Hyundai’s “radically” transformed the exterior of the fifth-generation Santa Fe sport-utility vehicle for 2024. The automaker released a few pics of the new model ahead of its global debut in August the internet.
The South Korean brand’s newest iteration of the Santa Fe borrows its exterior look from the EV9, its all-electric cousin at Kia. The company says it caters to “outdoor lifestyles” with the new boxy exterior while giving those who will likely use it for day-to-day tasks a vehicle that meets their needs.
“The all-new Santa Fe is an SUV that finds a perfect balance between city life and the great outdoors, handling everything from busy family itineraries to car camping adventures,” said SangYup Lee, executive vice president and head of Hyundai Global Design Center.
“With its longer wheelbase, roomy interior and terrace-like tailgate space, the new Santa Fe leans into its SUV strengths to offer more versatility than ever before as well as a premium customer experience.”
Big changes
The boxy look is the company’s first substantive change to the exterior since 2018, and not only looks like it borrowed from EV9, but it also looks like the new 2024 Lexus GX and the soon-to-arrive in the U.S. Toyota Land Cruiser.
In the case of the new Santa Fe, the new shape comes from a long wheelbase and wide tailgate, which give it more space inside as well as easier access at the rear of the new SUV. The company is quick to note the new model will provide “best-in-class” space and the “interior offers generous living space for an effortless outdoor lifestyle.”
The wider tailgate is designed to offer a “terrace-like feel” when its open. It also means that when you’re running those daily errands to the grocery store or home improvement palace, it’ll be easy to stuff it full of whatever you’ve purchased.
While the brand’s logo includes an “H,” the letter inspired many parts of the exterior design, including the headlamps and taillights. With the boxy exterior, you get a high hood. Hyundai’s designers clearly continued the bold look with a short front overhang and flared fenders covering 21-inch wheels.
Unfortunately, Hyundai officials haven’t offered any insight as to what will power the new Santa Fe, whether it will have an internal combustion engine or a battery-electric powertrain. Likely it will offer some form of hybrid, if it’s a gas-powered model.
Currently, it offers a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder for its entry-level and less pricey models that puts out 191 horsepower. It can be outfitted with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid putting out 178 hp and a 2.5-liter turbo producing 281 hp.
For the people
Having more room is great when hauling people or cargo, but how those passengers are made to feel as their traversing the mall parking lot or two tracks on the way to their camping site is critical. The interior uses an “H-motif design” for the dashboard and vents to give folks a “sense of openness.”
It’s not enough to feel like one has plenty of room. Hyundai is looking to answer the question, “Are you not entertained??” with the technology, design and seating of the new Santa Fe. The curved display connects the 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system and enhances driver visibility while delivering a sense of luxury.
In addition, the brightly colored seats and headliner create a sense of spaciousness, while the soft-touch wood-patterned garnish and Nappa leather seats with delicate embroidery add sophisticated style.
The new SUV also incorporates a number of sustainable materials. The suede headliner, car mats, and second- and third-row seatbacks are made from recycled plastic, while the crash pad and door trim covers are made from eco-friendly leatherette.