expensive than the gas-only model. The most expensive version you can opt for is a Calligraphy Hybrid with AWD for $50,195 before options/accessories.
We’ve listed all the versions and their base prices below. Add $1,800 to any of the following to get the price with AWD.
The Santa Fe comes with a huge number of standard driver assistance features including forward collision avoidance assist (pedestrian, cyclist and junction turning detection), blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, front and rear parking sensors, rear occupant alert and safe exit alert. Step up to higher trims and even more features come into the fold, like Hyundai’s Blind View Monitor, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward attention warning, navigation-based adaptive cruise, Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2, 360-degree camera, side parking sensors and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, scoring Good ratings on every crash test except the moderate overlap front test, where it scored a Moderate rating. The only available headlights scored an Acceptable rating. The NHTSA has not yet tested a 2024 Santa Fe.
Related video:
Filed under: Green,Hyundai,Buying Guide,Crossover,SUV,Hybrid
Continue reading 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Boxy rebrand is a style and utility winner
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Boxy rebrand is a style and utility winner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 4 Jun 2024 06:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket,Design/Style,Green,Volkswagen,Minivan/Van,Electric
Continue reading Volkswagen ID. Buzz to offer custom graphic wraps that you can design
Volkswagen ID. Buzz to offer custom graphic wraps that you can design originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 May 2024 12:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Lexus,Infotainment,Convertible,Coupe,Hybrid,Luxury,Performance,Road Tests
Continue reading 19 thoughts about the 2024 Lexus LC: 2 editors, 2 versions, 2,300 miles apart
19 thoughts about the 2024 Lexus LC: 2 editors, 2 versions, 2,300 miles apart originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 May 2024 06:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Spy Photos,Ford,Truck,Hybrid
Continue reading Ford Maverick Hybrid with AWD might finally be happening
Ford Maverick Hybrid with AWD might finally be happening originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 May 2024 10:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Wireless phone chargers in cars have royally sucked for what feels like a very long time at this point. Plenty of them function better as phone heaters than actual chargers (pre-2023 BMWs), ultimately causing your phone to overheat and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to crash. Others are extremely finicky with positioning, causing your phone to constantly toggle between charging and not charging as it moves around the charging mat. Meanwhile, some are straight-up useless because the mat itself is so poor at holding the phone in place that it slides out of the charger entirely – see the photo at the top of this post of an Integra Type S' wireless charger. Obviously, the phone slides past those useless side detents at the first hint of a corner.
It’s bad enough that even though most new cars I test these days offer wireless phone charging, I still bring a cord on nearly every trip. Course, there are some good ones, too. I’ve always liked Cadillac’s cradle (below, left) that hugs your phone so snugly that there’s zero chance it moves and stops charging – ditto for Ram’s (below, right) “Ramcharger.” Really, any apparatus that forces the phone to stay in one place without disrupting charging is a semi-acceptable solution.
But there’s also the charging speed part of the equation. Most new, flagship smartphones have the ability to wirelessly charge at respectable speeds these days. You’re still going to achieve maximum charging speed with the classic brick-and-cord sold by your phone’s manufacturer, but popular, new phones like the iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro can wirelessly charge at up to 15 watts (or 23 watts in the Pixel’s case) on a compatible wireless phone charger. The charging mats in most new cars these days won’t come anywhere near to charging your phone at its potential maximum rate. That leads to very little charging actually being done, as your phone is typically experiencing a high power draw in the car as you use it for navigation and music streaming. Basically, the charger is just barely maintaining charge at that point, leaving you to hop out of the car after a trip with the same battery percentage as when you entered. In many instances, I’ve left the car with even less charge than when I started thanks to such poor wireless charging performance.
All of those above problems were especially frustrating because good wireless phone charging technology has existed (in at-home solutions) for quite some time. Automotive manufacturers simply weren’t putting it in their vehicles. To make things worse, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto has and continues to be touted as a big selling point, but plugging your phone in the old-fashioned way is still the better experience if you actually care to charge your phone.
All the negativity aside, I think we’re finally starting to see a vital shift to improved wireless phone charging in cars. I just hopped out of the totally revamped 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe here recently, and I was stunned at this car’s wireless phone charging performance. Not only does Hyundai provide two cordoned-off (secure) spots to place phones – shown above – but the charging itself was fast! Tesla’s been smartly providing two spots to wirelessly charge both a driver’s and a passenger’s phone at the same time for years, so it’s great to see Hyundai hop aboard that train. Both of the chargers can charge phones at 15 watts (at the same time), and there’s a fan underneath designed to keep things cool and ensure you don’t overheat the phones while maintaining maximum charging speed. CarPlay didn’t stutter once; the phones charged rapidly, and they weren’t even particularly hot when I slid them back in my pocket after the trip.
It was simply the best wireless phone charging experience I’ve had in a car to date. There are lights that stay lit to offer confirmation that the phone is still charging, and I never had to reposition a phone once I set it down. For once, I didn’t miss having a cable at hand, and I also felt like I was able to fully take advantage of the convenience that wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto can offer.
Another OEM that’s seen massive growth in wireless phone charger performance as of late is BMW. The new 5 Series has a fresh design (just above) that works wonders. Only one of the two slots to hold a phone in the cradle will wirelessly charge it, but the new design has venting that allows for heat to dissipate and maintain the fastest possible charging for longer. It works splendidly in action, which is a massive improvement over the almost useless wireless phone chargers BMW put in its cars before the new design.
New wireless phone chargers like those described above from Hyundai and BMW give me hope that the rest of the industry will continue to better their chargers, too. It’s simply a shame when a big chunk of real estate in the center console is taken up by a charger that you don’t even want to use, and when done properly, you know a charger can be a notable boon to the in-car tech experience. I think we’re slowly moving along the correct track after a number of failed attempts. Cooling and holding the phone in place are the two biggest roadblocks to move past, and once we’re there, then I might just be able to leave the cord at home for good.
Filed under: Technology,Smartphone
Continue reading Wireless phone chargers in cars are awful, but I think we're turning a corner
Wireless phone chargers in cars are awful, but I think we're turning a corner originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 May 2024 10:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Green,Spy Photos,BMW,Wagon,Hybrid,Luxury,Performance,Sedan
Continue reading 2025 BMW M5 Touring and sedan spied pounding around the Nurburgring
2025 BMW M5 Touring and sedan spied pounding around the Nurburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 May 2024 13:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments