Hyundai offers sneak peek at 2019 Santa Fe
SUV to adopt new face, more upright stance
Hyundai offered a glimpse at the silhouette of the new fourth-generation 2019 Santa Fe in late January, ahead of the SUV’s full reveal in Geneva in March.
The teaser image seems to suggest the Santa Fe will go for a slightly more upright stance and slightly more boxy look, giving it a feel somewhere between an oversized Kona and an Audi wannabe. Spy photos hint at the new Hyundai grille seen on the Veloster making its appearance here, plus narrowed headlights with large lower fog lamps.
The silhouette image is of a threerow Santa Fe XL, though it’s likely the shorter-wheelbase five-seater model will be refreshed as well. Rumours are the seven-seat XL may grow into an eight-seat model for 2019.
Hyundai’s official statement mentions only the tech in the Santa Fe, “a comprehensive package of Hyundai’s latest active safety features under the Smart Sense technology umbrella.”
The company seems particularly focused on dangers aft of the driver, promising both a “Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning ” that will apply the brakes if you’re about to hit someone when backing out of a parking spot blind, and an industry-first “Rear Occupant Alert” to let the driver know if they’ve forgotten someone in the back seat.
It’s probably safe to assume Hyundai’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo will live in the five-seater, with the 3.3-L V6 possibly powering the XL. Sales should begin late in 2018, with the new Santa Fe being branded a 2019 model.