The Hyundai Santa Fe I (SM) 2.4i 16V 4WD Automatic, produced from 2000 to 2006, represents Hyundai’s initial foray into the burgeoning compact SUV market in North America and beyond. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the first-generation Santa Fe lineup (internally designated SM), this variant aimed to provide a balance of affordability, practicality, and all-weather capability. It was a key model for Hyundai as they sought to establish a stronger presence in the SUV segment, competing with established Japanese and American brands. The Santa Fe I was built on the 1HX0 platform, shared with the Kia Sportage.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | Santa Fe |
| Generation | Santa Fe I (SM) |
| Type | 2.4 i 16V 4WD (150 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13 l/100 km (18.1 US mpg, 21.7 UK mpg, 7.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp, 89.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.1 kg/Nm, 123 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 63.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 206 Nm @ 4800 rpm (151.94 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Sirius / G4JS |
| Engine displacement | 2351 cm3 (143.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86.5 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1675 kg (3692.74 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 469 l (16.56 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1473 l (52.02 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4500 mm (177.17 in.) |
| Width | 1820 mm (71.65 in.) |
| Height | 1655 mm (65.16 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2620 mm (103.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Rear track | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Santa Fe 2.4i 4WD Automatic utilizes Hyundai’s Sirius (G4JS) engine, a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine features a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head, employing a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine produces 150 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 206 Nm (151.94 lb-ft) of torque at 4800 rpm. The engine’s 10:1 compression ratio was fairly standard for the time. Paired with the engine is a four-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth operation and ease of use. This transmission was not known for its sportiness, prioritizing comfort and fuel efficiency over rapid acceleration. The 4WD system is a part-time system, engaging the rear wheels when traction is needed.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.4-liter engine and four-speed automatic combination in the Santa Fe delivered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 10.8 seconds, and top speed was around 107.5 mph. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and everyday drivability, resulting in a somewhat leisurely driving experience. Compared to the available V6 engine option, the 2.4L felt noticeably less powerful, especially when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. The 4WD system provided enhanced traction in slippery conditions, making it a suitable choice for drivers in regions with inclement weather. The steering was light and easy, contributing to a comfortable ride, but lacked the precision found in some competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.4i 4WD Automatic Santa Fe typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and cloth upholstery. Safety features included ABS brakes and dual front airbags. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio system, leather upholstery, and alloy wheels. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but generally, this 2.4L automatic configuration represented a mid-level offering, bridging the gap between the base models and the more luxurious V6-powered trims.
Chassis & Braking
The Santa Fe I utilized a traditional body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable platform. The front suspension consisted of wishbone components, while the rear suspension employed a coil spring setup. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The ABS system helped to maintain steering control during hard braking. The suspension tuning prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, resulting in a relatively soft and forgiving ride quality. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering, but the Santa Fe was not designed for aggressive driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai Santa Fe I was generally well-received by critics as a value-oriented SUV. The 2.4-liter engine and automatic transmission combination was praised for its fuel efficiency, achieving around 24 US mpg in combined driving. However, it was often criticized for its lack of power, particularly when compared to competitors offering V6 engines. Reliability was generally considered good, although some owners reported minor issues with the automatic transmission over the long term. Compared to the V6 Santa Fe, the 2.4L offered a lower purchase price and better fuel economy, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Legacy
The Hyundai Santa Fe I played a significant role in establishing Hyundai as a credible player in the SUV market. The 2.4-liter engine, while not particularly powerful, proved to be relatively reliable and fuel-efficient. Today, well-maintained examples of the Santa Fe I 2.4i 4WD Automatic can still be found on the used car market, often at very affordable prices. While not a performance standout, this variant remains a practical and dependable choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, all-weather SUV. The Sirius engine, while superseded by newer designs, is known for its relative simplicity and ease of maintenance, contributing to its continued viability in older vehicles.
