The current fourth-generation Santa Fe debuted just over two years ago, but Hyundai has already prepared an updated version. Moreover, the modernization went far beyond the banal “facelift”: the crossover has actually undergone a complete reengineering! And its official leitmotif was the desire to “premium”: in the presentation materials, this word is more common than ever.
Hyundai Santa Fe has found a changed face. Stylistically, it is unified with the new Sonata: the massive chrome bar across the entire width of the front has disappeared from the top, the radiator grille is visually United with the new headlights, and The t-shaped running lights have become a characteristic feature. Two patterns of the radiator grille are prepared for different versions.
The feed has also changed. New lights – with a red bridge between them. The same stripe now flaunts in the bumper, and the reverse sections have moved from it to the main blocks. For an additional fee, the Luxury Package is offered, it includes 20-inch wheels (until now, the largest were 19-inch) and a plastic body kit in the body color (before it was always black).
The interior has been revised finishing materials: the developers promise that all plastic is now soft and pleasant to the touch. A modern media system with a 10.25-inch widescreen screen instead of the previous eight-inch one. The sloping console and Central tunnel are completely new, there is a “basement” with a tray for small things. The console now has the “hot” keys of the media system, and instead of the usual lever of the “machine” a push-button remote control. Analog scales have finally disappeared: now a 12.3-inch screen is installed for devices.
At the same time, a major technical upgrade was carried out. Hyundai Santa Fe moved to a new platform unified with the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Sonata models. Hyundai has already had this practice: in 2012, the second-generation Kia Sorento changed its platform during a planned upgrade. This meant new suspensions, stretchers, and steering gear attached to the old body. Something similar has happened now, although architecturally the chassis is the same: McPherson in the front, multi-link in the back. But a different layout of the units allowed to reduce the center of gravity, and as a result, improved handling, safety, and vibration protection are promised.
Unfortunately, the list of power units has not yet been published. So far, the company has only stated that the range will be supplemented by two hybrids at once – “normal” and rechargeable. It is possible that the set of petrol and diesel engines will switch to the Santa Fe with the new Sorento. It was also announced that the crossover has a Terrain Mode system. With a washer on the center console, you can choose the appropriate driving mode of electronics, you can choose the usual presets Eco, Comfort, and Sport, adaptive Smart, as well as off-road Sand, Snow and Mud (sand, snow, and mud).
In South Korea, sales of updated Hyundai Santa Fe crossovers will begin by the end of June. The launch in Europe is scheduled for September. About the same time, you can expect cars in Russia.
