Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the design of its representative mid-size SUV, the ‘All-New Santa Fe’, on the 18th.
The newly revealed model is the fifth generation of the Santa Fe, introduced five years after the launch of the fourth generation in 2018. It inherits the design concept of the first-generation Santa Fe, which connects nature and the city, while being completed with a design optimized for urban and outdoor lifestyles through new changes.
Hyundai plans to present a new value in mid-size SUVs to customers with the robust yet delicate details of the design and the spacious interior that follows the feel of the tailgate’s openness.
The exterior of the new Santa Fe reveals a strong image based on a boxy (Boxy) shape, with a unique silhouette derived from its long wheelbase and wide tailgate, demonstrating a powerful presence.
Hyundai reflects the design of an iconic H emblem throughout the new Santa Fe.
The most eye-catching design feature is the H light at the front and rear of the vehicle. At the front, it is applied to the headlamps and a lamp that connects the left and right headlamps horizontally, achieving a wide stance. At the rear, the H light is reflected in the rear lamp, providing a sense of unity with the front and showcasing the unique charm of the Santa Fe.
Furthermore, the H light enhances the visual completeness with the design of the front bumper featuring the H motif, harmonizing with a detailed grill pattern, while the high hood and bold, sharp fender volume maximize the grandeur of the new Santa Fe’s front.
The side view is notably impactful with a large tailgate, defined by a unique typology redefined by space, and a bold roofline combined with sharply designed wheel arches, resulting in a robust appearance enhanced by a longer body and shorter front overhang, complemented by 21-inch wheels.
The rear emphasizes a clean and solid image, accentuating restrained aesthetics with the prominent H light.
The interior of the new Santa Fe boasts a spacious living area suitable for enjoying outdoor life anytime, with a layout emphasizing horizontal and vertical imagery to harmonize with the exterior.
The new Santa Fe is equipped with a large tailgate featuring a terrace concept that extends the spatial and openness of the interior to the exterior.
The spacious tailgate area, capturing the essence of customer value, provides a unique experience reminiscent of being on a terrace, and when the second and third-row seats are fully folded, it offers class-leading interior space.
The interior of the new Santa Fe also incorporates the H-shape design in the dashboard front and air vents, creating harmony with the exterior while enhancing the feeling of openness, and the seat pattern evokes the image of light spreading, reminiscent of the Hyundai logo, infusing a unique sentiment.
Additionally, bright-colored seats and headlining create an even more spacious feel, while soft-touch wood-patterned garnishes and finely embroidered Nappa leather seats deliver a differentiated, refined premium feel unique to the new Santa Fe.
Moreover, the panoramic curved display and dual wireless smartphone charging showcase a high-tech and delicate image with thoughtful specifications.
The panoramic curved display is comprises a digital cluster and an infotainment system, both 12.3 inches in size, connected in a curved form to enhance driver visibility and create an upscale ambiance.
Dual smartphone wireless charging is the first application of such a system by Hyundai, allowing fast wireless charging of two smartphones within the vehicle.
Furthermore, the mood lamps applied to the lower door trim garnish, crash pad garnish, and lower curved display create a cozy indoor space.
The new Santa Fe implemented sustainability by using various eco-friendly materials. It has suede headliners, floor mats, and materials made from recycled plastics on the second and third-row seatbacks, while crash pads and door trim covers are produced using eco-friendly artificial leather.
Vice President Lee Sang-yeop, head of the Hyundai Design Center, stated, “The new Santa Fe is an SUV that crosses over between urban everyday life, car camping, and outdoor life. It will offer a premium lifestyle by reflecting the toughness of an SUV based on the terrace concept tailgate space and a refined customer experience.”
In addition, Hyundai plans to unveil the key specifications and dimensions of the new Santa Fe online on August 10.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr