DubiCompare: Hyundai Santa Fe 5th Generation Vs Santa Fe 4th Generation: Evolution Of The Mid-Size SUV

Hyundai recently gave the Santa Fe mid-size SUV a new generation update. The new update is a full revision of the SUV since 2018, and features an all-new design that completely deviates from its predecessor models. In this week’s edition of DubiCompare, we are comparing the Santa Fe 5th generation model versus the Santa Fe fourth generation model that is currently on sale in the UAE.

Hyundai has taken a completely different approach to designing the fifth-generation Santa Fe. The curvy body profile of the previous generation SUVs is gone. The new SUV features a boxy silhouette that brings the Santa Fe much closer to being called a mid-size SUV than ever before. Also, it features a hint of retro styling with square design elements all around the SUV.

The H-shaped LED headlamps, octagonal-shaped wheel arches, a flat bonnet and tailgate, all-around body cladding and a rear LED light bar are some of the 5th-Gen Santa Fe’s exterior features. The top-spec trim also features 21-inch alloy wheels and the powered tailgate is designed to provide maximum loading space on the new SUV.

The 4th generation Santa Fe features contoured body panels with headlamps placed in the bumper. From the side, a strong shoulder line and all-around body cladding gave the 4th-gen Santa Fe its SUV looks. At the rear, it too had an LED light bar connecting both the taillamps. The top-spec trims featured 20-inch alloy wheels.

Like the exterior, the inside of the 5th Gen Santa Fe is completely new and does not carry over any bits from the 4th gen model. The new SUV features a H-shaped boxy layout for the dashboard and centre console. The dashboard design is now clean and feels spacious. The cabin also features a ton of intelligent storage space and is offered in five colour options to choose from. Also, the panoramic sunroof is much larger on the new SUV. The overall design of the interiors will remind you of the Land Rover Defender.

The new Santa Fe’s second-row legroom has increased by 35mm and the third-row legroom’s length has increased by 15mm. The third-row headroom is increased by 69mm and seat height is increased by 30mm. The third-row seat reclines 10 degrees more than the previous gen model.

On the contrary, the 4th-generation Santa Fe features much more layers to its dashboard and has a curvaceous design. The cabin used premium leather and other materials giving a rich feel to it. Hyundai has carried this premium feel even on the new SUV. The 4th-gen Santa Fe’s interiors include four colour options. Despite all the changes to the interiors, both SUV features three-row seating.

As is with new-gen SUVs, the Santa Fe features the latest technology and convenient features to make everyday living with the SUV a whole lot easier than the previous-gen model.

The 4th-gen Santa Fe that is currently for sale in the UAE is offered with a choice of two petrol engine options: 2.5-litre MPi and 3.5-litre MPi. However, across the globe, depending on the country you live in, the 4th-gen Santa Fe featured a whole host of petrol, diesel and petrol-hybrid engine options. In fact, Hyundai had 9 petrol engines, 2 hybrid engines and 3 diesel engines on offer with the old SUV.

However, things have taken a sane turn for the 2024 Santa Fe. The new SUV features four engine options:

The 2.5 NA comes with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, while the turbo-petrol gets an 8-speed DCT. The hybrids come mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. Like before, the new-gen SUV will be offered with an optional AWD.

In the UAE, the 2024 Santa Fe is expected to be launched with both 2.5-litre powertrains and probably the plug-in hybrid variant. The 3.5-litre MPi engine offered on the 4th-gen Santa Fe that produced 268hp and 331Nm will be missed.

Both generations of the Santa Fe feature several active and passive safety features. However, the active safety features on the 2024 Santa Fe have been improved to offer enhanced driving assistance.

The 5th-gen Santa Fe will be offered in 11 exterior colour options, that includes 9 glossy colours and 2 matte colours. On the contrary, the 4th-gen Santa Fe featured 8 exterior colour options.

The fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is priced between AED 103,000 and AED 160,000. The new Santa Fe is expected to cost more than the old model by around AED 20,000. The fifth-generation Santa Fe is expected to be launched at the end of 2023 in the Middle East.

However, if you are looking to buy the 4th-gen Santa Fe? Check out used Hyundai Santa Fe for sale in the UAE and new Hyundai Santa Fe for sale in the UAE.