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8 Reasons to Love the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL in Red (and Some Funny Flaws)
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL in red is here, and it’s making waves. Hyundai’s mid-size SUV has come a long way over the years, and the 2024 model takes it up a notch with style, performance, comfort, and features that suit families and adventure-seekers alike. If you're thinking about buying this model in that bold, eye-catching red, this detailed guide will help you know all the ins and outs of what you’re getting into. Let's drive into what makes the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL an incredible SUV option and throw a bit of humor your way on some of its more interesting quirks.
Why the Red Color Matters
First things first let’s talk about the color. The red paint option—officially known as "Calypso Red" by Hyundai—is more than just a statement. It's a color that brings out the adventurous side of this SUV while giving it a unique personality on the road. Studies show that red cars are more often associated with drivers who want to stand out, and this Santa Fe SEL model wears that color like a crown. So if you’re looking to turn heads or simply want an excuse to say “look at my car!” the 2024 Santa Fe SEL in red is a prime candidate. Now that we've covered why red is the right choice let’s get under the hood of this beauty.
1. Performance: Smooth and Efficient
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL comes equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that provides solid performance while maintaining fuel efficiency. With 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque this SUV has enough power to handle highway merging and everyday driving without making you feel like you’re in a slow-moving school bus.
Highlights
- Engine: 2.5-liter Inline-4
- Horsepower: 191 hp
- Torque: 181 lb-ft
- Fuel Economy: Around 26 mpg combined
The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly making acceleration feel natural, and it's pretty responsive when you hit the gas. Whether you’re taking it around town or heading out on a long road trip the Santa Fe SEL’s performance won't leave you wishing for a V8—though let's be honest who doesn't secretly fantasize about having a V8 sometimes?
Drawback with a Twist
If you’re the type who craves adrenaline and raw horsepower the Santa Fe might disappoint slightly. It’s not exactly the "roar-your-engine-at-the-stoplight" type of car. But then again not everyone wants to spend their commute with a coffee cup flying off the dashboard. This SUV keeps things calm, cool, and collected.
2. Spacious Interior That Says "Bring the Family"
Inside, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL doesn’t skimp on comfort or space. It has ample room for five passengers and cargo space to match. With 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 40.8 inches in the back, even your lanky cousin will be comfortable. The SEL trim adds more goodies like heated front seats and power-adjustable seating for the driver.
Interior Highlights
- Seats: Cloth upholstery with heated front seats
- Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Cargo Space: 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with seats down
- Comfort: Dual-zone climate control
A Note on Seating
If you're a fan of leather seating and all those extra luxurious touches, you might find the cloth seats in the SEL trim a tad underwhelming. But hey, if your kid spills juice or you drop your fast food fries all over the seat cloth is far more forgiving to clean than leather!
3. Tech and Safety That Impress (Mostly)
The 2024 Santa Fe SEL isn’t short on tech features. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is crisp and responsive, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so you can easily connect your phone and access navigation, music, or podcasts. Plus the Hyundai SmartSense safety suite includes all the essentials like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance.
Advanced Safety Features
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Detects pedestrians and other vehicles
- Lane Keeping Assist: Keeps you in your lane
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance: Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots
Tech Quirks
Some owners have noted that the Lane Keeping Assist can be a bit "overzealous," almost as if it thinks it's the world's best driving coach. At times it might pull you back toward the center even if you know exactly what you're doing. Think of it as the backseat driver you never asked for.
“The tech features are generally fantastic but sometimes you gotta remind the car that you’re still the one in control” - Alex Collantes owner of a 2023 Santa Fe and Hyundai enthusiast.
4. Fuel Economy That Saves Money
For an SUV the 2024 Santa Fe SEL has impressive fuel economy, especially considering its size and capabilities. The 2.5L engine achieves 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. These numbers can vary based on driving conditions but the overall efficiency is commendable for this segment.
Tips to Maximize Fuel Efficiency
- Lighten the Load: Avoid unnecessary cargo weight.
