New Hyundai Santa Fe Spied Undisguised In The Real World
Hyundai’s popular SUV, the Santa Fe, is set to receive a new generation makeover. Studio images of the upcoming Santa Fe were revealed earlier this week and now, for the first time, test mules of the SUV have been spotted in the real world without any camouflage.
These latest images give us a clear view of the rear and side profile of the new Santa Fe. Starting with the rear, there’s a polarising placement of the tail lights that might not appeal to everyone. The LED signature of the tail lights also leaves much to be desired. The rear washer wiper is positioned behind the spoiler, similar to newer Range Rover vehicles. Moving on to the side profile, the Santa Fe bears a resemblance to the new full-fat Range Rover, particularly in the way the windows merge into the door panels. Interestingly, the overall silhouette somewhat resembles the new Land Rover Defender 130.
Shifting our focus to the front, we can see similarities with the Ford Bronco Sport, specifically the less off-road-oriented variant. The flat front profile exudes an old-school charm while incorporating modern and edgy lines.
Stepping inside the new Santa Fe, the steering wheel catches our attention with its resemblance to Range Rover vehicles, including the badge shape. However, unlike other Hyundai models, this steering wheel badge features four dots. The interior also boasts twin horizontal digital displays housed together, taking center stage. It follows a minimalist design approach with very few buttons.
Under the hood, the new Santa Fe is expected to feature a sole 2.5L turbo petrol engine option, delivering an impressive 277 bhp and 421 Nm of torque. In addition, Hyundai is likely to introduce mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options at a later stage. As for its release in the Indian market, considering the previous Santa Fe model didn’t achieve significant success, it’s uncertain whether the new model will launch in 2024 or 2025.
Overall, the undisguised test mule sightings give us a glimpse of what to expect from the new Hyundai Santa Fe. While opinions may differ on certain design elements such as the tail light placement, there are definitely some interesting style cues taken from renowned SUV manufacturers like Range Rover and Land Rover. With its powerful engine options and potential hybrid variants, the new Santa Fe aims to impress SUV enthusiasts. We eagerly await its official launch to delve deeper into its features and capabilities.