The New Santa Fe with a Distinctive Rear View, Targeting the Global Market

Hyundai Santa Fe Transforms with Outdoor Style
Adopts Boxy Design Emphasizing Straight Silhouette
Open Terrace When Tailgate Opens... Spacious Interior Advantage
Two Powertrains: Turbo Gasoline and Hybrid

"It is surprising that Hyundai targeted the outdoor style with the Santa Fe. It is a very clever strategy." (British automotive journalist)

"The new Santa Fe, with a standard third-row seating layout, has gained new competitiveness in the U.S." (American foreign correspondent)

Hyundai Motor's New Santa Fe
Photo by Hyundai Motor

At the global preview event for the new Santa Fe held on the 26th of last month (local time) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S., foreign journalists said this. Reporters gathered from around the world including the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East closely examined the new 5th generation Santa Fe and asked sharp questions.

They commonly expressed surprise that Hyundai Motor Company embraced an outdoor style through its flagship sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Santa Fe. Feedback from domestic reporters was similar. The transformation of the Santa Fe, known as a city-type SUV, into an image that crosses on- and off-road terrains is regarded as a significant challenge and adventure for Hyundai.

There was also an interpretation that this is a strategy properly targeting the U.S. market, where 50% of the roads are unpaved. Last year, Santa Fe (4th generation) sales were 28,000 units domestically and 119,000 units in the U.S., an overwhelming difference. It is effectively the main market. The Santa Fe sold in the U.S. previously did not have a third-row option, but from this new model, the third row is standard.

The rear view of the Hyundai 'The All New Santa Fe' [Image source=Yonhap News]

'The All-New Santa Fe' Spacious Rear Space
[Image Source=Yonhap News]

Evaluations of the design varied by region. In the U.S., it was praised as a locally tailored design. In the vast U.S. territory, distinctive designs that can be recognized from afar are highly valued. German media also described it as "big but promising" from a European perspective. John Rob, head of Hyundai Motor's U.S. Technical Research Center, hinted, "It is very encouraging that the German media, who are usually sparing with praise, gave a positive evaluation."

In Korea, opinions were divided. Domestic consumers accustomed to the neat and sleek image of the 4th generation Santa Fe regarded the strong and tough transformation of the 5th generation Santa Fe as radical. Lee Sang-yeop, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center, explained, "We emphasized a boxy and confident character to match changing trends." He added, "The new Santa Fe is a vehicle designed with a function-centered approach," and "We expect the Santa Fe to appeal to customers in terms of functionality and space on the road."

Images of the new Santa Fe XRT concept vehicle emphasizing an outdoor image
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Company]

On the 10th, Hyundai Motor revealed the specifications and features of the 5th generation Santa Fe to the global market. The new Santa Fe, scheduled for domestic release this month, will be launched with two powertrains: ▲2.5 gasoline turbo ▲1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid. The 2.5 gasoline turbo delivers a maximum output of 281 horsepower and maximum torque of 43.0 kgf·m. The 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid engine produces a maximum output of 180 horsepower and maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m. The fuel efficiency of the 2.5 gasoline turbo is 11.0 km/l, and the hybrid's fuel efficiency will be disclosed after certification is completed.

The biggest changes in the 5th generation Santa Fe are the boxy design and advanced convenience features. Hyundai focused on the increase in consumers' outdoor activities such as car camping and camping after the COVID-19 pandemic, based on big data. By adopting a boxy design, it secured a spacious interior up to the third row and made the tailgate large enough to be used as a sunshade. Opening the tailgate and folding down the 2nd and 3rd-row seats creates a flat open terrace in the rear space of the vehicle. Additionally, a handle was installed on the C-pillar (the rearmost pillar supporting the body) to make it easier to load and unload luggage on the roof. Holding the handle and stepping on the rear seat footrest allows stable viewing over the roof.

The vehicle is equipped with Hyundai's evolved linear lamps called 'H Light' at the front and rear. The H Light allows the vehicle to be recognized as a Hyundai from a distance. The front features air shutters and side curtains to reduce air resistance. These devices compensate for the disadvantage of increased air resistance inherent in the boxy design. When the car is running, air vents below the grille open and close to reduce air resistance and improve fuel efficiency.

H-Lite applied to the new Hyundai Santa Fe
Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai enhanced the product value of the new Santa Fe by applying premium-grade features. Considering its role as a family car, they sought ways to make the interior space wide and comfortable. First, the gear lever was moved behind the steering wheel to secure console storage space. The small pillar-shaped electronic gear shift device is the first of its kind in the segment for the 5th generation Santa Fe.

Hyundai applied the world's first multi-console that opens on both sides, allowing easy access to items from both front and rear seats. It also includes a high-speed wireless charging function capable of charging two smartphones simultaneously and a UV-C (ultraviolet) sterilization multi-tray for conveniently sterilizing small everyday items. Adding a digital key for starting the vehicle or remote control via smartphone is also a segment first for the Santa Fe.

New Santa Fe Interior
Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

Furthermore, Hyundai considered convenience features that make driving comfortable for the driver. The new Santa Fe automatically issues warnings if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows down or a collision risk is detected. It uses road signs and navigation information to inform the driver of the current road's speed limit and additional information. Features assisting smooth parking such as a rear-view monitor, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and front/rear parking distance warnings were also added. The safe exit assist function is essential for family cars carrying children. When exiting the vehicle, if another car approaches from behind, it detects this and locks the door to protect the passengers' safety.

Jang Jae-hoon, President of Hyundai Motor Company, said, "The Santa Fe is Hyundai's first independently developed SUV," and added, "Through the bold and strong presence of this 5th generation Santa Fe that covers both outdoor and urban environments, we will secure a unique position in the mid-size SUV market."

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