Hyundai has confirmed it will build hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants of its forthcoming fourth-generation Santa Fe crossover.
According to the UK's Autocar magazine, the South Korean automaker made the announcement at a recent vehicle launch in Barcelona, Spain.
Hyundai has not released any details about the Santa Fe's future electrified powertrains, but the plan fits with the company's goal of electrifying a large portion of its lineup by the year 2025.
And while we know the fourth-gen Santa Fe is due to arrive in Canada this fall with Hyundai's first-ever diesel engine for this market, Hyundai Canada is mum on when or whether one or both of the hybrid variants will come here.
"There currently isn’t any information in regards to the introduction of this powertrain in the Santa Fe in Canada," said Hyundai Canada PR specialist Jean-Francois Taylor. "However, we do share the business goal of electrifying many vehicles before 2025. It’s to be determined which vehicles get that treatment first."
The most likely candidate to share its plug-in powertrain with the new Santa Fe would be the Sonata PHEV, which boasts 202 hp from its gas engine and electric motor and promises 43 km on a full charge of its battery. Hyundai is about to launch a mild hybrid with a 48-volt electrical system in the smaller Tucson for the European market, so the company will have the technology under its belt should they deem a similar arrangement a good fit for North America.
When the new Santa Fe rolls into Canadian dealers, it will be offered in five- and seven-seat configurations, the latter of which will come with the option of a 2.2L turbodiesel engine. Other engine choices include 2.4L and 2.0L turbocharged gas engines carried over from the outgoing version. All three motors will be bolted up to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
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