Hyundai Santa Fe Reinvented for 2024
Hyundai has released a glimpse of its all-new, fifth-generation Santa Fe, a midsize SUV that has undergone an extensive transformation. It merges an outdoorsy spirit with the sensibilities of city living, presenting a unique proposition in a highly competitive segment. Boasting a lifestyle-centric design approach and a focus on increasing rear cargo capacity, this model is clearly a fresh chapter in the Santa Fe's lineage.
A Fusion of City and Nature
Hyundai's latest design endeavor embodies a profound connection between urban environments and nature. The all-new Santa Fe pushes the boundaries of what you might expect from a midsize SUV. Hyundai has leveraged big data to determine outdoor lifestyle trends and used these insights to shape a vehicle that's as comfortable navigating city streets as it is on country roads. SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center, stated that the Santa Fe balances city life and the great outdoors with aplomb, making it perfect for anything from busy family life to adventurous camping trips.
The Strength of Boxy
The vehicle's boxy silhouette is a striking departure from traditional SUV design norms. The front greets you with a high hood, bold fenders, and H-shaped headlamps that mirror the 'H' motif found elsewhere on the car. The harmonious design leads your eyes to the wide tailgate area, an element that becomes increasingly pronounced when viewing the vehicle in profile. Combined with a bold roofline, defined wheel arches, and substantial 21-inch wheels, this gives the Santa Fe a robust and adventurous aesthetic.
Interior: An Outdoor Living Room?
The interior of the all-new Santa Fe further exemplifies Hyundai's commitment to a lifestyle-based design philosophy. The elongated tailgate provides the interior with a terrace-like feeling. Foldable second and third-row seats translate to best-in-class interior space. These features, according to Hyundai, allow the Santa Fe to seamlessly transition between urban utility and outdoor adventuring. The design even includes eco-friendly elements with a suede headliner, car mats, and seatbacks made from recycled plastic, and door trim covers made from eco-friendly leatherette.
A Tech-filled Oasis
The Santa Fe's interior isn't only about practicality and eco-friendliness—it's also about luxury. The 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system are seamlessly connected by a Panoramic Curved Display that enhances driver visibility and exudes opulence. Dual wireless charging ensures your devices always stay powered up. From brightly colored seats and headliner that increase the sense of spaciousness to soft-touch wood-patterned garnish and Nappa leather seats, Hyundai appears to have left no stone unturned to elevate the Santa Fe’s cabin experience.
Waiting for the Curtain to Rise
The world premiere of the all-new Santa Fe will take place in August on Hyundai's YouTube channel, giving us a full view of the SUV's ambitious transformation. Until then, we're left with Hyundai's blend of city-and-nature-inspired design cues, increased cargo capacity, and a suite of high-tech features to ponder. And though powertrain specifics and pricing are yet to be released, the promise of hybrid and plug-in-hybrid models is an exciting prospect. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: a bold departure or a logical evolution? Time will tell.
-Ed
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
