Fully-Independent Multi-Link Suspension to make New Santa Fe More Car-Like
The current Santa Fe has been one of Hyundai's most successful vehicles to date, offering SUV buyers who are looking for
an economical, durable and affordable sport utility vehicle exactly what they need.
Just the same, now that the all-new second-generation Santa Fe has just been introduced in its home market of South Korea, it's plain to see that Hyundai will be shifting its midsize SUV gears. And the coming changes make sense. Since the compact Tucson arrived on the scene earlier this year the Santa Fe has lost some of its followers, but at the same time the slightly smaller model has allowed opportunity for the Santa Fe to grow in its coming generation.
The first Santa Fe bridged the gap between compact and midsized sport utilities, but the new model has been designed to target the midsize segment
directly and therefore will represent the Korean brand in a market segment it was previously unable to satisfy. It will be a seven-seat SUV with a frame that's larger than the current model, but shorter than traditional seven-seaters like the Chevrolet Trailblazer or Ford Explorer. In fact, while wider than the Explorer, it's closer in overall size to Toyota's Highlander than any other sport 'ute; only an infinitesimal 0.6 inches shorter but noticeably wider by 2.9 inches.
With a new larger RAV4 on the way, however, the Highlander will most likely grow to accommodate its third row more easily, which may leave the Santa Fe targeting that same long-wheelbase seven-passenger RAV4, next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, also sporting a third row, totally redesigned Suzuki XL7, on its way, plus the upcoming Mazda CX-7 and recently announced Korean-built Chevrolet Captiva.
The current Santa Fe has been one of Hyundai's most successful vehicles to date, offering SUV buyers who are looking for
 |
| Now that the all-new second-generation Santa Fe has just been introduced in its home market of South Korea, it's plain to see that Hyundai will be shifting its midsize SUV gears. (Photo: Hyundai Motor America) |
Just the same, now that the all-new second-generation Santa Fe has just been introduced in its home market of South Korea, it's plain to see that Hyundai will be shifting its midsize SUV gears. And the coming changes make sense. Since the compact Tucson arrived on the scene earlier this year the Santa Fe has lost some of its followers, but at the same time the slightly smaller model has allowed opportunity for the Santa Fe to grow in its coming generation.
The first Santa Fe bridged the gap between compact and midsized sport utilities, but the new model has been designed to target the midsize segment
 |
| The first Santa Fe bridged the gap between compact and midsized sport utilities, but the new model has been designed to target the midsize segment directly. (Photo: Hyundai Motor America) |
With a new larger RAV4 on the way, however, the Highlander will most likely grow to accommodate its third row more easily, which may leave the Santa Fe targeting that same long-wheelbase seven-passenger RAV4, next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, also sporting a third row, totally redesigned Suzuki XL7, on its way, plus the upcoming Mazda CX-7 and recently announced Korean-built Chevrolet Captiva.