Hyundai finally dropped the curtains on its new Santa Fe crossover at the New York International Auto Show this week.

To be more precise, the Korean carmaker showed not one, but two variants of the new Santa Fe, the regular five-seater model that will be named Santa Fe Sport in North America, and a 7-seater version with an extended wheelbase known simply as the Santa Fe. The five-seater Santa Fe Sport rides on a 2 700 mm wheelbase, has an overall length of 4 690 mm, a height of 1 680 mm and width of 1 880 mm. The larger Santa Fe has a 100 mm longer wheelbase (2 800 mm), with increased overall length of 4905 mm), is 10 mm taller at 1 690 mm and 5 mm wider (1 885 mm).

Aside from differences in the exterior dimensions and interior space, the larger Santa Fe also has slightly different front and rear end designs, but both models benefit from Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ styling language inside and out. As a result, the new Santa Fe looks far sharper and sportier, aided too by the lower height and shorter overhang, however, it remains a functional family vehicle with more headroom, legroom and cargo space of 1 160-litres.

The feel and look of the cabin is also new, with a modern design and higher quality of materials. Depending on the trim level, the Santa Fe comes with Hyundai’s exclusive infotainment system.

Two petrol engines will be available when the new crossover is launched in the US: a 2.4-litre GDI 4-cylinder unit producing 140 kW and 245 Nm of torque that manages an estimated 9.0 L/100km average fuel consumption; and a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder rated at 194 kW and 365 Nm that returns an estimated 9.4 L/100km on the combined cycle. A 3.3-litre GDI V6 petrol engine with 214 kW will be available exclusively in the LWB model. All three engines are mated to Hyundai’s six-speed automatic transmission and can be equipped with all-wheel drive as an option.