DubiCars Car Spotlight — Hyundai Santa Fe History, Generations, Models & More: Hyundai’s First SUV

In the 1990s, Hyundai as a brand faced a crisis. It was known for cars that didn’t really leave a lasting impression and the top brass at Hyundai wanted to change this. A restructuring process began in the late 90s and Hyundai decided to develop its first SUV. The SUV went into production in the year 2000 and was named Santa Fe after the city in New Mexico, USA. 

Since the very beginning, the Hyundai Santa Fe has been powered either by inline-4 or V6 engines. It was also known as the Hyundai Maxcruz in certain markets. It is positioned between the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Palisade. In this edition of the DubiCars Car Spotlight, we closely examine the Hyundai Santa Fe, its history, and its generations.

First Generation | 2000 - 2015

The first-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, marked a significant milestone in Hyundai's journey to establish itself in the competitive SUV market. This crossover SUV was a breath of fresh air in a segment dominated by traditional body-on-frame vehicles, as it adopted a monocoque construction, providing a comfortable and car-like driving experience. 

Petrol engine options included 1.8-litre, 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre inline-4 units. Larger 2.7-litre and 3.5-litre V6 engines were also available. Those opting for the diesel variant found a 2.0-litre inline-4 unit under the bonnet. 

The first-generation Santa Fe underwent a facelift in 2003, refining its exterior and enhancing its overall appeal. This update helped Santa Fe maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. Production of the Santa Fe for international markets ended in 2006. However, a rebadged version sold by Chinese brand Hawtai remained in production for the Chinese market until 2015.

Second Generation | 2005 - 2012

This iteration of the Santa Fe brought with it a host of improvements, making it a more attractive option for SUV enthusiasts. One of the standout features of the second-generation Santa Fe was its increased size compared to its predecessor. This growth translated into a more spacious and comfortable interior, making it an ideal choice for families and those who need ample cargo space. 

In terms of safety, Hyundai made strides with this generation, incorporating features like stability control, antilock brakes, and a comprehensive array of airbags. The second-generation Santa Fe received a facelift in 2010, which enhanced its exterior styling, giving it a more contemporary appearance. 

Under the bonnet, the second-gen Santa Fe offered multiple engine options. Inline-4 engine options ranged from 1.5-litres to 2.4-litres while the old V6 engine options were retained and a new 3.3-litre V6 was added to the lineup. Diesel variants continued to be powered by a 2.0-litre engine. 

Third Generation | 2012 - 2018

Fourth Generation | 2018 - Present

Fifth Generation | 2023 - Present

Most Popular Hyundai Santa Fe Generations In The UAE

Read the complete Hyundai Santa Fe Car Spotlight Article.

Check out new Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs for sale in the UAE and used Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs for sale in the UAE.

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