Yes, you’re gawking at Hyundai’s next-gen, completely redesigned Santa Fe SUV. No, this isn’t an available off-road package for the mid-size hauler. It should be, but let’s not get our hopes up.
As radically different the redesigned 2024 Santa Fe is with its new blocky, Land Rover Defender-esque styling, so is this rending reimagined by automotive concept artist who goes by LittleBlackAnt.
Known for transforming everyday vehicles into glossy, whimsical concept renderings, the Korean-based artist tastefully and awesomely gave the family vehicle the proper overlanding treatment from virtually every angle, from what we’re seeing based on this single image.
First, gone are stock wheels and tires, replaced by burly beadlock wheels wrapped in knobby all-terrain tires. Paired to the massive fender flares to house the oversized rollers, large running boards along the sides, and higher ground clearance courtesy of a lift kit, this machine is built for adventure.
Up front, the lower grill is replaced by a new bumper with a skid plate, red tow hooks, and pair of round fog lamps. And gone is the license plate because who needs license plates off-the-beaten path. Moving up, the silver Hyundai emblem goes black, and the hood gains a black hood cover with large vent, while the black, more durable side mirrors get beefed up as well.
Even the wheelbase (and possibly track?) on the rock-climbing version appears to be much shorter compared to the stock model, particularly up front with a more stout hood.
The artist kept the stock roof rails intact, but added a streamlined roof rack up top to haul all necessary gear for a proper weekend getaway; the rack includes a cleanly integrated, rectangle-shaped light bar. All the lights — fog lamps, headlights, and light bar — swap the crisp white hue for the off-road worthy yellow colour for enhanced visibility when traversing the rough terrain in whatever elements Mother Nature throws your way.
There’s no rear shot of this off-road Santa Fe, but we’ll guess there’s a full-size spare and/or exterior mounted fuel cans. All this thing needs is a front winch and a snorkel kit for some serious fording, and we’re set.
Santa Fe XRT Concept
Hyundai did unveil the XRT Concept built for the outdoors. Not quite the over-the-top rendering but with its chunky tires, a raised suspension, a roof-mounted cargo carrier, a ladder on the tailgate, and numerous other goods, this possible production model would be a viable off-roader, provided it keeps all the add-ons we see here.
Whereas the Santa Fe Calligraphy trim is about premium appointments with an urban flair, the XRT would be a complete 180, for what Hyundai says is “designed to ignite the ultimate adventure spirit and focuses on unleashing the desires of those seeking the thrill of the wild.” That works for us.
If you’re in the market for a more capable, outdoor family SUV, take a look at these Best Off-Road SUV & Crossovers for Families Seeking Adventure.