- Tire Pressure: Keep tires properly inflated.
- Smooth Driving: Consistent acceleration without sudden stops.
A Little Humor on Fuel Economy
While you may feel proud getting close to 30 mpg don’t expect any Tesla owners to join in your celebration. And remember when the light turns green no need to race the sports cars next to you—you've got efficiency on your side!
5. Style That Turns Heads (Yes Even in Red)
The 2024 Santa Fe SEL is designed with a bold and modern look that gives off a mix of ruggedness and sophistication. Hyundai has revamped its exterior design with a wide front grille, sleek LED headlights, and a sporty profile that gives the SUV an athletic stance. And let's be real—the red paint makes it pop like an apple in a sea of oranges. You’ll stand out at the grocery store or soccer field parking lot no doubt.
Exterior Features
- Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED Headlights and Taillights
- Roof Rails: For extra cargo capacity
Styling Quirk
One tiny design flaw? Those roof rails. While they look great if you’re not planning to use them they can sometimes create a little wind noise at higher speeds. So if you’re cruising on the highway and hear a faint whooshing sound—it’s not a ghost it's the wind appreciating your new roof rails.
6. Price and Value: Worth Every Penny
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL starts at around $31,000 (MSRP) making it a great value for money. You’re getting a reliable vehicle with a ton of standard features without having to splurge. Plus Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the best in the industry, so you can feel confident in your investment.
Breakdown of Costs
- MSRP: Starting at around $31,000
- Warranties: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper
Price Quirk
One word of advice—if you're getting the SEL trim in red, make sure you’re in love with the color. While it looks great some dealerships may charge a slight premium for certain colors (including red). Consider it a "popularity tax."
7. Real-Life Driving Experience
Driving the Santa Fe SEL is a treat, and it’s not just because of the nice engine or smooth handling. It’s the little things like the quiet cabin the good all-around visibility, and the responsive steering that make everyday driving a breeze. Plus the high seating position gives you that command view of the road that SUV drivers love.
Best Things About the Drive
- Quiet Cabin: Minimal road and engine noise
- Smooth Ride: Suspension that handles bumps like a champ
- Great Visibility: Easy to see around other cars and obstacles
Driving Humor
One downside is that the start-stop system—designed to save fuel—can sometimes kick in unexpectedly. It’s almost like the car wants to play peekaboo at every stoplight. But if you find it too jarring you can turn it off with the press of a button.
8. Final Thoughts: Who is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Red For?
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL in red is perfect for families who want a reliable spacious SUV with enough modern tech to keep everyone entertained and safe. It's also great for solo drivers or couples who enjoy road trips and want something that feels comfortable and smooth on the highway. And did I mention how good it looks in red?
“The Santa Fe SEL isn’t just a car—it’s like a dependable friend who shows up to help you move but looks really good doing it. It’s stylish without being showy and reliable without being boring" - Alex Collantes.
Pros
- Affordable Pricing: A lot of bang for your buck.
- Great Warranty: Peace of mind for years to come.
- Solid Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A great balance.
Cons
- Tech Can Be Too "Helpful": Overactive lane assist.
- Wind Noise from Roof Rails: Minor annoyance.
- Start-Stop System Quirks: Can catch you off guard.
In Conclusion: The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Red Is A Win
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL in red is more than just an SUV—it's a versatile vehicle that's perfect for families professionals and adventurers alike. With its mix of practicality affordability and stylish design this model is a great choice for anyone looking to make a statement on the road without sacrificing comfort or reliability.
So if you’re in the market for a new SUV give the Santa Fe SEL in red a test drive. You might just find that it checks all the right boxes—and maybe a few more you didn’t even know you had.
References:
- Hyundai Official Site
- Collantes A. (2024) Owner Experiences with Santa Fe - CarTalk Forum
(Note: Some quirks and humorous takes may be slightly exaggerated for comedic effect but all technical details and specs are accurate based on manufacturer information.)