A pair of teaser images previewing the new 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe have been published.
Prototypes snapped by our spy photographers in recent months have shown a familiar body with revised ends that haven’t been visible due to the presence of camouflage and thick body cladding. Fortunately, these teasers provide us with a good look at the renewed front fascia.
The most obvious alteration comes in the form of thoroughly revised split headlights that features a T-shaped LED daytime running light to really differentiate the new Santa Fe from the outgoing model, as well as other vehicles in Hyundai’s family of models. Also visible at the front is a wide grille featuring a geometric pattern that provides the SUV with a bold new character that will be offered (at least in some markets) with two different inserts for the ‘Standard’ and ‘Luxury’ models.
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The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe ‘Standard’ model
A new platform that allows electrification
While the front fascia will be clearly distinguished from the current Sante Fe, that’s not the most significant change made to the new SUV. Hyundai says it will be based on the brand’s all-new third-generation vehicle platform that will underpin a selection of models and promises to be lighter and more flexibly configured. Mind you, this isn’t the first time that the Kia-Hyundai group has underpinned a current model on a newer platform as they had done the same with the Sorento back in 2012.
According to the Korean carmaker, the new Santa Fe will be the first Hyundai model in Europe and first Hyundai SUV globally to utilize the new architecture that was introduced on the latest (2020) Sonata last year.
The platform “allows for significant improvements in performance, handling and safety.” The utilization of this architecture will also allow Hyundai to sell the new Santa Fe with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains for the first time. Traditional gasoline engines will also be offered.
The current Hyundai Santa Fe has only been on sale in certain markets since the start of 2018, making it somewhat of a surprise the car manufacturer is updating the SUV so quickly and so thoroughly.
Hyundai says more information about the SUV will be revealed in the coming weeks and that in Europe, the new Santa Fe will be available starting this September. Details about its U.S. launch remain unconfirmed.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe ‘Luxury’ model