Hyundai's Stunning New SUV Looks Like a Futuristic Land Rover

Hyundai didn’t pull any punches with the new Santa Fe’s appearance. It abandons the rounded form of the previous model for a new boxy silhouette — very boxy. The back end almost looks like it’s a 90-degree cutoff.

Distinctive H-shaped LED lights front and rear give the Santa Fe a futuristic vibe reminiscent of the Ioniq cars. And the silhouette and certain design elements seem to draw inspiration from the Range Rover and the Defender.

Hyundai has not discussed the 2024 Santa Fe’s engine lineup yet. But badging in the photos reveals that it will maintain its 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which puts out 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque in the current generation. The badging also shows the Santa Fe using Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system.

We don’t think that will be the only engine option. Hyundai sells both conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the current model. We’d be surprised if Hyundai did not offer one or both of the 1.6-liter hybrid variants from the previous generation.

The current Santa Fe is a two-row SUV with seating capacity for five. Hyundai has confirmed the Santa Fe is getting a third row of seats. We don’t know whether the third row will be optional or standard yet. But Hyundai says it will be fully foldable.

The current Santa Fe predated the latest Hyundai interior design language. It still has an array of chunky metal buttons and a protruding touchscreen, among other features. Photos show a new and distinctive Santa Fe interior with a curved and connected infotainment and digital display, available Nappa leather and a bit of a Land Rover vibe there as well.

One element that should carry over from the previous generation is spaciousness, which Hyundai describes as “best-in-class” and “terrace-like.”

On the brand’s YouTube channel, Hyundai says the Santa Fe will make its full debut in August 2024.