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All-new Hyundai Santa Fe: Bigger and better

The totally redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe is bigger, better, and sports a high-end look. The boxy midsize SUV with a longer wheelbase, more interior room, and available third-row seating will come in two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter 281-hp 4-cylinder turbo (8-speed automatic transmission) or a 1.6-liter 226-hp gas-electric 4-cylinder turbo hybrid (6-speed automatic transmission). Santa Fe will be available in North America the first half of next year, with the official premiere happening at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. A plug-in hybrid will be available later.

This fifth-gen Santa Fe is the first full-model change since 2018. It ramps up the the SUV's city-friendly, adventure-ready appeal with a class-leading, terrace-like living space made possible by its longer wheelbase and larger tailgate opening. The longer wheelbase also allows the new model to offer enhanced third-row seating. For this sneak preview, Hyundai showed Santa Fe mostly in a two-row configuration.

The all-new Santa Fe's front makes a strong first impression thanks to its high hood, H-shaped headlamps, and sharply defined fenders. Together, the H-shaped headlamps and lower front valance design draw inspiration from the Hyundai emblem to produce a bold and distinctive look.

The longer wheelbase gives the SUV a bit of a sense of grandeur, while providing increased second- and third-row legroom. Santa Fe offers best-in-class third-row headroom as well. The SUV's clean side sculpting is complemented by a bold roofline, generous volume around the fenders, robust wheel arches, a shorter front overhang, and boldly designed 21-in. wheels. Overall, it looks a bit like some very high-end SUVs out there.

The rear view, distinguished by its wider tailgate, is probably the one element that may split opinions. It is noticeably straight-up and wall-like. Santa Fe offers class-leading cargo capacity and a spacious tailgate opening. Overall, the H-shaped taillights harmonize with the front H-lights to provide the Santa Fe with a distinctive and unified presence.

The new model is available in 10 exterior colors, including Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Creamy White Matte, Typhoon Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Ocado Green Pearl, Terracotta Orange, Cyber Sage Pearl, Earthy Brass Metallic Matte, and Pebble Blue Pearl.

To enhance the user experience, the all-new Santa Fe is packed with premium comfort and convenience features, several of which are either the world's first, first in class, or class leading.

The first-row Relaxation Seat with Leg Rest allows occupants to relax in a comfortable position that helps simulate a weightless experience for its occupants. In the six-seat variant, the second-row power-reclining independent seats with armrests provide convenient operation for rear passengers. The second-row power fold-and-dive seats also add a cushion-angle adjustment to create a relaxation mode, which is a world-first feature. The SUV also offers the world's first Bilateral Multi-Console storage space, which can be opened by both front and rear passengers.

Among the SUV's other convenience features is its high-speed, dual wireless charging system for smartphones and a first-of-its-kind UV-C Sterilization Tray installed in the top of the passenger glove compartment.

The all-new Santa Fe is well equipped with a host of driving assistance and safety features that reduce user involvement and provide a comfortable, confident driving experience. These include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and even a Driver Attention Warning. Other features include: Rear View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Front/Rear Parking Distance Warning, Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Safe Exit Assist.

Inside, the minimalist interior treatment really gives Santa Fe a high-end look. The SUV's first-in-class Panoramic Curved Display, which encompasses the 12.3-in. digital cluster and infotainment system, enhances driver visibility and creates a sense of luxury. Fully foldable second- and third-row seats create a terrace-like space at the rear with the wider tailgate open, enabling users to enjoy the outdoors effortlessly. Hyundai says this appealing design feature reflects the brand's use of big data to identify customers' interest in the latest outdoor lifestyle trends, such as car camping and gear-intensive adventures.

Eco-friendly materials are used throughout 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 minimize human health hazards and are certified as Class 1 in Europe for safety. Santa Fe will be available in five interior colors, including Obsidian Black, Supersonic Gray, Pecan Brown, Forest Green, and Black Ink.

Information about pricing, trims, and more features will be available at the official North American reveal in November. Word on the street is the starting price will run mid to high $30K.

Source: Hyundai

Published August 2023

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