We warned you a few weeks ago that the Hyundai Santa Fe was about to undergo a radical transformation. Well, this is it. Ahead of the 2024 model’s world premiere next month, the Korean automaker today released the first official pictures and details.
For the fifth generation of the Santa Fe, designers aimed for a perfect balance between city life and the great outdoors, Hyundai says. They took an unconventional approach with a “lifestyle-based design.” What does that mean? Basically, they worked the other way around this time, starting in the back and then moving forward, as they put more emphasis on cargo space.
All About That “H”
With a longer wheelbase and a much boxier exterior, the 2024 Santa Fe is moving away from the smaller Tucson and closer to the Palisade. Below the high, flat hood up front, the H-shaped headlamps are connected by a light bar and harmonize with the H-motif lower bumper.
The side view is somewhat of a cross between a Lincoln and a Land Rover. Muscular, geometrically shaped wheel arches house 21-inch wheels on the high-end model pictured here, while blacked-out pillars give the illusion that the roof (with bridge-type rails mounted on it) is floating above the cabin.
The most controversial aspect of the design is definitely the rear end. What exactly were Hyundai’s stylists thinking here? At least the larger hatch creates a more generous opening, so that’s a good thing. Notice how the taillamps replicate the H-motif, too.
Terrace-Like Feel
Lifting the rear hatch reveals a more spacious cargo area with what Hyundai calls a “terrace-like feel”—ideal for camping, tailgate parties and everything in between. The fully foldable second- and third-row seats provide class-leading interior space, the automaker claims. That’s right: the Santa Fe will once again be available with a third row.
The Land Rover-like interior design emphasizes horizontal and vertical lines, with an H-motif design applied to the dashboard and air vents. The materials are more refined and more sustainable, including some made from recycled plastic. A single, curved display connects the digital cluster and infotainment system, both 12.3 inches in size.
The centre console is capped by a completely redesigned HVAC interface and allows for plenty of storage underneath. It offers dual wireless smartphone charging and a large compartment under the armrest.
One last thing we’d like to point out: the shift buttons are replaced by a shifter on the steering column, similar to the one in Hyundai’s electric vehicles.
Keep following The Car Guide for more details including specs and powertrain options. We’ll also have additional pictures following the debut of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe in August.
