The Upcoming Santa Fe Will Be Completely Transformed

At Rairdon’s Hyundai of Bellingham, you will find a whole roster of crossovers from the small but effective Venue to the large award-winning Palisade. But the Santa Fe hasn’t been forgotten. Over the years, it has grown in size from compact to mid-size. It has grown in sophistication as well with more powerful and hybrid drivetrains, digital gauge clusters and information screens, and a suite of driver assistance features.

A Bold Departure

And yet, no one was prepared for the bold transformation of the all-new 5th-generation model. It is a completely new design and design language that carries over nothing from the previous model and just a little from other Hyundai models. The new Santa Fe is a celebration of straight lines and sharp corners. The squared-off SUV has been done before, but the Santa Fe makes the idea all its own with flush, H-themed headlights flanking a full-width grille which is bisected horizontally by an LED light bar that is standard on all models. At the distinctly squared-off rear, matching H-themed taillights emerge from invisibility from a vehicle-wide trim strip within the wide tailgate. Unbroken straight lines above and below the side windows define a blacked-out greenhouse that wraps all around the cabin. Sharp-edged fender flares break up the smooth, subtly convex side panels. It is a look that clearly says “luxury brand” even as Santa Fe remains value-packed.

Inside, the H-shape and vehicle-wide trim themes continue with a door-to-door bar containing climate control vents that match the head and tail lights. The driver is informed by a 12.3-inch digital display that is part of a first-in-class Panoramic Curved Display that extends to a similarly sized infotainment display. 

Thanks to a longer wheelbase and overall length, the Santa Fe has transformed from a 2-row 5-seater to a 3-row 7-seater. Or you can opt for 2nd-row captain’s chairs and seat 6. Everyone has more room. The second-row legroom’s length has increased to 42.3 inches for non-electrified models and to 41.5 inches for hybrids. Third-row legroom’s length is about 30 inches. While there is plenty of headroom, the 3rd-row seatbacks also can recline 10 degrees for added comfort.

Industry-First Features

Extended user research and interviews were conducted prior to Santa Fe’s design and it shows in several first-in-class and some first-in-industry features. On upper trims, the first-row Relaxation Seat with Leg Rest allows occupants to relax in a comfortable position that helps simulate a weightless experience for its occupants. Other innovations include a Bilateral Multi-Console storage space that can be opened by both front and rear passengers. Just in front of that is a UV-C Sterilization Tray and dual wireless charging system for smartphones. Outside on the C-pillar, just behind the rear side doors, is a panel that swings inward at the bottom to enable a hand-hold that facilitates access to the roof when the roof rack is being used. The panel can be locked in place when not needed.

If you have packed the cargo area to the headliner, you can still see directly behind you with the available digital rearview mirror. Hyundai’s Digital Key system is now in Santa Fe, which allows you to use your smartphone as a car key using Near-field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Ultra-wideband (UWB) protocols. As much as we would like to see you visit our dealership, it won’t be for software updates, as that can be accomplished over the air.

Likely the least surprising thing about the new Santa Fe is that it will come with a full suite of driver assistance features. These include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 – Provides a warning and emergency braking if the preceding vehicle suddenly slows down or if a forward collision risk is detected.
• Lane Following Assist 2 – Recognises when your vehicle is drifting out of the lane and helps provide slight steering inputs to return the vehicle back to the center of its lane.
• New Driver Attention Warning (DAW) – Analyzes the driver’s attention and can provide warnings when necessary. 
• Driver Monitoring System (DMS) – Hyundai Motor’s first in North America, analyzes a driver’s vital signs to help ensure safe driving.
• Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control 2 – Helps maintain a safe speed while taking curves on the main section of a motorway. 
• Highway Driving Assist 2 – Helps maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. It also assists with lane changes while driving on the main section of a motorway and helps center the vehicle in the lane while driving.
• Other available driver-assist features include:
  • Intelligent Speed Limit Assist,
  • Rear View Monitor
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Front/Rear Parking Distance Warning
  • Surround View Monitor
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist
  • Safe Exit Assist.

Two Frugal Drivetrains

The new Santa Fe will be offered with two different drivetrains. The non-electrified version will use a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 connected to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (Theta III 2.5T GDI – 8DCT). It produces 277 hp with a peak torque of 181 lb-ft. The hybrid model uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission (Gamma III 1.6T GDI HEV – 6AT) and, of course, an electric motor. The combined power for this drivetrain has not yet been announced, nor have mpg estimates.

The new Santa Fe will make its in-person debut to the North American public at the Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November. You can expect to see it here at Rairdon’s Hyundai of Bellingham in the first half of 2024.