All-new Hyundai Santa Fe due in 2024

THE longstanding Hyundai Santa Fe has been given a boxy, hyper-modern makeover and, after first teasing the incoming model last month, Hyundai has finally shared details including reports it is heading Down Under in 2024.

The classy-looking, premium SUV is a so-called do-it-all family vehicle, Hyundai suggests in the video, capable of soft-roading adventures and inner-city exploration - under the mantra ‘Open for More’.

The premiere didn’t tell us much about powertrain, technology or design, instead centred heavily around the Santa Fe’s ‘wide tailgate’ and taking assumed swipes at another boxy-SUV maker with references to ‘discovery’.

A longer wheelbase, over the previous model, allows what Hyundai calls ‘terrace-like living space’ and a larger tailgate opening, but for families the practical benefits are more spacious second- and third-row seating.

It is physically larger than its predecessor too, in almost every way, both longer (4830mm) and taller (1720mm) but the same width (1900mm). This means cargo carrying capacity is up, with 725 litres available with the second row in place – a 91-litre improvement over the outgoing model.

Hyundai designed the incoming Santa Fe with the future in mind, and it shows, with the boxy styling that is all the range at the moment in the large SUV space. Don’t let the square exterior styling fool you though, because Hyundai claims a surprisingly slippery 0.29 drag coefficient.

The H-shaped headlights, large arches and square appearance look both dominant and futuristic, Hyundai opting for a mix of horizontal and vertical design elements for the exterior. 

Inside, a mix of hard and soft surfaces make up the cabin, with plenty of Nappa leather and earthy tones, inspired by “natural light”.

Features include a UV sterilisation tray to keep two phones clean as they charge, digital rear-view mirror, 12.3-inch digital cluster and massive curved panoramic display that appears to be angled towards the driver.

Large, spacious seats and an open-plan (for a car, anyway) layout with an option for arm rests and power-reclining second-row seats, make this a vehicle clearly designed around occupant comfort. 

Hyundai’s latest suite of safety tech will be fitted to the Santa Fe range, which includes a new driver attention warning that monitors a driver’s attention and vital signs while the vehicle is in use. 

A total of four petrol- and hybrid-powertrain options have been announced globally, although Australia is expected to receive the 2.5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol-hybrid option.

The petrol 2.5-litre engine produces 207kW/422Nm and is mated to an eight-speed DCT, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of eight seconds; not lazy for an SUV of this size.

On the economical end, the hybrid uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 132kW/265Nm and electric motor with unknown output, although a claimed 0-100km/h time of 9.5 seconds suggest similar power to the existing hybrid model.

Diesel has been axed altogether, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid taking its place, making this the first generation to do away with diesel, likely for good.

While local specifications are yet to be confirmed, the hybrid looks like a sure bet given Australia’s growing appetite for electrified vehicle options.

Not to mention Hyundai Australia has been pushing its hybrid technology, releasing the Kona small SUV, i30 sedan and Tucson medium SUV, and this Santa Fe is likely to top off the range of petrol-electric models on offer. 

While some overseas markets will buy into the off-road capability of the new Santa Fe, with HTrac all-wheel drive referenced in the video, Australians may be quick to question its lack of true four-wheel drive and low-range capability. 

In any case, the urban-meets-adventure brief is a popular one and will likely still be well received Down Under. Huge cargo carrying capacity, road-trip friendly tech, and modern styling both inside and out – as good as any – should help the Santa Fe shine.

While no official Australian pricing has been offered, it is safe to assume that the feature-rich model will cost more than its predecessor which started from $46,050 and topped out at $69,550 not including extras.

You can watch the digital premiere of the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, here.