Hyundai Teases Konaesque Styling in Fourth Generation Santa Fe [News]

Fourth Generation Hyundai Santa Fe teaser
[Photo: Hyundai]

Hyundai’s fourth generation Santa Fe gets the squared-off treatment, judging from a new teaser image

The latest Sonata, Accent, and the new Kona represent a major styling shift for Hyundai. As we march into the next decade, automakers have been moving away from curvaceous design elements toward sharp, angular forms. Enter the new Santa Fe, or Hyundai’s teaser, at least. The above photo is the first “unmasked” image the company’s made available. Hyundai’s design language for this new model seems to borrow some cues from the recently-revealed Kona.

Now, I noted the previous generation Hyundai Santa Fe as a handsome car. Even that model, which debuted as a 2013 model – carried a sharper, squared off presence compared to the second generation. The new version takes that another step further. Hyundai appears to have tucked in the Santa Fe’s chin for a near-vertical grille. Around the rear, where the current-generation is sloped toward the bottom, the new model’s tailgate angles back, then drops straight off, a la Mazda CX-9. Mind you, fourth generation Santa Fe’s side window profile seems to share much in common with the Mazda as well.

The front isn’t clearly visible, but it’s no gamble to assume the fourth generation Santa Fe will bear the brand’s now-signature cascading grille, in line with the revised Sonata and Accent. Hyundai also claims the 2019 Santa Fe will deliver a comprehensive package of their latest active safety features – dubbed “Smart Sense” technology. Additions to the car’s safety suite includes a Rear Occupant Alert that lets the driver know when rear seat passengers are in the car. Automatic braking support expands to reversing as well, as it will work in conjunction with the Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.

New Santa Fe will make world debut in Geneva

Hyundai will premiere the fourth generation Santa Fe next month. After that, the Santa Fe will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for all the latest updates on the most anxiously awaited new models.