2024 Hyundai Santa Fe aims for Land Rover with boxy design

The redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe was unveiled Monday, marking a new design direction for the midsize crossover SUV.

While previous generations of the Santa Fe followed the crossover's structure in styling, this fifth-generation model, which will arrive in U.S. showrooms for the 2024 model year, features a boxy design taken straight out of the Land Rover lookbook.

With the Santa Fe's first redesign since the 2019 model year, the new model is defined by angles, from the rectangular headlights and grille to the sharply angled fender flares surrounding the 21-inch wheels and the squared-off rear end. The headlight and taillight elements are shaped like an "H" for brand identity.

The next-generation model will offer three rows of seats, but since the current Santa Fe is sold only as a five-seater, it is unclear if a third row will be available in the United States. Hyundai claims "class-leading interior space" and says the tailgate has been widened to improve utility. It should make loading and unloading easier and be a great place for tailgate parties.

The interior design follows the same angular theme as the exterior. In keeping with current design trends, a large touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel are placed side by side, and the center console is high with storage space beneath it. The Santa Fe is wide enough to accommodate two wireless phone charging pads and USB ports side by side. Most of the controls are located on the panel above it, including analog knobs to control the temperature and audio volume.

Hyundai used sustainable materials such as recycled plastic for the headliner, mats, and second- and third-row seatbacks. Synthetic leather, which the automaker currently counts as a sustainable material, is used for door trim. However, real nappa leather and wood trim will continue to be available.

Hyundai has yet to discuss mechanical details, but expects much to carry over. Hyundai has switched the Santa Fe to a new platform for the 2020 model year, as it aligns it with a redesigned version of the related Kia Sorento. The revised Sorento is expected to debut with the new Santa Fe as a 2024 model. Both powertrains will likely be part of the same lineup, consisting of naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrids.

More details on the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe are expected to be revealed in August.