It will be joined by the refreshed Sonata and Elantra.
Hyundai has confirmed that the all-new Santa Fe will be revealed later this year. The fifth-generation model will be a drastic departure from the models we're used to, with angular and boxy styling that will reportedly distance it from the latest Tucson.
The automaker hasn't shared additional details but has said: “product details will be revealed in a world premiere news conference later this summer.” The updated Sonata and Elantra (already previewed in Korea) will also arrive around the same time.
Overseas reports suggest the latest iteration – codenamed MX5 – will be unveiled eight to 10 months earlier than Hyundai had originally planned. The development process is wrapping up, so it won't be long before we get to see the Santa Fe in all its splendor.
In terms of design, the latest iteration eschews the inoffensive cookie-cutter design of the current model. Boxier and more rugged than before, the heavy camouflage conceals a lot of the details. But we can see the squared-off headlights with a funky H-pattern for the daytime running lights. These also double as the turn signals and look thoroughly modern.
The boxy bodywork will help the Santa Fe stand out from the crowd, and people will certainly appreciate the left-field design. Overall, there are hints of Kia EV9 in the profile, but we also get a “grown-up Kia Soul” vibe from the vehicle.
It will be interesting to see whether Hyundai offers the Santa Fe as an all-electric model, but we think that's unlikely. The automaker is working on a battery-powered SUV called the Ioniq 7, which will probably cater to the eco-friendly crowd.
As such, we anticipate the replacement model will carry over the existing range of engines, which is a mix of gas-powered and hybrid powertrains. The electrified Santa Fe is available as a regular hybrid or PHEV. The latter pairs a 90-horsepower electric motor with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine for a combined output of 261 hp. A six-speed automatic sends power to all four wheels.
We look forward to seeing what the new Santa Fe will bring and will be interested to see whether the Korean automaker repositions the vehicle within the saturated SUV market. The current Tucson gets close to offering everything the Santa Fe does (for less money) and the competent Palisade caters to the large family market.
Perhaps the Santa Fe will get some genuine off-road ability, or position itself as a budget boutique SUV a la Land Rover Defender, giving mainstream customers a unique design for not much money.
Keyword: CONFIRMED: All-New Hyundai Santa Fe To Be Revealed This Summer