2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS, with the Z71 being a new addition aimed at those interested in moderate off-roading. During test drives near Atlanta, Chevrolet emphasized that the Z71 was not designed for extreme off-road adventures like those tackled by the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. Instead, it was built to handle reasonably rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, starting at $38,995 for the LS and reaching $55,595 for the RS, which came with nearly every available feature. The Z71 model, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, with a Jet Black interior accented by "Torch Red" highlights.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a bold departure from its predecessors, embracing a boxy design that prioritized storage capacity. This design choice was explained by Hyundai's design chief, SangYup Lee, who aimed to make the box elegant and premium-looking. The Santa Fe's aerodynamic efficiency and upscale appearance drew attention, even in rural Tennessee. It offered a range of sophisticated exterior colors and trims, with the XRT trim featuring dark chrome and black cladding. Inside, the Santa Fe boasted premium styling, with the XRT and Calligraphy trims offering a mix of soft and hard materials. The interior was designed for comfort, with features like a soothing fabric headliner.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower V6 engine with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine provided 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the V6. All-wheel drive was optional on all trims, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced system. The Traverse offered acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl. Its steering was adequate for most situations, and the ride was smooth, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city to 26 mpg highway for the FWD Limited trim.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional, except for the XRT trim, which had AWD as standard. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the XRT adding off-road modes. A hybrid version with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine was also available. Fuel economy for the base FWD model was rated at 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The XRT trim had slightly lower ratings due to its extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Santa Fe's towing capacity reached 4,500 pounds in the XRT trim. On the road, the Santa Fe provided smooth and stable performance, with some body roll in turns. The XRT trim handled off-road conditions well, comparable to other SUVs in its class.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the base LS model, while the LT, Z71, and RS trims featured second-row captain's chairs for seven-passenger seating. The third row was accessible and suitable for average-sized adults. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available. Cargo volume behind the third row was 22.9 cubic feet, expanding to 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse had numerous storage compartments, including a hidden storage area under the center console. Visibility was generally good, except for the third row. The Z71 model had a power-operated driver's seat, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a longer wheelbase and body compared to its predecessor, with most of the extra space dedicated to the cargo area. The design was inspired by the concept of "chabak," emphasizing car camping and tailgating. The Santa Fe's cargo area offered 14.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The interior was spacious, with the first and second rows providing ample room. Depending on the trim, the Santa Fe offered a choice of bench or captain's chairs, with various upholstery options. The cargo area included roof rails and a grab handle for loading. Limited and Calligraphy models featured a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 8-inch screen. The system was responsive and easy to navigate, complemented by an 11-inch digital instrument display. It ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Z71 model included a wireless charging pad. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, but the driving mode button was less prominently placed. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, which could be activated on pre-mapped single-lane roads.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display in the XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy trims, providing an elegant and intuitive interface. The touchscreen display offered easy access to controls, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup. The system included a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SE and SEL trims had a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Hyundai's BlueLink system allowed for vehicle access and information, with upgraded features on higher trims. Hyundai Pay and a biometric fingerprint scanner were also available.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came equipped with a range of standard driver aids. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. While these systems were not tested during the review, they provided peace of mind.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not undergone crash tests by IIHS or NHTSA, but Hyundai vehicles typically performed well in safety evaluations. The Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and more. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, remote automatic parking, and a head-up display. The Santa Fe also introduced driver monitoring, which tracked alertness and hand placement on the steering wheel.