Hyundai is currently in the midst of a process that sees the South Korean automaker positioning itself slightly upmarket and one of the models that are set to take full advantage of this is the 2019 Santa Fe.
For instance, despite the fact that the Santa Fe prototype you can find in the piece of spy footage below is the three-row version of the SUV, the vehicle is undergoing Nurburgring testing - the days when high-riding Hyundais lacked confidence through the twisties are now behind us.
Those who prefer the two-row Santa Fe Sport shouldn't fret, as the carmaker should also introduce such a new model.
Returning to the tester we have here, the heavy camouflage prevents us from getting a proper idea on the all-new crossover's look. Nevertheless, we can see that the face of the car has borrowed a few visual clues from the Hyundai Kona, with the headlights and the daytime running lights coming as separate units (the main lights use a vertical arrangement, sitting below the DRLs, which are found close to the edge of the hood).
Then we have the rear-view mirrors, which seem to have migrated from the base of the A-pillars to the doors.
While the two-row car will make use of four-cylinder mills, the three-row version should offer six-pots. The boldest rumor floating around talks about the automaker working to introduce a hybrid powertrain on the Santa Fe, with this making use of a 2.0-liter turbo-four.
The generation change should bring a massive boost in terms of perceived cabin quality, so the passengers will get to enjoy the machine just as much as the driver.
Speaking of rumors, Hyundai could bring back the Veracruz moniker for the three-row SUV, with the nameplate having been retired back in 2012.
The next-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is set to land next year, with the crossover coming as a 2019 model.
Those who prefer the two-row Santa Fe Sport shouldn't fret, as the carmaker should also introduce such a new model.
Returning to the tester we have here, the heavy camouflage prevents us from getting a proper idea on the all-new crossover's look. Nevertheless, we can see that the face of the car has borrowed a few visual clues from the Hyundai Kona, with the headlights and the daytime running lights coming as separate units (the main lights use a vertical arrangement, sitting below the DRLs, which are found close to the edge of the hood).
Then we have the rear-view mirrors, which seem to have migrated from the base of the A-pillars to the doors.
While the two-row car will make use of four-cylinder mills, the three-row version should offer six-pots. The boldest rumor floating around talks about the automaker working to introduce a hybrid powertrain on the Santa Fe, with this making use of a 2.0-liter turbo-four.
The generation change should bring a massive boost in terms of perceived cabin quality, so the passengers will get to enjoy the machine just as much as the driver.
Speaking of rumors, Hyundai could bring back the Veracruz moniker for the three-row SUV, with the nameplate having been retired back in 2012.
The next-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is set to land next year, with the crossover coming as a 2019 model.