Hyundai Motor Company revealed the latest generation of its Santa Fe SUV, in a first full model change since 2018. Originally created in 2011, the Santa Fe is now in its fifth generation and coincides with Hyundai’s intention to move up the scale towards becoming a more premium brand. The recent critical acclaim of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and 6 shows that the South Korean brand is becoming more respected globally and when there’s a new release, you sit up and listen.

The 2023 Santa Fe carries the same principles as the previous generation. As a midsize SUV, it hopes to be versatile, working as efficiently in the city as it is in the country and ‘lifestyle-based design typology’ has caused rear boot capacity to be increased in order to accommodate those who enjoy outdoor activities. This is a point that is hammered home by SangYung Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center who said:

“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 car camping adventures.”

Looks wise the Santa Fe’s boxy shape is radically different to what was expected from Hyundai, with more of a Land Rover Defender feel present here. There are Hyundai themes all over, with H-shaped headlamps matching the H-motif front design and the ‘Santa Fe’ name hard to miss on the boot lid. The wheelbase has been lengthened to create a more imposing stance and chunky wheel arches house 21-inch alloy wheels.

Inside what is expected to be solely a seven-seater, both the second and third tows of seats are able to be folded. There is a curved dual-screen display with a 12.3-inch digital cluster that is connected to the central screen on the infotainment system. In what now seems like a rarity these days, actual physical dials and buttons can be used to control temperature and audio on the large control panel located lower on the dash.

There are plenty of SUVs - many of which are EVs - currently out and Hyundai will be hoping to challenge those at the upper echelons of the market with this effort. Whilst this won’t be fully electric yet, the Santa Fe will come as a plug-in hybrid with a larger than usual battered to give it a better electric range. Hyundai will have its all-electric angle covered by the release of the Ioniq 7 which will go up against the new Kia EV9. The new SUV will be eco-friendly in other ways though, incorporating the use of a number of sustainable materials. The suede headliner, car mats and second and third-row seatbacks are made from recycled plastic, while the crash pad and door trim covers are made from eco-friendly leatherette.

Starting at £43,240, the Santa Fe isn’t cheap and reaffirms Hyundai’s intention to fit into the more premium section of the market. Whether people will choose it over other SUVs on the market remains to be seen however, you cannot knock Hyundai for daring to be a little different.

The all-new Santa Fe will make its world premiere in August on Hyundai’s YouTube channel.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Hyundai