Although still relatively “fresh” on the market — the current generation came to us in 2018 — a (very) renewed will be released later this year. Hyundai Santa Fe , the largest SUV of the South Korean brand available in Europe.
It won't be difficult to distinguish the “new” from the “old”. Santa Fe saw its front deeply restyled, with an emphasis on the front grille that now expands to virtually the entire width. This not only features a 3D pattern, but also includes new headlights.
Despite still maintaining the distinct bipartite optics, the two are now “joined” through a new luminous signature in “T”, which will also serve as a direction indicator.
In the rest of the bodywork, the differences are more discreet. The plastic protections that surround the body are changed to the same color, and at the rear we now have redesigned optics with a thin reflective strip joining them, as well as new bumpers. Finally, we have 19″ and 20″ redesigned wheels (a first for the model).
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Inside…
…of the revamped Hyundai Santa Fe, the highlight goes to the new, raised and floating center console — this now integrates the transmission's new shift-by-wire selector and a new Terrain Mode selector, which changes driving modes, or when in off-road driving, it changes various parameters depending on the type of terrain.
Topping the center console we also see a new touchscreen for the infotainment system that grows from the 7″ of the current model to a much more expressive 10.25″ (standard). The instrument panel also becomes fully digital (12.3″).
Renovated Hyundai Santa Fe… electrified
Currently available in Portugal with only one Diesel engine, with the renewal of the South Korean SUV, we will see two Smartstream electrified engines being introduced, probably the same ones we have already seen announced for the new Kia Sorento.
Hyundai announces a hybrid engine and a plug-in hybrid for the Santa Fe, without, however, going forward with any specification on the new engines.
Restyling but with a new platform?
Hyundai also announces that the renewed Santa Fe is its first model destined for Europe to be based on its new third-generation platform. It's not at all common in a restyling or upgrade to see a model change platforms — it's not unheard of — when so much of what we see is based on the model we already know.
That said, Hyundai says the new platform integrates a new airflow control system through the engine compartment, which allows for better heat dissipation.
Aerodynamic stability at the bottom of the SUV thus benefits, and is also aided by repositioning lower on the platform for various heavier components — the center of gravity is also lower, according to Hyundai. There are also new attachment points for the steering arms, closer to the center of the front wheels, promising superior agility.
The refinement aboard the renovated Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to be higher, due to the reinforcement of sound insulation systems in parts that are more sensitive to vibrations.
Hyundai also announces that the new platform is able to better absorb the impact of a collision, minimizing the deformation of the survival cell (cabinet). All thanks to the optimization of the structure with pre-programmed deformation, hot stamping and the integration of a high-strength steel plate.
When arrives?
Almost commemorating 20 years of life, the renovated Hyundai Santa Fe begins to reach the most varied European markets from next September . At the moment, no information has been provided regarding the national range or prices.