DubiCompare: Hyundai Santa Fe 5th Gen Vs Santa Fe 4th Gen: New vs Old

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.

new santa fe vs old santa fe

New Santa Fe Vs Old Santa Fe: Dimensions

DimensionsSanta Fe 5th GenSanta Fe 4th Gen
Length4,830mm4,785mm
Width1,900mm1,900mm
Height1,720mm1,710mm
Wheelbase2,815mm2,765mm
Boot Space725-Litres571-Litres
  • The fifth-gen Santa Fe is the larger SUV of the two mainly due to its boxy profile.
  • The wheelbase has increased by 50mm freeing up room for rear passengers.
  • Finally, the boot space has also increased by 154 litres.
  • Although the overall width remains the same, the straight-up stance on the 5th-gen SUV will make a significant difference in the shoulder room inside.

New Santa Fe Vs Old Santa Fe: Exterior Design

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.

FeaturesSanta Fe 5th GenSanta Fe 4th Gen
LightsLEDLED
Wheels21-inch20-inch
Roof RailsYesYes
Body CladdingYesYes
Electric TailgateYesYes

New Santa Fe Vs Old Santa Fe: Interiors & Features 

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.

new santa fe vs old santa fe

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.

Features:

FeaturesSanta Fe 5th GenSanta Fe 4th Gen
Instrument Cluster12.3-inch TFT Screen12.3-inch TFT Screen
Infotainment12.3-inch TFT Screen10.25-inch TFT Screen
Android AutoYesYes
Apple CarplayYesYes
Powered 2nd Row SeatsYesNo
Wireless ChargerDual DeviceSingle Device
Climate Control6.6-inch ScreenButtons & Dials
UV-C Sterilization TrayYesNo
Seats (Rear)Powered AdjustmentManual Adjustment
Front Seat VentilationYesYes
Panoramic SunroofYesYes
3rd Row Seats FoldingPoweredManual
Digital KeyYesNo

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.

New Santa Fe Vs Old Santa Fe: Engine & Performance

The 4th-gen Santa Fe that is currently for sale in the UAE is offered 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. 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:

  • 2.5-litre NA petrol: 191hp; 246Nm 
  • 2.5-litre turbo-petrol: 277hp; 422Nm
  • 1.6-litre turbo-petrol-hybrid: 227hp; 350Nm
  • 1.6-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid: 261hp; 350Nm

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.

Performance Figures:

EnginesAcceleration (0 to 100km/h)Top Speed
2.5-litre NA Petrol11.5 seconds198km/h
2.5-litre Turbo-Petrol8 seconds210km/h
1.6-litre Petrol-Hybrid9.5 seconds190km/h
1.6-litre Petrol-PHEV9.1 seconds190km/h

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.

new santa fe vs old santa fe

New Santa Fe Vs Old Santa Fe: Safety

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.

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2
  • Lane Following Assist 2
  • New Driver Attention Warning
  • Driver Monitoring System
  • Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control 2
  • Highway Driving Assist 2
Safety FeaturesSanta Fe 5th GenSanta Fe 4th Gen
Airbags106
Traction ControlYesYes
ISOFIX AnchorsYesYes
360-degree CameraYesYes
Remote Park AssistYesNo
Safe Exit AssistYesNo
new santa fe vs old santa fe

New Santa Fe Vs Old Santa Fe: Price, Colour & Variants

The 5th-gen Santa Fe will be offered in 11 exterior colour options, that include 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.

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