Hyundai shows off new Santa Fe design

HYUNDAI has introduced its new “robust, yet delicately detailed” Santa Fe overnight, the boxy family-sized SUV featuring a swathe of “unique H-shaped design cues” to offer buyers what the South Korean brand says is a “nature-meets-city appeal”.

To our eyes, it’s a little bit Minecraft meets 2010 Ford Flex...

Hyperbole aside, there is little in the way of detailed information, with no driveline detail or specifications noted. However, we do note 2.5T and H-Trac badging in one image, indicating that the 207kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol and all-wheel drive combination offered in the current-generation Santa Fe for overseas markets may become a mainstay.

According to Hyundai’s press release, the “powerful new model” will offer a spacious and versatile interior with a large tailgate aperture that opens to provide “terrace-like space”. 

Cabin accommodation will grow, thanks to an increased wheelbase, providing “ample room for adventurers”.

Fully foldable second- and third-row seats promise class-leading levels of interior space, Hyundai says.

Aiming to attract younger families, the Santa Fe’s more flexible interior will contrast the strong exterior with a design that emphasises vertical and horizontal lines, with an H-motif design applied to the dashboard and air vents shaped to “enhance the sense of openness”.

Hyundai says the interior will offer a variety of high-tech features, including a panoramic curved 12.3-inch infotainment display and Tesla-style dual wireless device charging tray plus 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

All this technology is complemented by brightly coloured seats and a headlining that are “inspired by nature”, soft-touch wood-patterned garnishing, and Nappa leather upholstery with “delicate embroidery”.

The newly styled cabin incorporates a number of sustainable materials. The suede headliner, carpet mats, and second- and third-row seat backs are made from recycled plastic, while the crash pad and door skins are covered in eco-friendly leatherette.

But it is outside that the new Santa Fe makes its strongest mark.

The front of the SUV boasts a high, squared-off bonnet, H-shaped headlights elements – which are said to reinterpret Hyundai’s emblem – and “bold, sharp fenders”.

From profile, the fenders feature sharply-designed wheel arches which are emphasised by short front and rear overhangs and bold 21-inch alloy wheels.

The long, flat roofline appears to ‘float’ above blackened pillars, leading back to a simplified rear-end with a larger tailgate and H-shaped taillights, likely LED to match those of the front-end.

“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 Hyundai executive vice president and head of global design, Sang Yup Lee.

“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.”

The new Santa Fe will make its world premiere in August on Hyundai’s YouTube channel. Australian deliveries will commence in the first half of 2024.