The Santa Fe has been totally revamped for its new generation
Dramatic styling overhaul reflects SUV’s billing as a family hauler with off-road ‘lifestyle’ capabilities
Hyundai has revealed pricing and specifications for the new Santa Fe, the brand’s most flexible family SUV to date, adopting a boxy design aimed at the off-road ‘lifestyle’ market.
Three specifications will be on offer, each available with two engine variants.
The entry-level 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid is available with two- or four-wheel drive and pushes out 212bhp and 271lb ft. The plug-in hybrid is available in four-wheel drive guise only, producing 249bhp and 271lb ft.
Premium trim is priced from £46,775 and brings 20in alloy wheels, LED lights and a 12.3in infotainment touchscreen.
Ultimate commands a £3500 premium and adds a Bose sound system, sunroof, a head-up display and ventilated front seats.
Calligraphy crowns the range, starting at £52,775, with nappa leather and additional off-road trim, such as a front skidplate.
The completely overhauled new Santa Fe does away with the old car’s curvaceous lines in favour of clean-cut edges and wide wheel arches.
The effect is reminiscent of Land Rover and Jeep 4x4s and clearly communicates the new car’s positioning as a more rugged proposition.
It gives the Santa Fe a distinct appearance from the rest of Hyundai’s line-up – an approach to styling established with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and reinforced by the curvaceous Ioniq 6.
Measuring 4830mm in length, 1900mm in height and a wheelbase 50mm longer than before, the new car brings what Hyundai claims is class-leading interior space.
The tailgate has also been enlarged with the intention of providing a “terrace-like” space when the second and third rows of seats are folded down, with room for a small workstation or lounge area.
It boasts a maximum towing weight of 1110kg, which is around the same as a Kia Sorento but down on premium rivals such as the BMW X5 and Land Rover Defender.
Inside, a focus on usability and practicality is evident, with physical buttons and dials provided for critical functions such as the climate, radio and drive mode controls.
USB ports and wireless pads abound for charging mobile devices and there is also an abundance of storage cubbies and cupholders throughout the interior.
Infotainment is provided by a curved 12.3in touchscreen across the range, mounted in parallel with a digital instrument display of the same size.
Hyundai has highlighted the use of sustainable materials inside the new Santa Fe, with the suede-like headliner, mats, and second- and third-row seatbacks being made from recycled plastics.
SangYup Lee, executive vice-president and head of Hyundai’s global design centre, said: “The all-new Santa Fe is an SUV that finds a perfect balance between city life and the great outdoors, handling everything from busy family itineraries to car camping adventures.
“With its longer wheelbase, roomy interior and terrace-like tailgate space, the new Santa Fe leans into its SUV strengths to offer more versatility than ever before as well as a premium customer experience.”
