Photos – All New 5th Generation Hyundai Santa Fe Revealed
Sports & cross over utility vehicles have taken over the automotive market for around a decade now, and no wonder every few months, we come across a new version or model globally. Three-row SUVs are also very popular internationally and have a decent market share. Although some models came into being very recently, many have been ruling the market for decades. When it comes to Koreans, they are not behind and they have their own list of models available across the globe and including Pakistan. Kia Pakistan is offering locally assembled Sorento, while Hyundai Pakistan also offers a CBU/ imported version of Hyundai Santa Fe. This is to point out that the local Sorento is an older 3rd generation discontinued model.
Santa Fe is a city in New Mexico State of the United States and one of the most important nameplates for Hyundai. The model’s first generation went into production in the year 2000 and has been a success for the brand since then. In fact, Santa Fe is the first ever sports utility vehicle for Hyundai, and since its inception, it is almost 5.3 million in global sales.
The Santa Fe first generation was in a compact segment category, but over the years, it grew in size and now targets the mid-size segment and, depending upon the market, is available in a 3-row -7 seat option besides a standard 2-row 5-eat version.
The most current 4th generation went into production in 2018 and got a major facelift in 2020. For the last several months, spy images of the porotype of the next 5th generation (codename MX5) have been circulating on the web. Today, Hyundai Global released the first official images of the upcoming new model. For now, Hyundai didn’t release all the details besides a very brief press release and a few images. The full introduction is expected sometime in mid-August 2023. Let’s go over what we know so far.
Platform of Hyundai Santa Fe
The all-new 5th generation carryover the chassis/ platform from the previous generation, but there is a catch. Hyundai Santa Fe is the non-identical twin of the Kia Sorento, and both models have been sharing technical under the skin. When the 4th generation Santa Fe was introduced in 2018, it shared its underpinning (Y-Platform) with the 3rd generation Sorento ( the same model we currently have in Pakistan).
Back then, Hyundai and Kia were developing a new modular platform that would be the basis for many upcoming new models for both brands. The platform is more rigid, lighter, safer, fuel-efficient, and flexible in providing chassis for unibody crossovers, cars, and vans; Kia-Hyundai N-platform came into being to meet all these expectations.
The current 8th generation Sonata was the first model implementing this new chassis in 2019, and since then, it has been in use by all current new generation of models, for example, Kia K5, Kia Carnival, Hyundai Staria, Tucson, Sportage. In mid-June 2020, Hyundai released a facelift of the 4th generation Santa Fe. Although the facelift included major welcoming exterior and interior updates, there was more to that.
Normally facelift includes updates to aesthetics and other minor improvements, but in the case of Santa Fe, the entire platform was replaced with N3. This resulted in much new, much-improved driving dynamics besides better interior space and safety. The new platform also helped Hyundai to offer Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions on the facelift.
So, the 5th generation is keeping the same platform but obviously with we can expect updates like an increase in length, width, and wheelbase which obviously will translate into increased interior volumes. Official specifications are not released, but Hyundai mentions class-leading interior space. It is also pertinent to mention that Kia Sorento adopted the same N3 platform, but with the current 4th generation model’s introduction, Sorento is now again relevant to Santa Fe under the skin.
Exterior
In recent years, we have seen very bold design language and out of ordinary and non-conventional for both Hyundai and Kia. It has been very subjective, but it is clicking well, evident from the sales charts. The new 5th gen Santa Fe is no exception, and Hyundai is calling it ” Bold New Design Optimized for Effortless Outdoor Lifestyles. ” The exterior is boxy and eliminates any curvy profile, and it’s a radical transformation comparing the previous generation.
The front is more squared off with horizontal lines, and the new headlights with “H” DRL (representing the brand logo) are the new signature feature connected by a light bar across the width. The new front bumper and grille make an imposing impression with wider and rugged looks.
On the side profile, the horizontal theme continues on the roof line and mostly remains like that till D pillar/ rear end. Sharply designed semi-octagonal wide wheel arches, flat door panels, and square rear windows increase the ruggedness.
On the rear, the “H” shape signature continues for the wide and large LED taillights, which are placed very low with a horizontal profile. Keeping the taillights lower provides a wider and taller tailgate which is also very upright for the new model and with larger cargo capacities.
Hyundai defines the rear as being very simple but more functional. As per Hyundai, even 21″ wheels will be offered on certain trim levels to give the new model a very sporty, adventurous, and robust look. Overall, the exterior looks attractive and will look something new on the road, but many readers will obviously find Land Rover Defender vibes.
Interior of Hyundai Santa Fe
Like the exterior, the interior is all-new, and the horizontal/vertical lines and boxy features continue, and that’s visible from the dashboard layout. Hyundai will offer an all-new curved display with a 12.3″ full HD driver instrument cluster which will converge into a 12.3″ infotainment screen.
The display is placed lower, improving driver visibility and creating an open feel. Slim air vents with fully digital HVAC control stacked lower with knobs for easy functionality. The gear knob moves the steering column, increasing the space between the front seats and creating two-level storage.
Hyundai didn’t share list details for the interior, but we can expect rich features and technology. The model will be available in 2 or 3-row versions with both row seats fully foldable for class-leading flat interior space. Hyundai also used sustainable materials in the new model; the suede headliner, mats, and seat backs are recycled plastics, while door trim covers are eco-friendly leatherette. Hyundai will also offer soft touch wood pattern garnish and Nappa leather seats. Overall, we can see some inspiration taken from Land Rover Defender on the interior, but it looks good, modern & sophisticated.
Mechanicals
Hyundai didn’t share any details, but the new model is expected to carry over the engine lineup from the 4th gen facelift. This can be 2.5L MPI, 2.5L GDI, and 2.5L Turbo GDI. We will not see a 3.5L V6 as available on the previous model. Hyundai will most probably also offer a 1.6L TGDI hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid version. Hyundai will also offer diesel versions in certain markets.
One of the official pictures shows a 2.5T badge. This engine is available in multiple KIA and Hyundai models and even on 4th gen Santa Fe and can make 277hp and 422nm of torque. Depending on the variant, DCT, conventional automatic, and AWD are expected. We can also expect improvements to suspension, steering, braking, and overall handling and driving characteristics. We have to wait for official details to know more.
Release
The full official reveal is expected on August 18, and it will be live-streamed on Hyundai’s global official YouTube channel. The model will go for sale later this year as model year 2024, with production initially starting in Korea and the United States. The starting price is expected to be $30,000 for US customers, while a fully loaded top-of-the-line variant might be close to $45,000.
Launch in Pakistan
I am sure the next question would be when we have a Santa Fe and if Hyundai Nishat will bring this model to Pakistan. There had been a strong rumor for quite some time that Hyundai Pakistan might introduce the Santa Fe and most probably a Hybrid version, but the 4th generation, which is now replaced with the new one we discussed here.
Hyundai Pakistan has already deployed the N3 platform, and we have seen it for Hyundai Sonata, so developing even this 5th gen Sanata FE might be easier. However, it will still cost a lot of finances at the assembly line, and being a brand new model, we don’t expect this to be in Pakistan anytime soon.
As the 4th generation facelift model also utilized the same N3 chassis, that makes sense, especially keeping in mind its production will cease in overseas markets and Hyundai Nishat might be able to get cheaper discontinued CKD kits and other related parts, besides assembly jigs and machinery probably dismantled in the outside world. We also know the country’s current market and economic conditions well. Like other industries, car assemblers are also going through rough times, and expecting the launch of anything new is highly questionable.
So, how is the new Santa Fe? Share in the comments.