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Hyundai's fifth-generation Santa Fe, codenamed MX5, has garnered attention as it was first spotted in the country.
The fully redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe MX5, which has received immense interest even before its launch,
continues to raise questions about its release date, expected design, hybrid options, pre-orders, interior, and pricing.
The previously revealed body was covered in camouflage, but the vehicle spotted this time, presumed to be the Santa Fe,
features a boxy design along with signature 'H'-shaped headlights and taillights, indicating that
it is indeed the fully redesigned Santa Fe, which aims for a launch in August next year.
The new Santa Fe showcases a boxy design reminiscent of the new Land Rover Defender, along with a significantly larger body,
presenting a completely different look compared to the previous Santa Fe.
Photo source: Zephlex x Carspotter Instagram, Carspotter Instagram, kimyou_min
The front end features rectangular LED headlights and Hyundai's H-shaped daytime running light graphics,
showing a unique and differentiated appearance.
It somewhat resembles the angular front of the Kia Mohave.
The bumper likely includes a large air intake in the center and vertical air curtains at both ends.
Photo source: Zephlex x Carspotter Instagram, Carspotter Instagram, kimyou_min
The side profile of the Santa Fe fully redesigned MX5 draws comparisons to the new Land Rover Defender 110 model,
with its boxy silhouette and a significantly larger body compared to the previous model.
The increased hood height and overall square design stand out, and
the angle of the windows has been raised, with a uniquely shaped roof rack visible.
Currently, the Santa Fe measures 15.7 feet in length, 6.2 feet in width, 5.6 feet in height, and has a wheelbase of 9.1 feet.
In comparison, the competing Kia Sorento measures 15.8 feet in length, 6.2 feet in width, 5.6 feet in height, with a wheelbase of 9.2 feet.
The Santa Fe is slightly shorter in length and wheelbase.
The previous fourth-generation Santa Fe sold only 57,578 units last year, while the Kia Sorento achieved sales of 76,883 units. The more expensive Palisade sold 64,791 units, which indicates that
the performance of the fourth-generation Santa Fe is indeed disappointing.
The powertrain is expected to feature a lineup similar to the current Sorento, including a 2.5-liter turbo gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter hybrid engine.
However, the hybrid model may likely use a new 8-speed transmission instead of the current 6-speed transmission.
Therefore, while the recently launched Tucson offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in a similar size to the Santa Fe,
the Santa Fe does not currently offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid models for purchase in the domestic market, which has also contributed to its struggles.
The situation has worsened with the launch of Kia's next-generation Sportage.
The next-generation Sportage from Kia, like the Tucson, features a larger size and hybrid models,
attracting consumers with its revamped design and emerging as a new competitor in the sales race.
Currently, the Santa Fe does not seem capable of reviving its sales with its existing design.
Photo source: Zephlex x Carspotter Instagram, Carspotter Instagram, kimyou_min
The interior features a white leather finish, with the second and third rows folding down,
showing a significantly more spacious interior compared to the previous Santa Fe.
In light of the poor sales of the Santa Fe, Hyundai has decided to completely revamp the design and
embark on the development of the fifth-generation Santa Fe, which will be sized like a large SUV,
and rumors are circulating that the launch of the Santa Fe MX5 will be expedited.
Therefore, the Santa Fe MX5 is expected to be released 8 to 10 months ahead of schedule.