Hyundai has released a teaser image for the 2019 Santa Fe ahead of its world premiere next month. Apart from the first look at the fourth-generation SUV's design, the South Korean automaker has also previewed some of its innovative safety features.
The recently released teaser image only shows the profile of the redesigned Santa Fe. Nevertheless, some of the new design cues can still be observed.
First, the 2019 Santa Fe appears to have a more angular shape with a sleeker roofline and a prominent character line running across its side. The side mirrors are also now placed on the doors instead of the A-pillars. Moreover, there are slimmer headlights, which are similar to the ones featured on the Kona subcompact crossover, as well as a cascading grille and sweptback taillights.
According to preliminary details revealed by the automaker, the 2019 Santa Fe will be equipped with advanced technologies to make the driving experience safer. Some of the active safety features will be introduced to the automotive industry for the first time — such as Rear Occupant Alert, which monitors activity in the rear seats and alerts the driver if passengers are leaving the car.
Included in Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of driver-assistive features, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning has also been updated to include an automated braking function. This will warn drivers if there is a risk of collision while reversing out of narrow areas with limited visibility. After alerting the driver, the feature will then apply the brakes automatically.
Apart from that, no other details have been revealed. Reports, however, have stated that the next-generation Santa Fe will available with either a two-row and three-row body style. It is expected to feature the same 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine but it will be mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
Following its initial appearance next month, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe will make its public debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.
