The redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe emerged earlier this week with a more outdoorsy exterior that is likely to be paired with hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion systems.
Expected to hit U.S. showrooms for the 2024 model year, this fifth-generation Santa Fe takes a different styling direction from its predecessors, featuring a square profile and angular details, including “H”-shaped front and rear lights symbolizing the brand name.
The redesigned Santa Fe will be available with three rows of seats in at least some markets, although it’s unclear if this option will be available in the U.S., where the Santa Fe is currently sold only in a two-row, five-seat configuration. Hyundai claims to have a “class-leading interior space” and a wider rear gate opening that will “make it possible for users to enjoy the outdoors as easily as possible,” according to the automaker’s press materials.
On the opposite end of the cabin, the Santa Fe transitions to a curved infotainment screen, comprising a large touchscreen and a side-by-side 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a raised center console with storage space underneath. The console accommodates two wireless charging pads, in addition to USB ports, while a panel above houses most controls, featuring what appears to be a decent amount of analog buttons and knobs.
Hyundai incorporated sustainable materials such as recycled plastic in the headliner, floor mats, and second- and third-row seatbacks. Synthetic leather, which automakers now consider a sustainable material, is used on the door trim. However, genuine Nappa leather and wood trims will still be available.
No details were provided about the powertrains, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are likely to continue. After discontinuing the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid in 2020, Hyundai stated it would emphasize plug-in hybrid propulsion systems in SUVs as it launches its next-generation EVs.
The current Santa Fe Hybrid debuted in 2021, achieving up to 34 mpg combined, featuring a particularly futuristic interior design combined with a smoother and evolutionary exterior. The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid has an electric range of 31 miles and achieves 33 mpg in hybrid mode.
Production of the Santa Fe Hybrid has moved to Alabama, becoming one of the first U.S.-built electric vehicles sold by Hyundai. It is manufactured at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant near Montgomery, alongside gasoline versions of the Santa Fe, as well as the Hyundai Elantra, Santa Cruz, Tucson, and the all-electric Genesis Electrified GV70.
The styling change may help create visual separation between the Santa Fe and the upcoming all-electric Ioniq 7, previewed closely in late 2021 by the Hyundai Seven concept and the related Kia EV9.
