Following a preview earlier this month, Hyundai has unveiled the 2019 Santa Fe in South Korea.
Looking significantly more upscale than its predecessor, the redesigned model has a bold design which mimics the Kona. The front of the crossover is dominated by a large “cascading” grille which is flanked by LED lights units. Moving further back, there’s gently flowing surfaces, metallic accents and plastic body cladding.
Overall, the Santa Fe measures 4,770mm (187.7 inches) long, 1,890mm (74.4 inches) wide and 1,680mm (66.1 inches) tall with a wheelbase that spans 2,765mm (108.8 inches). This means the model is 70mm (2.7 inches) longer and 10mm (0.3 inches) wider while the wheelbase has grown by 65mm (2.5 inches).
Thanks to the increased dimensions, the cargo capacity of the five-seat model climbs from 585 liters (20.6 cubic feet) to 625 liters (22.0 cubic feet). Likewise, the seven-seat model can store 130 liters (4.5 cubic feet) of luggage behind its third row.
Sticking with the interior, the cabin is all-new and can be equipped with a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display and a power liftgate. Drivers will also find a high-tech infotainment system with voice recognition technology and Apple Car Play compatibility.
An assortment of driver assistance systems will be available and these include frontal collision avoidance, lane departure assistance and smart cruise control with a stop and go function. Other features include highway driving assistance and a rear collision warning system.
In South Korea, the Santa Fe will be offered with three different engines. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 235 PS (172 kW) and 353 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. The 2.0-liter diesel develops 186 PS (136 kW) and 402 Nm (296 lb-ft) of torque, while the larger 2.2-liter unit churns out 202 PS (148 kW) and 441 Nm (325 lb-ft).
All of the engines are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an all-wheel drive system.
The Santa Fe is priced from 28.15 million won ($26,179) and Hyundai says it has already received 14,243 orders for the new model.
