Hyundai Motor Launches Facelifted Santa Fe, the 'National SUV'... Diesel Starting at 31.22 Million KRW

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Hyundai Motor Company's mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV), Santa Fe, has returned with a facelift model after two years. 'The New Santa Fe,' unveiled through a digital unboxing on the 30th, applied a new platform and powertrain to improve space utilization and driving performance, attempting a near-new car level of change.

On this day, Hyundai Motor held a 'digital unboxing' event through online channels such as its official website and YouTube, revealing the facelift model of the 4th generation Santa Fe. The New Santa Fe, featuring a robust design and new platform and powertrain, will officially go on sale starting July 1.

The trim-level prices for The New Santa Fe Diesel 2.2 are 31.22 million KRW for Premium, 35.14 million KRW for Prestige, and 39.86 million KRW for Calligraphy.

◆ Design Upgrade with Hyundai's DNA 'Sensuous Sportiness'

Hyundai applied its design identity 'Sensuous Sportiness' to the existing Santa Fe design to complete the luxurious and robust design of The New Santa Fe.

The exterior design draws attention with the front featuring headlamps inspired by the sharp 'Eagle's eye' concept, integrated radiator grille, and vertically aligned T-shaped daytime running lights contrasted in a unique way. The side profile adds sophistication with a side character line extending from the front to the rear, while the rear features slim and elongated LED rear lamps, lower reflectors, and a triple horizontal line rear skid plate protecting the vehicle's underside, providing a sense of stability.

The interior design is completed with a user-centered structure that adds intuitiveness to a luxurious sensibility. The elevated center console seamlessly connects from the crash pad to the center fascia and console box, giving the driver a feeling of being wrapped in luxury. The best-in-class 12.3-inch full LCD cluster (instrument panel) and 10.25-inch navigation infotainment system enhance driver visibility.

◆ New Platform and Powertrain Applied: A Masterstroke

Hyundai applied a next-generation platform to The New Santa Fe and enhanced space utilization. Compared to the previous Santa Fe, the overall length increased by 15 mm, and the second-row legroom extended by 34 mm, improving real-world usability. The rear cargo capacity behind the second row increased by 9 liters (from 625ℓ to 634ℓ), providing ample space enough to fit four golf bags.

The New Santa Fe is equipped with Hyundai's SUV-first next-generation powertrain, the 'Smartstream D 2.2' diesel engine, and the 'Smartstream wet 8DCT (dual-clutch transmission).' It delivers a maximum output of 202 horsepower and a peak torque of 45.0 kgf·m, achieving fuel efficiency of 14.2 km/ℓ, a 4.4% improvement over the previous Santa Fe (based on 5-seater, 2WD, 18-inch wheel combined fuel economy).

Additionally, Hyundai applied a high-strength lightweight body structure with an increased ratio of ultra-high-strength steel to The New Santa Fe, securing both lightness and collision safety, while improving overall fundamentals such as handling, quietness, and braking performance. Later this year, a gasoline turbo model equipped with the 'Smartstream G2.5T' engine will be added to broaden consumer choices.

◆ Near-New Car Level Changes Completed with Advanced Safety and Convenience Features

Hyundai applied numerous new advanced safety and convenience features to The New Santa Fe. New safety features include Lane Following Assist (LFA), which recognizes lanes and helps maintain the vehicle in the center of the lane during driving; Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA), which warns and automatically controls brakes when detecting collision risks during low-speed reversing for parking and exiting; and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), which helps parking and exiting remotely via the smart key button without vehicle occupants.

Furthermore, existing features have been improved to significantly enhance driving stability, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which recognizes approaching vehicles at intersections and automatically warns and controls brakes; Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), which detects collision risks with rear-side vehicles even during forward exit from parallel parking; and Highway Driving Assist (HDA), whose application area has been expanded to expressways.

Notably, The New Santa Fe is the world's first to apply the 'Driver Recognition Smart Driving Mode,' which automatically provides optimized driving modes such as Eco, Sport, and Comfort by registering the driver's personal profile and considering the driver's driving tendencies and road conditions.

Linked with the smartphone BlueLink app, Hyundai's first-ever 'KakaoTalk Message Reading and Sending' feature allows voice reading and sending of KakaoTalk messages. Key convenience features also include Hyundai CarPay, enabling in-vehicle payments via the navigation screen at affiliated merchants such as gas stations and parking lots; Hyundai Digital Key, allowing vehicle access and engine start via smartphone app; and the Smart Posture Control System, which recommends a healthy driving posture by inputting physical information.

◆ Three Trims Including Top-tier ‘Calligraphy’... Diesel Model Starting at 31.22 Million KRW

The New Santa Fe is offered in three trims: Premium, equipped with key customer-preferred features; Prestige, which allows selection of all safety and convenience features; and the top-tier Calligraphy trim, which adds luxurious design elements.

The base Premium trim comes standard with key safety and convenience features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), electronic shift-by-wire (SBW), ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The Prestige trim includes a 10.25-inch navigation system as standard and allows selection of all safety and convenience features.

The top-tier Calligraphy trim enhances luxury with exclusive exterior elements such as a dedicated radiator grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, body-color cladding, and interior features like quilted Nappa leather seats.

The trim-level prices for The New Santa Fe Diesel 2.2 are 31.22 million KRW for Premium, 35.14 million KRW for Prestige, and 39.86 million KRW for Calligraphy. (※ Based on 3.5% individual consumption tax)

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.