Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised about the distinctive and challenging exterior design of the new Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. After all, this is the company that has revealed the aggressive Ioniq 5 N, expressive Ioniq 6, and futuristic Sonata in recent months.
Hyundai says that the 2024 Santa Fe is based on a lifestyle-based design typology and a goal of maximizing cargo space, and while we don’t know its dimensions, it looks significantly longer than the current model.
In front, there are H-shaped daytime running lights – perhaps designed this way in case anyone forgot that this is actually a Hyundai. It has a tall hood, protruding fenders, and 21-inch wheels. The mini-Land Rover look is accomplished by the blocky lines and the blacked-out A-pillars, but it’s the rear aspect that is perhaps the most controversial.
The H-shaped taillights mirror those in front, and they’re positioned low down below a giant slab of tailgate with enormous Sante Fe script across it. This enlargened tailgate provides uninterrupted access to the cargo area, but it also looks large enough to land a helicopter on, so care will probably have to be taken when opening it. When open, Hyundai claims the Sante Fe offers a terrace-like feel and complements an outdoor lifestyle.
Hyundai has only said that the Sante Fe’s exterior colors are inspired by natural light but hasn’t yet detailed the palette. Based on this description, we can expect a range of greys, silvers, and pastel-like hues.