Hyundai’s all-new Santa Fe - their largest SUV, essentially - has been revealed earlier this month for the South Korean market prior to its worldwide first appearance slated for the Geneva Motor Show in March. Now, however, the company has released even more details about their newest model along with a bunch of new pictures to examine.
For this next generation, Hyundai is going hard to continue the model’s sales success in North America (where it’s called the Santa Fe Sport, though no longer), where it has managed to sell 1.5 million units since the nameplate was introduced. It will be reaching showrooms starting in mid 2018.
As was previously exposed, the Santa Fe’s profile has been streamlined to feature more upright silhouette that’s most accentuated by the more steeply raked windscreen and more horizontal bonnet. However, it’s overall shape is clearly evoking some crossover cues, something that can also be said about the new front fascia that echoes the Kona.
Inside, it’s clear to see that the 2019 Santa Fe was designed to be focused on the driver and occupancy instead of maximising space in the utmost. There’s space for five in the usual guises with a 7-seat variant due to be introduced a little later into its production life.
There’s plenty of leather, which no doubt will be reserved for the highest variant, and a dashboard that’s split into 3 tiers, flowing into the instrument binnacle and central touchscreen. Despite this, it’s quite in keeping with the newest Hyundai’s interiors such as the Ioniq and i30.
Hyundai is also upping the SUV’s entertainment suite with an optional premium audio system that adds a 630-watt, 12 speaker Infinity stereo. The company’s Blue Link system is also installed, letting owners gain access to vehicle information and functionality via a dedicated smartphone/smartwatch app.
For the North American line-up, the 2019 Santa Fe will be offered with a selection of three powertrains, all mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission developed in-house. It kicks off with the familiar 2.4-lite GDI naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder that generate 138kW while a turbocharged 2.0-litre TGDi petrol mill delivers an estimated 173kW.
Rounding things out is a sole diesel engine. Again, Hyundai deploys its trusty 2.2-litre CRDi that delivers around 147kW and peak torque of 434Nm as early as 1,750rpm. Certain engines, when paired with a specific grade, will be paired with Hyundai’s new HTRAC all-wheel drive system. It’s behaviour will adapt to the drive mode selected, helping to offer a more agile, rear-biased character in Sport mode while Comfort would keep grip levels as high as possible.
For more on Hyundai cars, check out our Showroom.
