The many spy shots we’ve shared over the last few months don’t lie – the new Hyundai Santa Fe is completely different from the previous model. Entering its fifth generation, this midsize SUV adopts a refreshingly boxy style and funky lights with an “H” motif. Featuring a more rugged look, the completely redesigned model gets 21-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 R21 tires housed within square wheel arches. It got a large rear door as wide as the vehicle.
The taillights sit quite low and share the same “H” theme while a large Hyundai logo and “Santa Fe” lettering adorn the tailgate. Hyundai didn’t release any technical specifications for now, but it says the wheelbase has been stretched. As a refresher, the now aging Santa Fe measures 108.9 inches (2765 millimeters) between the axles. The South Korean automaker admits it has taken an “unconventional approach” with this striking redesign in a bid to give the SUV a fresh look and maximize interior space.
Sending Defender 130 vibes when viewed from the side, the 2024 Santa Fe also gets major changes on the inside. This is the latest model to adopt a curved dual-screen setup, and in typical Hyundai fashion, you still have separate controls for climate settings. There are old-school buttons and knobs mixed with capacitive touch keys in a mix of old and new to please both worlds.
You can easily tell that this is a wide vehicle with ample space between the front seats, with enough room for two wireless charging pads side by side. Another design trend we’ve noticed here is the continuous air vent, extending from one side of the dash to the other. Recycled plastic is used to make floor mats, headliners, and even the backs of the second and third row seats that fold fully. Another sustainable material found inside is faux leather, which covers the door cards.
Featured in an adjacent gallery, the copper-painted 2024 Santa Fe has a “2.5T” logo on the back, alongside what we can guess is “HTRAC”.
The full debut is scheduled to take place next month on Hyundai’s YouTube channel.
