The HyundaiSanta Fe's proportions are nicely balanced. The friendly front end blends smoothly into gentle flanks. The design suggests sufficient robustness for off-road capability. Large wheel arches reinforce this impression of strength. The glasshouse is adequately sized.Santa Fe was designed to have a softer, more subdued visage than the demi-brute, jut-jawed facade prevalent on today's quasi-off-roaders (like the Ford Escape). The Santa Fe still looks forceful and its curvy lines are holding up well as it enters its fifth season.
The Santa Fe's rear liftgate works well. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have tail doors hinged on the right, which works well in Japan but in the U.S. the open door gets in the way when unloading curbside. By hinging the hatch at the top, Hyundai provides a universal solution. Opening the rear hatch is a cinch with its pistol-grip latch handle and gas struts.