All-new Hyundai Santa Fe new images and technical details

• Boxy new shape
• More spacious than before
• Brand says new car will get a more upmarket interior

Following its initial reveal in July, we’ve now been issued new images, video and technical specifications for the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe. The brand wants buyers of this latest model to consider it as a more capable outdoors model than before.

Plenty of neat new features are showcased in the video, such as dual wireless charging pads, a glove box-like compartment which can sterilise items inside with UV light, plus a centre console which opens in two directions for front and rear access. There’s also a hidden access handle on the side of the car, allowing for easier access to the roof, and a wide tailgate which Hyundai refers to as the ‘terrace’ – encouraging drivers to use it as a social space when adventuring outdoors.

New Hyundai Santa Fe design details

Although in recent years many manufacturers have tried to incorporate sleek, flowing designs into the traditional SUV recipe, these first pictures of the upcoming Santa Fe reveal a large SUV proudly sporting a boxier, more minimalist look than before. It’s reminiscent of old Land Rover models, and bears some resemblance to the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5.

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At the front the new Hyundai Santa Fe gets LED headlights in the shape of an H, with a relatively flat front fascia. There’s also a single lightbar dividing the grille into two rectangles, with the lower grille also getting rectangular intakes.

Down the side of the new Santa Fe the wide wheel arches that frame the 21-inch alloy wheels get an angular design and the black door pillars give the impression of a floating roof. As suggested, the rear quarter has hints of Land Rover Defender about it, with body-coloured panels sitting around the rear-most side windows.

The very back is similarly boxy, with particularly low rear lights worked into the tailgate which opens to the full width of the car to allow for easier loading and unloading of cargo. Boot space is quoted at 725 litres, though it isn’t clear whether this with the rear-most seats up or down.

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An increased wheelbase over the outgoing model means second-row legroom has increased by 20mm, and third-row legroom has increased by 15mm compared with the old model. Third-row headroom has also increased significantly, meaning the Santa Fe is shaping up to be a spacious seven-seater.

Available with up to seven seats, the second and third rows can be folded down fully leaving a vast interior space the brand describes as “terrace-like” with the boot open. Hyundai says the Santa Fe will be just as capable in urban environments – like when going shopping, transporting DIY equipment, going to the garden centre or transporting pets. 

New Hyundai Santa Fe interior and options

Trim levels and details are yet to be finalised, but the brand has mentioned a Premium Calligraphy version, while also unveiling a more rugged XRT Concept version with a roof box, greater ground clearance and chunky off-road tyres. It’s unclear whether this will make it to production as a fully-fledged Santa Fe variant.

Up front, the big SUV is set to be full of high-tech features such as a panoramic curved display featuring a 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system with a high-end feel, plus gadgetry such as dual wireless device charging, and a UV-C Sterilisation Tray depending on the trim level. Owners will also be able to access and start the Santa Fe with their smartphone.

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The interior will be offered in different coloured finishes such as Obsidian Black, Supersonic Grey, Pecan Brown, Forest Green and Black Ink. Premium options will include high-quality Nappa leather and soft-touch wood-patterned trim. Hyundai says the Santa Fe will also be available with plenty of sustainable materials, such as a suede headliner, car mats and third-row seat backs made of recycled plastic, and door trim pieces covered in eco-friendly synthetic leather.

Santa Fe exterior colours will include Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Creamy White Matte, Typhoon Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic,  Terracotta Orange, Cyber Sage Pearl, Earthy Brass Metallic Matte and Pebble Blue Pearl.

New Hyundai Santa Fe powertrains

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The latest Hyundai Santa Fe will be offered with a choice of two powertrains: a hybrid version with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 176bhp, or a plug-in hybrid with a less powerful 158bhp unit. We expect the PHEV to have a higher total system power output, though specific details on the electric motors haven’t been revealed.

Hyundai quotes a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds for the hybrid model and 9.1 seconds for the plug-in hybrid, with a top speed of 118mph for both models. Fuel economy is quoted at 44mpg for the hybrid and 105mpg for the plug-in model although there’s no word on electric range for the latter.

Hyundai has said that the new Hyundai Santa Fe will go on sale in Europe during the first half of 2024, although prices are yet to be confirmed. Assuming a slight rise on the old car, we’d expect it to start from around £45,000-£50,000.

For our verdict on the outgoing Hyundai Santa Fe, check out our in-depth review…