The new, fifth-generation Santa Fe was unveiled by Hyundai last month, but no specifications were provided. With the model’s complete unveiling in Korea today, some of those missing particulars are now known.
With this model, Hyundai used a unique design approach by starting with the expanded tailgate space before creating the overall look. For the benefit of passengers, the new, fifth-generation Santa Fe is bigger than the model it replaces and has grown in every way.
Without taking into account the noticeable roof rails that are available, the new Santa Fe is perhaps an inch or two higher than the previous model while maintaining the same width. Now, as opposed to before, it is available with enormous 21-inch wheels; earlier, 20s were the biggest pair.
The cargo area behind the very back row has increased by a few litres to 680L, according to Hyundai. Moving items in and out is claimed to be simpler with a bigger liftgate aperture.
The Hyundai insignia and bold “Santa Fe” text are shown on the rear, while the taillights are rather low and have the same “H” design as the front.
In global markets, the new model is available in 10 exterior colours, including Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Creamy White Matte, Typhoon Silver Metallic, Magnetic Grey Metallic, Ocado Green Pearl, Terracotta Orange, Cyber Sage Pearl, Earthy Brass Metallic Matte and Pebble Blue Pearl.
The brand-new interior of Santa Fe contrasts with the outside by emphasising horizontal and vertical design components and following the exterior’s tone and mood. To increase the feeling of openness, the dashboard and air vents have an H-shaped design.
The interior has features such as a UV-C Sterilisation Tray, dual wireless charging system and a Panoramic Curved Display, which encompasses the 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system. A C-type USB terminal (max 27W) is also included.
Another feature is the Digital Key 2 for vehicle access/startup and remote control via the customer’s smartphone, using Near-field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-wideband (UWB) protocols.
Fully foldable second-and third-row seats create a terrace-like space at the rear with the wider tailgate open. Eco-friendly materials are used throughout the Santa Fe’s interior for soft surfaces, such as the headliner, BCF car mats and seatbacks and coverings, such as the crash pad, door trim and seats. In particular, the leatherette seats are made of materials that minimise human health hazards and are certified as Class 1 in Europe, which Hyundai claims is safe for infants up to three years old.
The use of eco-friendly materials extends to the exterior as well. The glossy black paint applied to the exterior trim uses recycled carbon materials.
The petrol-powered Santa Fe’s second-row legroom’s length has increased by 35mm to 1,075 mm. The hybrid’s second-row legroom length has increased by 20mm to 1,055 mm. The third-row legroom’s length has increased by 15mm to 761mm.
The third-row headroom’s height has increased by 69mm to 958mm and height has increased by 30mm to 282mm. It also reclines 10 degrees, an increase over the previous generation.
For the Korean market, the first-row driver’s Ergo Motion Seat utilises air bladders to provide comfort and optimal support while driving. The 6.6-inch full-touch climate control display makes heating and cooling adjustments easier.
The interior is available in five interior colours, including Obsidian Black, Supersonic Grey, Pecan Brown, Forest Green, and Black Ink.
There are four powertrains available. However, we are still unsure of which powertrain will make it to the Malaysian market. Previously, we were offered a diesel variant.
In Korea and North America, the Santa Fe will be available with two powertrain options. A petrol 2.5-litre turbocharged engine (Theta III 2.5T GDI – 8DCT) provides maximum engine output of 281PS and maximum torque of 421Nm. A petrol 1.6-litre Turbocharged Hybrid (Gamma III 1.6T GDI HEV – 6AT) provides maximum engine output of 180PS and maximum torque of 264Nm.
In Europe, there will also be two powertrain options, including the same 1.6-litre Turbocharged Hybrid (Gamma III 1.6T GDI HEV – 6AT), or a petrol 1.6-litre Turbocharged Plug-in Hybrid (Gamma III 1.6T GDI PHEV – 6AT) with maximum engine output of 160PS and maximum torque of 264Nm.
In other regions, the Santa Fe will also be available with a petrol 2.5-litre engine (Theta III 2.5 GDI – 8AT) with a maximum engine output of 194PS and maximum torque of 246Nm.
The all-new Santa Fe is scheduled for release in Korea in the second half of this year and in North America/Europe in the first half of next year. Though, there were no mentions of pricing. However, given that the hybrid powertrain seems to be the default configuration, it is anticipated that the entry-level vehicle will cost little under $40K (RM183K). It will probably cost around $50,000 (RM229K) with the more powerful 2.5-litre turbo.
These are however U.S. pricing and we will just have to wait for a Malaysian launch to know what we are being offered.
