The enlarged tailgate is functional for everyday cargo hauling, but Hyundai envisions it will double as a space to lounge or socialize while parked in remote destinations. A handle on the exterior of the C-pillar gives passengers easier access to the roof, maximizing the Santa Fe’s utility for rack loading or — depending on its static roof weight capacity — roof camping,
A 2-inch longer wheelbase helped increase second- and third-row legroom slightly. The biggest improvement, reflecting the boxier roofline, is in the third row, where headroom increases by 2.7 inches to 37.7 inches. The third-row seat also sits 1 inch higher off the floor and can recline 10 degrees, more than the outgoing model.
The cargo space behind the third row is expected to gain around 7 cubic feet compared with the current Santa Fe, which offers 18 cubic feet.
