Skip advert
Advertisement

Hardcore Hyundai Santa Fe blasts into 2016 SEMA show

Hyundai teams with Rockstar Performance Garage to showcase trails-ready Santa Fe SUV at SEMA trade show

Hyundai SEMA Santa Fe

The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show is famed for crazy modified vehicles, and this year's should be no different. Hyundai isn't shying away with its debut in Las Vegas next month: a Santa Fe modified into an off-road weapon.

Created in collaboration with Rockstar Performance garage, the Korean brand has installed massive 35-inch Mickey Thompson off-road tyres bulging over 17-inch bead-lock wheels to the family SUV. Custom coilover suspension from King at the front and hardcore shocks at the rear ensures it's ready for the American trails.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best 4x4s and SUVs

But it hasn't stopped there. The basic US-spec 3.3-litre V6 and added an AEM cold air intake, Mishimoto cooling system, a Magnaflow exhaust and nitrous oxide injection. No performance or power figures have been released, however. Six-piston front brakes should reign in whatever extra grunt it has, however. 

As well as the race-ready livery, the Santa Fe has muscular bumpers with LED lighting from Bulldog, skid plates and a chunky roof rack. Inside there's bespoke leather and a thumping great audio system from Kicker.

This isn't the first time that Hyundai has created a beastly modified SUV at a SEMA show. Last year, the brand revealed a Tucson SUV that was beefed up by the same garage that waved its performance wand over the hardcore Santa Fe. 

Would you drive a monstrous Santa Fe like this one? Leave us a comment below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Volkswagen Tayron: which SUV is best for a big family?
Hyundai Santa Fe and Volkswagen Tayron - front tracking

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Volkswagen Tayron: which SUV is best for a big family?

Volkswagen’s new Tayron takes over from the Tiguan Allspace as the brand’s seven-seat family SUV. How does it fare against the latest Hyundai Santa Fe…
Car group tests
7 Jun 2025
Best large SUVs to buy 2025
Best large SUVs - header image

Best large SUVs to buy 2025

Large SUVs are big on comfort, practicality and versatility. Here’s our pick of the best on sale now
Best cars & vans
11 Apr 2025
Best 7-seater cars to buy 2025
Best seven-seater cars - header image

Best 7-seater cars to buy 2025

We pick the best seven-seater cars for family life across a wide range of price points
Best cars & vans
11 Apr 2025
Best cars with 3 ISOFIX child seat points 2025
Best cars with 3 ISOFIX points - header image

Best cars with 3 ISOFIX child seat points 2025

Big, young families with lots of car seats need cars with three ISOFIX points and these are the best current options…
Best cars & vans
5 Mar 2025

Most Popular

Citroen is plotting a new 2CV – but the risks are huge
Citroen 2CV retro render

Citroen is plotting a new 2CV – but the risks are huge

We talk to Citroen bosses on plans to reboot its icon – and do they go retro or futuristic?
News
8 Jun 2025
New Kia Sportage breaks cover and it’s sleeker than ever
Kia Sportage - front

New Kia Sportage breaks cover and it’s sleeker than ever

Full specification and details have been announced for the UK version of Kia’s big-selling mid-size SUV
News
4 Jun 2025
Best mid-size SUVs to buy 2025 - our expert pick of the top options
June 2025 Best mid-size SUVs

Best mid-size SUVs to buy 2025 - our expert pick of the top options

Mid-size SUVs are hugely popular in the UK, and these are the very best of the current crop
Best cars & vans
4 Jun 2025