Chief designer SangYup Lee has creatively drawn inspiration for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe from various sources, including bird’s tails, art exhibitions, factories, architects, and even a parking lot at Costco. During the unveiling in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he confessed to AutoMotorMart that the vastness of Costco’s parking lot, filled with thousands of cars, provoked him to think about what would make the Santa Fe stand out.
The fresh design for the 2024 Santa Fe involved mining big data for trends, specifically targeting the predicted trend of “outdoor lifestyle.” Lee’s interpretation of this led to a bolder, more angular design for the mid-size crossover, giving it a modern and classic SUV appearance.
Its design includes elements reminiscent of Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender, and even Lego trucks. The fifth generation of the vehicle bears little resemblance to previous iterations, with features like boxed ends, flat roof, vertical tailgate, flexed wheel arches, and a distinctive H-shaped light signature.
While about six inches shorter in length than Hyundai’s largest three-row SUV, the Palisade, the new Santa Fe has grown in most dimensions. It is 1.8 inches longer, with a nearly two-inch longer wheelbase to accommodate a more functional third row. The vehicle’s ground clearance remains unchanged at 8.2 inches, but its muscular appearance is accentuated by elements like square corners, 21-inch wheels, and more prominently positioned front axle and fenders.
Among the eye-catching features is the H-shaped LED running lights that resemble a cattle brand. The aesthetics continue with details like a C-pillar-hidden lift handle and gloss black coverings that contribute to a cohesive appearance.
Under the hood, the Santa Fe will be offered with a 277-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4 engine or a 1.6-liter turbo-4 hybrid powertrain. Despite a seemingly disappointing powertrain lineup, there have been improvements to meet stricter emissions regulations, and the North American market may also receive a plug-in hybrid option.
Hyundai’s focus on efficiency is also reflected in the Santa Fe’s drag coefficient, reduced to 0.29 from 0.33, influenced by the company’s experience with electric vehicles like the Ioniq series.
Lee’s collaboration with Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group’s president and chief creative officer, has been a driving force behind the Santa Fe’s design and the broader elevation of the Hyundai and Genesis brands. They share an unorthodox and creative relationship that has fostered their most successful design projects.
The Santa Fe’s thoughtful interior design continues to impress with technological and luxury features seamlessly blended with classic style elements. The functional and aesthetic choices extend to the center console, third-row accommodations, and expansive cargo area.
An unexpected source of inspiration, Costco’s parking lot, influenced the design of the wide, tall tailgate, reflecting Lee’s insights into how families use their vehicles. He emphasized that for a family car like the mid-size SUV, high-tech elements must also be user-friendly.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe represents a significant departure in design philosophy and is an illustration of how Lee’s diverse inspirations and collaboration with Donckerwolke can translate into a product that aspires to stand out in a crowded market. The report is provided courtesy of AutoMotorMart, who were offered travel and accommodation by Hyundai.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
What inspired the design of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Chief designer SangYup Lee drew inspiration from various sources including bird’s tails, art exhibitions, architects, factories, and even a Costco parking lot.
Who was involved in the designing process of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?
SangYup Lee, head of Genesis and Hyundai’s global design center, and Luc Donckerwolke, president and chief creative officer of Hyundai Motor Group, were instrumental in the design.
What are the key features of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2024 Santa Fe features a bigger, boxier, and blockier design with elements resembling Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender, and Lego trucks. It includes H-shaped LED running lights, boxed ends, flexed wheel arches, and a redesigned interior with modern tech blending with classic style elements.
How has the new Santa Fe changed in dimensions compared to its predecessors?
The new Santa Fe is about six inches shorter in length than the Palisade but is 1.8 inches longer and 1.4 inches taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase extends nearly two inches longer.
What engine options will be available for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe?
At launch, it will be offered with a 277-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4 with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic or a 1.6-liter turbo-4 hybrid powertrain. A plug-in hybrid option may also be available in the North American market.
How did Costco’s parking lot inspire the 2024 Santa Fe’s design?
Lee was inspired by Costco’s vast parking lot filled with thousands of cars, leading him to think about what would make the Santa Fe stand out. This insight specifically influenced the design of the wide and tall tailgate for ease of use, reflecting how customers interact with their vehicles.
More about fokus keyword 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe official page
- Hyundai’s Global Design Center
- Interview with SangYup Lee
- Overview of Hyundai’s Vehicle Lineup
- Costco’s influence on design
- Hyundai America Technical Center