The Fifth-Gen Hyundai Santa Fe is Big, Bold and Boxy

In a surprise move, Hyundai has unveiled the all-new Santa Fe midsize SUV, featuring a totally reenvisioned look inside and out.

We say “surprise” not so much because of the fifth-generation reveal, as the Santa Fe was due for a new vibe relatively soon, but because this next-gen overhaul is quite the departure from the aesthetic territory covered by previous models.

At first glance, it seemingly climbs the design ladder to the same rungs as Hyundai’s electric initiatives with the minimalized grille and bespoke lighting; however, this is still very clearly internal combustion in at least some form, given away by the exposed exhaust tip in back. Externally, the new Santa Fe is chiseled out with a blocky design matched by the aforementioned lighting elements, the headline of which are the distinctive H-shaped headlamps. In fact, the letter ‘H’ seems to have played heavily in the Santa Fe’s latest iteration, as Hyundai themselves describe an “H-motif” used in the lower front design and in the taillights. ‘H’ for ‘Hyundai,’ it would seem.

Moving inside, the H-motif continues with particular elements used in the dashboard and air vents. Moving back, the cabin’s second and third rows can be fully folded to provide additional cargo space, further aided by an enlarged tailgate. We expect technology to be a big part of this modern midsize utility, one such piece being Hyundai’s Panoramic Curved Display– a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster joined by an equally-sized infotainment screen.

We know it rides on a longer wheelbase; however, exact details regarding dimensions, volume and powertrain are yet to be confirmed. We should have a better picture when the new Hyundai Santa Fe premieres online this August.