2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has Defender vibes

Hyundai teased renderings of its fifth-generation 2024 Santa Fe, which will be unveiled, fittingly, in Santa Fe, N.M., in August.

The midsize crossover sports radically different looks, including a boxier silhouette thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider cargo area. Its restyling injects more premium airs and cool Land Rover Defender vibes.

Hyundai did not specify dimensions of the redesigned Santa Fe compared with the outgoing model, saying only that the interior area is spacious and versatile and the cargo is open and enlarged. The current Santa Fe has a 108.9-inch wheelbase and is 188.4 inches long.

In a statement, head of Hyundai global design SangYup Lee described the more generous rear as a "terrace-like tailgate space" and said it's meant to suit myriad lifestyles, from "busy family itineraries to car camping adventures."

The front fascia is reimagined with H-shaped headlights that complement a similar bumper design and represent a new interpretation of Hyundai's "H" badge. The rear also sports H-shaped taillights.

The crossover's profile shows more muscular fenders and a sharper roofline. The wheel arches are also more defined. A shortened front overhang suggests the 2024 Santa Fe could offer more off-roading capability and improved approach and departure angles.

The Santa Fe's second- and third-row seats fold flat, which Hyundai said creates "class-leading" interior space. The outgoing Santa Fe also offers fold-flat seats; cargo space behind the front row is 72.1 cubic feet. For comparison, the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, a similarly sized crossover with an optional third row, has 73.4 cubic feet of space behind the front seats.

Hyundai said the Santa Fe's interior will be loaded with high-tech features, including a panoramic curved display connecting the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen. Higher trim levels could offer wood-patterned garnishes and nappa leather seats.

Hyundai also will use sustainable materials throughout, including headliner, mats and seat backs made of recycled plastics and crash pad and door trim covers constructed of eco-friendly leatherette.

Powertrain, trim and other specs will likely be released alongside the full reveal.