The All New 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2024 Skoda Kodiaq Facelift,

What's the difference?
best combination of practicality, comfort and kit. But buyers also want a cost-effective family car, so the winner will have to be great value for money, too.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a long-time favourite in the large family SUV class, even as it gets a little long in the tooth.
The latest Hyundai Santa Fe is more upmarket than ever, and it’s the flagship car in the Korean brand’s SUV stable. It’s the most expensive model on test, costing £40,795 in this Premium trim. But do the updates and additions justify the extra cash.
The Skoda Kodiaq is the car to beat here as our current class leader. We’re testing it in SportLine trim to match the level of kit the other models offer, with a 187bhp 2.0-litre engine, DSG box and four-wheel drive. It’s the priciest Kodiaq, but is still cheaper than both rivals, at £37,590.

The new crossover will also have a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid setup available that delivers 177 hp (180 PS) and 195 lb-ft (27.0 kgf*m) torque from the engine, sending power through the six-speed automatic transmission. It needs 9.5 seconds to reach 62 mph. Gone from the lineup is the plug-in hybrid variant, which offered all-wheel drive and a combined 268 horsepower.

The new Kodiaq adopts an evolutionary design spruced up with a rear light bar because apparently, all cars must have one in 2023, including its sister model from Wolfsburg. Speaking of lighting, Skoda is installing its second-generation matrix LED tech for the headlights, which now have 50 percent more light elements and deliver 15 percent more light output. These smarter headlights are standard on the Sportline and can be accompanied by a horizontal light bar across the grille.

The new Santa Fe will be available in Europe with 11 exterior colors to cover its boxy body. They are Phantom Black, Serenity White Pearl, Curated Silver Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Ultimate Red Metallic, Earthy Brass Metallic Matte, Atlantis Blue Pearl, Hampton Gray, Terracotta Orange, and Rockwood Green Pearl. Hyundai has five interior colors: Obsidian Black, Supersonic Gray, Pecan Brown, Forest Green, and Black Ink.

The Czech midsize SUV is available with a wide array of alloy wheels in sizes from 17 to 20 inches, along with nine colors – including a new shade called Bronx Gold Metallic.

Hyundai will offer the Santa Fe with two powertrain options in North America. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder will make 277 horsepower (281 metric horsepower) and 311 pound-feet (43.0 kilogram-force meter) of torque. It pairs with the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It can reach 62 mph in 8.0 seconds.
Motivation is provided by an array of combustion engines, starting with a 1.5 TSI gasoline unit benefitting from mild-hybrid technology.

Legroom grows in the second row by 1.4 inches (35 millimeters) to 42.3 inches (1,075 mm) in the gas model. The hybrid’s second-row legroom increases by 0.79 in (20 mm) to 41.5 in (1,055 mm). The third row also grows with the model’s increased size, with 0.59 in (15 mm) more legroom and 2.7 in (69 mm) additional headroom. It has 25.6 cubic feet (725 liters) of cargo space, with both rows of seats foldable for maximum cargo capacity.

It runs on the Miller cycle and benefits from a variable geometry turbocharger. The engine produces 148 horsepower (110 kilowatts) and has an evolution of the VW Group’s active cylinder technology to shut off cylinders and save fuel when the extra power is not needed. For even greater efficiency, the powertrain supports brake energy recuperation and the SUV can get going with the gas engine turned off.

As expected, practicality takes a hit as the Kodiaq iV has a cargo capacity of "only" 745 liters. That's 165 liters less than the regular five-seat model. It should be mentioned that Skoda will sell the electrified version strictly with front-wheel drive and a six-speed DSG.

Up front is Hyundai’s Panoramic Curved Display. It houses the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Front and rear passengers can access Hyundai’s new Bilateral Multi-Console storage space. Cabin features include dual wireless charging pads, a UV-C sterilization tray, a rear occupant alert system, and a host of driving assistance systems.

Stepping inside, the changes are immediately noticeable. We're not just talking about the big display because there are additional modifications. For starters, the gear selector now sits on the steering column to create more space between the front seats. There's less switchgear than before since Skoda has installed Smart Dials on the center console. These take the shape of 1.25-inch displays built into three rotary knobs à la Audi TT.

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