Hyundai has lifted the veil on its new Santa Fe seven-seater – and there’s a lot more to this boxy bus than its polarising design.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the car’s arrival in Australia during the first half of 2024.
How big is the new Hyundai Santa Fe?
The new Santa Fe has grown up compared to its predecessor.
At 4830mm long and 1900mm wide, it’s 55mm longer than the SUV it replaces – but the same width. The 2815mm wheelbase is 50mm longer than before, which should help free up more legroom for rear passengers.
Weights range from 2060kg for the base 2.5-litre model, to 2295kg for the plug-in hybrid.
Claimed boot space is 725 litres with the second row in place, up 91L on the car it replaces.
Interior space has been improved across the board courtesy of the bigger exterior, longer wheelbase, and boxier design.
Hyundai claims the second and third rows both feature more legroom than before (up 20mm and 15mm respectively), and says there’s now 69mm more headroom in the rearmost seats. The third row also now reclines further.
What engines are available in the new Hyundai Santa Fe?
In South Korea and the USA, the Santa Fe will be available with two engines. The entry-level is a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder making 207kW and 422Nm.
It’s mated with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, and claimed fuel economy is 9.0L/100km.
Also available will be a hybrid, which mates a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The maximum engine outputs are 132kW and 265Nm, but Hyundai hasn’t detailed how much it makes in tandem with the electric motor. Claimed fuel economy is 6.5L/100km.
The current Santa Fe hybrid has a very similar powertrain, and is good for 169kW and 350Nm.
A plug-in hybrid will be offered in Europe, and a non-turbocharged petrol will be offered in some corners of the world – but we’re expecting to see the 2.5-litre turbo and the 1.6-litre hybrid in Australia.
Notable is the death of diesel; this is the first Santa Fe to be sold without a diesel engine option.
What is the new Hyundai Santa Fe like inside?
The exterior’s boxy theme is carried over into the interior, which mixes straight lines with soft-touch leather-like surfaces.
Hyundai says the cabin has been “inspired by natural light”, and the bright-coloured seats feature Nappa leather, while the door and dash have suede accents and wood-patterned panels.
A large curved rectangular slab houses a 12.3-inch instrumentation display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. There’s also a 6.6-inch climate touchscreen display, and a digital rear-view mirror that uses a camera to project a live feed of what’s behind the car.
As with the exterior window graphics, the chunky four-spoke steering wheel has a strong Defender influence, with boxy shapes and a central airbag cover with a simple stripe in place of the Hyundai badge.
The Santa Fe also features a column-mounted gear selector.
To go with the “outdoor lifestyle” aesthetic, the Santa Fe has dials and large buttons on the dashboard. There is a small secondary touchscreen for the climate control system.
The centre tunnel features two wireless smartphone charging pads, two 27W USB-C ports, two oversized cupholders, and an open-air storage underneath.
Recycled plastic material is used for the new Santa Fe’s faux suede headliner, floor mats, and second- and third-row seat backs. Additionally the crash pad and door trim are covered in an “eco-friendly” leatherette.
What equipment will the new Hyundai Santa Fe have?
Safety
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist and active lane-centring
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Surround-view camera
- Safe exit assist
Convenience
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Surround-view camera
- Smartphone-based keyless entry
- In car UV-C system to disinfect smartphones
Expect full pricing and specifications in the lead-up to the car’s launch.
What colours will be offered on the new Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Abyss Black Pearl
- Creamy White Pearl
- Creamy White Matte
- Typhoon Silver Metallic
- Magnetic Grey Metallic
- Ocado Green Pearl
- Terracotta Orange
- Cyber Sage Pearl
- Earthy Brass Metallic Matte
- Pebble Blue Pearl
Inside, the following colours will be offered:
- Obsidian Black
- Supersonic Grey
- Pecan Brown
- Forest Green
- Black Ink
