By Moses Akaigwe
Hyundai Motor Company’s all-new SANTA FE SUV has debuted through a digital world premiere with an ‘Open for More’ concept that conveys the model’s radical transformation centered on its new wide tailgate.
To commemorate the heritage and iconic significance of SANTA FE brand, which spans from its first generation to the fourth, culminating in the recently launched fifth generation, the global launch event and the world premiere filming took place in the beautiful region of Santa Fe in New Mexico, the source of inspiration for the SANTA FE brand.
In the World Premiere Film, the all-new SANTA FE’s wide tailgate seamlessly connects the inside with the outside, expanding consumers’ everyday experiences. The tailgate area, once a storage space, now becomes an open terrace that can be used to effortlessly enjoy the outdoors.The fifth-generation SANTA FE enhances the midsize SUV’s city-friendly, adventure-ready appeal with a class-leading, terrace-like living space made possible by its longer wheelbase and larger tailgate opening. The longer wheelbase also allows the new model to offer enhanced third-row seating.
Hyundai Motor broadcast the all-new SANTA FE’s digital world premiere film on company channels. “Since the first-generation SANTA FE’s debut 23 years ago, this iconic SUV has won the hearts of millions of customers around the world,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “The All-New Santa Fe’s bold and powerful identity, which encompasses the boundless outdoors and urban landscape, will establish an unrivaled presence in the mid-sized SUV market.”
Exterior design: Bold SUV’s powerful presence reflects a growing outdoor lifestyle trend
For SANTA FE’s first full-model change since 2018, Hyundai Motor adopted an unusual design strategy by starting from the enlarged tailgate area to better facilitate the enjoyment of the outdoors and then moving on to design the exterior.
The new model’s efficient, boxy shape and long wheelbase help convey a powerful presence while the strong yet delicately crafted external design is well-suited to both urban and nature-focused settings.
“The all-new Santa Fe is an SUV that finds a perfect balance between city life and the great outdoors, handling everything from busy family itineraries to camping adventures,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “With its longer wheelbase, roomy interior and terrace-like tailgate space, the new Santa Fe leans into its SUV strengths to offer more versatility than ever before with a premium customer experience.”
In global markets, the new model is available in 10 exterior colours, including Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Creamy White Matte, Typhoon Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Ocado Green Pearl, Terracotta Orange, Cyber Sage Pearl, Earthy Brass Metallic Matte and Pebble Blue Pearl.
In North America, it is available in 11 exterior colours, including Phantom Black, Serenity White Pearl, Curated Silver Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Ultimate Red Metallic, Earthy Brass Metallic Matte, Atlantis Blue Pearl, Hampton Gray, Terracotta Orange, and Rockwood Green Pearl.
Interior design: Horizontal and vertical design elements neatly convey a solid SUV character
SANTA FE’s all-new interior contrasts with the exterior by emphasizing horizontal and vertical design elements and matching the tone and mood of the exterior. An H-shaped design is applied to the dashboard and air vents to enhance the sense of openness and create a unique design balance.
The new interior comes with useful convenience features, such as a UV-C Sterilization Tray and dual wireless charging system for smartphones, to create a sophisticated user experience with SUV-like practicality. SANTA FE’s first-in-class Panoramic Curved Display.
Practical body profile facilitates urban and outdoor activities
The all-new SANTA FE provides class-leading cargo capacity and a spacious tailgate opening[2], which is great for urban lifestyles and impresses in outdoor use, offering plenty of room for everything from sports equipment to camping gear. The new model maximizes outdoor functionality with Hidden-type Assist Handle, located in the C-pillar, for improved roof access.
For the all-new SANTA FE, Hyundai prioritized living space by increasing the second-and third-row legroom. The SUV offers best-in-class third-row comfort (with third-row recline) and headroom improvements in response to
Proactive driver assistance and safety features provide the confidence to drive confidently
The all-new SANTA FE is well-equipped with a host of driving assistance and safety features that reduce user involvement and provide a comfortable, confident driving experience whether simply commuting or on a weekend adventure.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 can provide a warning and emergency braking if the preceding vehicle suddenly slows down or if a forward collision risk is detected.
Lane Following Assist 2 employs a windshield-mounted camera to help recognize vehicle drifting and helps provide slight steering inputs to return the vehicle back to the center of its lane.
Plenty of fuel-efficient power for city commutes and outdoor adventures
In Korea and North America, the all-new SANTA FE will be available with two powertrain options. A gasoline 2.5-liter turbocharged engine (Theta III 2.5T GDI – 8DCT) provides maximum engine output of 281 ps and maximum torque of 43.0 kgf·m. A gasoline 1.6-liter Turbocharged Hybrid (Gamma III 1.6T GDI HEV – 6AT) provides maximum engine output of 180 ps and maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m.
In Europe, the all-new SANTA FE will be available with two powertrain options, including the same 1.6-liter Turbocharged Hybrid (Gamma III 1.6T GDI HEV – 6AT), or a gasoline 1.6-liter Turbocharged Plug-in Hybrid (Gamma III 1.6T GDI PHEV – 6AT) with maximum engine output of 160 ps and maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m.
In other regions, the all-new SANTA FE will also be available with a gasoline 2.5-liter engine (Theta III 2.5 GDI – 8AT) with a maximum engine output of 194 ps and maximum torque of 25.1 kgf·m.
Future marketing, sales plans and introducing XRT Concept
The all-new SANTA FE is scheduled for release in Korea in the second half of this year and in North America/Europe in the first half of next year. The North American premiere will be held at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.
When the All-New Santa Fe is ready for the global market, it is expected to be introduced into the Nigerian market by Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited {a part of Stallion Motors} which assembles and markets the brand’s vehicles n the country.