Hyundai’s popular SUV, the fifth-generation Santa Fe, is poised for a bold design transformation, embracing a boxy aesthetic reminiscent of rugged SUVs like the Land Rover Defender. This styling revolution promises a more spacious cabin and heightened sophistication, with an official unveiling expected later this year.
The fifth-gen Hyundai Santa Fe has been under rigorous testing, and recent spy shots reveal its striking design evolution. Departing from the rounded edges of its predecessors, the new Santa Fe boasts a robust and square design, drawing inspiration from iconic butch SUVs, particularly the Land Rover Defender. This aesthetic shift is anticipated to influence the design of upcoming Hyundai SUVs.
Notable design updates include a wider and taller stance, a flat bonnet, square headlamps with prominent H-shaped daytime running lamp signatures (also serving as turn indicators), and a front bumper featuring an angular theme and a wide air intake flanked by rectangular fog lamp housings with contrasting black surrounds. The front windshield is more upright, enhancing the SUV’s boxy appearance. Additionally, it sports full-length roof rails and 22-inch alloy wheels.
The rear of the new Santa Fe mirrors its radical styling, featuring an upright rear glass and tailgate, along with a unique light bar and tail-lamp housing positioned close to the rear bumper. The SUV is also equipped with ample ground clearance, independent rear suspension, AWD capabilities, and various drive modes, similar to other Hyundai SUVs.
Inside, the Santa Fe is expected to continue the boxy theme with premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, and multiple screens. It will offer a three-row cabin with various seating configurations. Further details regarding the platform and powertrain are anticipated as the global debut approaches.
While the Santa Fe was previously sold in India during its second and third generations, its reception was modest. Hyundai’s current flagship SUV in India is the Tucson, introduced in August last year. Although Hyundai evaluated the possibility of launching the full-size Palisade SUV in India in 2020, there is currently no indication of the Santa Fe or Palisade making their way to Indian shores in the near future.