The camouflaged prototype clearly hints at a design direction that many observers compare to a rugged, Korean interpretation of the Land Rover Defender, a comparison popularized by KCB. Hyundai and its design team chose a generation shift for the Santa Fe with the goal of reversing lagging sales. In a market where the Kia Sorento has been gaining ground, the Santa Fe’s makers decided that a bold styling leap could translate into stronger demand.
With a new generation in mind, the plan centers on a more muscular silhouette and a boxier profile than the current model. Early renderings and spy photos suggest the headlights will adopt a rectangular form accented by an LED daytime running light pattern that forms an H- or block-style motif. The taillights are expected to mirror this lighting language, reinforcing a cohesive face for the crossover family.
Historically, the Santa Fe held a leading position in South Korea’s crossover SUV segment before the MQ4 Sorento arrived, underscoring Hyundai Motor Company’s long commitment to all-terrain practicality. The model’s debut as a new generation was anticipated to arrive as a 2024 model, with a staged rollout aimed at energizing a segment known for rapid design and feature evolution.
If the industry timeline holds, the Santa Fe’s fourth generation would continue Hyundai’s tradition of blending spacious interior packaging with a capable chassis, while pushing refinement in aerodynamics and technology. The company’s strategy has consistently focused on providing a strong value proposition through a balance of comfort, versatility, and advanced safety tech, which could help the Santa Fe stand out in a crowded crossover market.
Sourcephoto: KCB