Hyundai Motors is one of the top automotive manufacturers, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company has been manufacturing cost-effective, performance-oriented cars since 1967. Hyundai has a vast lineup of vehicles ranging from sedans to SUVs and hatchbacks. Talking about the Hyundai SUVs, Hyundai Santa Fe is an iconic SUV owing to its mass popularity and high performance.
Read on to learn about Hyundai Santa Fe history that spans around four generations released to date.
Hyundai Santa Fe History
The entry of Hyundai Santa Fe in the SUV segment brought the dawn of a new era for the South Korean automaker. The car was introduced in 2000, and since then it has strengthened its footholds in the automotive industry.
Discussed below are the Hyundai Santa Fe generations and their features.
Origin of Hyundai Santa Fe: First Generation (2000 – 2006)
Hyundai Santa Fe was dubbed in the year 2000 at the Geneva Motor Show. The car was accepted instantly due to its reliability and functionality. The overwhelming demand led to an increase in Santa Fe’s production in 2001.
Hyundai Santa Fe had a rugged look and was much larger than any of its rivals in the segment. It offered plenty of headroom and huge cargo space. The base version was launched with air-conditioning, electric windows, mirrors, and a CD stereo. The overall look of the Hyundai Santa Fe emphasises its practicality for off-roading.
In 2002, Hyundai Santa Fe was redesigned with a sunroof. However, a more refined driving experience was requested by the customers. Hyundai answered this request with the addition of a powerful engine and a computer-controlled four-wheel drive system to Santa Fe in 2003.
The first generation of Hyundai Santa Fe entered the automotive market with a bold statement. Since its release, the automaker made minor tweaks to the car’s design and features on an annual basis until 2005.
Second-Generation Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 – 2012)
The second-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was launched in 2006 at the North American International Motor Show. It was a more refined version of the old Santa Fe, featuring an updated 2.7-litre V6 engine and improved handling.
With time, customers were getting more concerned about the car’s design. To fulfil the demand, a successor model of Santa Fe was launched with an assertive front grill, detailed headlights, and sculpted lines.
The interior was improved making it more spacious, extending the space to a seven-seater. Premium-quality, leather upholstery was used for seats, while low-gloss surfaces added a touch of luxury. The design improvement proved that Hyundai was customer focused and showcased the brand evolution.
The second-generation Hyundai Santa Fe integrated more standard safety features. These features included the Electronic Stability Control (ECS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and side-curtain airbags. A while later, a built-in navigation system, cruise control, rear-view camera, and a light sensor were added to the premium version of Santa Fe.
Third-Generation Hyundai Santa Fe (2012 – 2018)
The third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe showcased more enhanced safety features and improved connectivity. A new design direction named ‘Storm Edge’ was introduced, featuring bold and voluminous surfaces and refined lines.
The addition of premium features and the overall improved muscular look of the Hyundai Santa Fe demonstrated that the company was not only offering a high-performance SUV but a sophisticated lifestyle vehicle as well.
The third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was available in a sporty five-seater and a seven-seater long-wheelbase version. The long-wheelbase version also featured a unique hexagonal grill design, 19-inch alloy wheels, a new B-pillar look, and dual exhaust tips.
The new model increased the clientele base of Hyundai as it maintained the ruggedness, space, and durability of the earlier Hyundai Santa Fe models.
In 2010, the technological advancements provoked Hyundai to improve its third-generation Santa Fe. The advanced connectivity features mainly revolved around customers’ driving experience and comfort. It improved phone connectivity and voice recognition commands.
Some top-class safety features were also added, such as Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Fourth-Generation Hyundai Santa Fe (2018 – Present)
Building on the success of the old Santa Fe, the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was released in 2018. The best-in-class features illustrating advanced technology, safety, and roominess captivated customers to switch to Hyundai Santa Fe’s new generation.
Hyundai’s customer care was demonstrated with the introduction of SmartSense technology, making Hyundai Santa Fe the safest in its class. A full head-up display (HUD), projecting important information on the windshield, was also portrayed in the All-New Santa Fe for the first time in a Hyundai.
The All-New Santa Fe is one of the Hyundai 2022 models. It features Hyundai’s four-wheel drive system with improved torque application and Multi-Terrain Control. This feature depends on the vehicle speed and the wheel grip, supporting the driver in different driving conditions. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a seven-seater SUV built for families on the go.
Santa Fe 2022 comes in Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) versions. The Santa Fe Hybrid exhibits a power of 44.2 kW, and the Santa Fe PHEV offers 66.9 kW of power.
That is our two cents on Hyundai Santa Fe history. Santa Fe is an automotive icon which has evolved in technology, space, performance, design, and comfort. Being the longest-running model of the brand, it achieved the status of Hyundai’s flagship model. If you are intrigued by the model’s performance and specs, find the best one from these affordable, used Hyundai Santa Fe for sale in the UAE.
Besides, you can also have your ideal pick from these used cars for sale in the UAE if you are looking for a modern car with high-tech features.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on the automotive industry.
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