One Missing Feature In Hyundai Kia Cars That The 2024 Santa Fe Will Thankfully Get

Summary

• The upcoming ’24 Santa Fe will address the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in previous models, a feature expected in modern mid-size SUVs.
• The integration of wireless connectivity in the Santa Fe comes with two wireless charging pads, improved sound quality, and safer connectivity for drivers.
• The 2024 Santa Fe offers more than just tech advancements, with a new exterior design, spacious cargo area, luxury features, and an off-road oriented trim level for the North American market.

The global auto market, and especially the market in the United States, seems to have developed an affinity for Hyundai vehicles. In the past, Hyundais were considered budget cars, and this was reflected in their lack of equipment, comfort, and safety. However, fast forward to modern times and the South Korean brand has made incredible progress and is competing with some of the best automakers in the world, and, one of their biggest sellers is the Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe does great in many areas, but just like any vehicle, it had its shortfalls. One of them was the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But this was something that wasn’t limited to just the Santa Fe. While Apple Carplay and Android Auto have gone mainstream across the industry, strangely enough, it was missing from Hyundai/Kia cars that came with built-in NAV. The upcoming ’24 Santa Fe will be one of the first models to remedy and address this glaring omission.

Information regarding the Hyundai Santa Fe was gathered from websites such as Hyundai, Motortrend, and Car And Driver. Comments on real-life performance are based on previous reviews of the vehicle.

Here’s Why WIRELESS Phone Projection Was Missing In Hyundai Kia Cars

Let us take the example of the outgoing Hyundai Santa Fe. While this may sound like a trivial thing to comment on, but is it really? These days, even a $20,000 Toyota Corolla comes with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Therefore, not having this feature in a mid-size SUV like the Santa Fe that can cost up to $50,000 is disappointing.

The Santa Fe is comfortable, economical, and well-built. Which is exactly what buyers are looking for in a car of this type. That being said, the Santa Fe’s lack of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In order to connect a smartphone to the vehicle’s infotainment system, you need a physical wired connection.

Hyundai and its sister company, Kia, have been making some incredible vehicles and it is important to note that models that don’t feature an in-built Nav, do include wireless phone projection. However, strangely enough, vehicles that do include it are cheaper models. More expensive models, with the navigation, could only accept wired Apple Car Play or Android Auto. As you can imagine, this makes the lack of this feature even more annoying for owners of these more expensive models.

But why has Kia done this? Well, presumably, there was a compatibility issue between the in-house navigation system and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and who gets priority over the Nav button. This issue has finally come to rest and the upcoming models should give customers the choice of whether they wish to use the in-built Nav from he automaker or use Apple or Google Maps. But that’s not all, those models equipped with Hyundai’s latest ccNC infotainment systems will also soon be supported, through a software update.

A Closer Look At The On-Board Tech On The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The integration of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto has more benefits than just ease of connectivity. First and foremost, this system comes with two wireless charging pads. This means that you don’t just get rid of your connectivity wire, but also any other charging wire you may have for you or your passengers. Now, in case you don’t want your phone’s battery to sit at 100 percent charge at all times, those charging pads can be switched off, making them just normal phone storage areas.

Infotainment and Connectivity

(Source: Hyundai)

But wait, there are more benefits to this system. Journalists who have gotten their hands on the 2024 Santa Fe have reported that sound quality is superior to that of the older wired connection. Finally, the wireless connection can be deemed safer, as in some cases, drivers may try to connect wires while driving to save time. Also, there are no wires in the center console, which makes finding things easier.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Offers So Much More Beyond The Tech

Aside from the addition of wireless connectivity, the Santa Fe has also undergone a huge makeover. From the outside, it now has a completely different look that could be characterized as a Korean Land Rover Defender. To be honest, there is a resemblance to the Land Rover design language, especially from the side.

That being said, the Santa Fe still has some unique features like its rear end (which looks a bit questionable) and the front end, which is distinctly Hyundai. A cool thing to note is some foldable grab handles behind the second-row door that are there to help you reach the roof in case you have something stored up there.

Worth noting is that the Santa Fe’s new design started with a focus on the cargo area, emphasizing its role as a family and adventure vehicle. The cargo space is designed to be spacious and versatile, making it perfect for various activities such as camping trips or sports trips that include hauling large sports equipment. Of course, this showcases that the Santa Fe is not just about looks, but also about practicality and usability.

The Santa Fe’s interior technological advancements extend beyond the infotainment system. One notable feature is the UV antibacterial cleaning area for devices. This is a thoughtful addition in today’s health-conscious world, as phones are often criticized as some of the dirtiest objects we come into contact with on a daily basis.

Technology however, isn’t the only party trick in the Santa Fe’s arsenal. Hyundai has also paid great attention to luxury. The new SUV also adds the ability to control the front seat from the rear, a feature often found in high-end vehicles. This valet control adds an element of convenience, space, and luxury.

The backseat also offers many additional conveniences for normal passengers, like air vents, USB ports, and individual lights. In Santa Fe, you are guaranteed a comfortable ride regardless of the seat you happen to be sitting in.

North America Will Receive An Off-Road Oriented Trim Level

It is no secret that America loves off-roaders. Consequently, manufacturers end up creating off-road-oriented versions of normal SUVs just for the American market. This is also the case for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe as it will receive the XRT treatment. Sadly, however, the XRT treatment doesn’t seem to do much in terms of off-road ability.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights

• Bold boxy, new exterior design.
• Extended wheelbase, increased cargo space.
• Optional all-wheel drive
• Towing capacity up to 4500 lbs.
• Dual wireless smartphone charging.
• Two 12.3-inch display screens.

Inside, additions to the existing vehicle seem to be limited to some XRT-stamped seats. On the outside, Santa Fe gets trim pieces and cladding that are finished in dark chrome (which will scratch like crazy off-road) and black. As far as tires go, the XRT gets some mild gravel road-oriented Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires, while the suspension adds an additional 1.5 inches of ground clearance.

Engine And Performance

(Source: Hyundai)

Sure, the tires and suspension upgrades will help off the pavement, but this is no proper off-road trim level. Subaru, for example, alters ground clearance, tires, the traction control system, gear ratios, and even the transmission cooler for their off-road Wilderness models. So, Hyundai’s off-road additions won’t be able to cut it against the market’s most capable soft-roaders. Especially when you take into account that Hyundai’s off-road traction control has been mild in the past.

Meaning that it isn’t aggressive enough with the brakes. Therefore, it can’t send power to the wheels that need it the most in a difficult off-road situation. Of course, the Santa Fe was never meant to be a full-on off-roader to begin with. However, the increase in MSRP over the normal non-offroad oriented models should be properly justified.