The Hyundai Santa Fe hasn’t undergone a significant overhaul since the current generation was introduced in 2018, but the Korean automaker has finally gotten around to a hot new updated concept that’s nothing like what’s on sale today. The new fifth-gen Santa Fe design concept promises an “unconventional approach” to maximize interior space and rear cargo capacity. It sports a longer wheelbase and wider tailgate, and the design showcases a new H-shaped design element and motif throughout the vehicle.
You can spot the new H-motif design in the headlights and taillights, as well as the lower fascia, in a reinterpretation of Hyundai’s “H” emblem. From the side, we can spot a shortened front overhang and the 21-inch wheels, and at the rear we see a simple stacked design to the tailgate, with low taillights that wrap around the side fenders.
Hyundai is promising the new Santa Fe will offer best-in-class interior space thanks to its dimensional changes and new design, fit for ample gear for camping, the release notes. The second and third row of seats are fully foldable, seemingly confirming this will at least be a six- or seven-seater configuration. Inside, the new interior emphasizes the H-motif further with intersecting horizontal and vertical lines throughout the dashboard and on the air vents. It gets a panoramic display, dual wireless phone charging pads, and a 12.3-inch driver instrument display. There’s also brightly colored seats and headliner to offer a sense of fun and spaciousness, with soft-touch wood trim and Nappa leather seating.
The new Santa Fe will also promise a suite of sustainable materials, including suede headliner, recycled plastic seatbacks, eco-friendly leatherette on the door trim, and new car mats.
Hyundai is remaining tight-lipped about power options for the new Santa Fe, but we do spot a 2.5T badge that indicates a combustion engine powertrain, as well as an exhaust. It’s unclear how electrified, if at all, the new Santa Fe will be. The current 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe features an optional turbo 2.5-liter I-4 that is good for 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, so it’s certainly possible this powertrain will carry forward. The new SUV will debut on the automaker’s YouTube page in full this August.
Read the full article here