Hyundai Santa Fe TM Body Kit Installation Review

Elevate Your Hyundai Santa Fe TM with a Body Kit

Many Hyundai Santa Fe TM owners seek to enhance their vehicle's aesthetic appeal, aiming for a more premium and sophisticated look. One popular method to achieve this is through the installation of a body kit, specifically a body-colored cladding. This upgrade transforms the lower sections of the SUV, giving it a more substantial and refined presence, akin to the higher-end Calligraphy trim. This review delves into the specifics of this modification, drawing from real-world owner experiences and installation details.

What is Body-Colored Cladding and Why Consider It?

Body-colored cladding involves replacing the standard black or unpainted plastic trim on the lower parts of the vehicle – such as the door sills, wheel arches, and rear bumper – with parts painted to match the car's body color, often complemented by satin chrome or gloss black accents. This treatment is particularly effective on urban SUVs like the Santa Fe TM. Hyundai itself reserves this design element for its premium Calligraphy trim, highlighting its aesthetic value. For Santa Fe TM models not equipped with the Calligraphy package, the factory lower trim can sometimes appear less refined, potentially detracting from the vehicle's overall premium feel. Upgrading to body-colored components, using either genuine parts or high-quality aftermarket equivalents, significantly boosts the vehicle's perceived luxury and visual appeal.

Hyundai Santa Fe TM Body Kit Installation Process and Results

The installation of body-colored cladding on a Hyundai Santa Fe TM typically takes around 2 to 3 hours. The process involves carefully removing the existing lower trim pieces, which may be chrome or basic plastic. These are then replaced with new components, often featuring satin chrome garnishes and a more pronounced rear diffuser for the bumper, contributing significantly to the vehicle's imposing stance. Additional satin chrome molding along the doors and wheel arches enhances the side profile, adding depth and character. Attention to detail, such as finishing sensor areas in gloss black for a unified look, is crucial. Installation process:

1. Removal of existing lower door and rear bumper trim.
2. Installation of new body-colored cladding and satin chrome garnishes.
3. Attachment of a gloss black diffuser to the rear bumper.
4. Integration of side skirt elements for a cohesive look.

The results are striking. Before the upgrade, the Santa Fe TM's lower sections might appear somewhat plain. Post-installation, the vehicle gains a much more sophisticated and three-dimensional appearance. The contrast of body color with satin chrome or gloss black elements creates a dynamic and premium look, especially noticeable on darker car colors. The transformation can make the vehicle appear as if it has a full aero kit, enhancing its overall design integrity and making it stand out.

Body Kit Cost and Decision Making for Your Santa Fe TM

The cost for body-colored cladding installation on a Hyundai Santa Fe TM generally starts in the range of 200,000 Korean Won (approximately $150-$180 USD, subject to exchange rates). However, the final body kit cost can vary based on the specific parts chosen (e.g., full kit vs. partial, genuine vs. aftermarket), the extent of the installation, and the labor rates at the chosen service center. While older models might have required extensive custom work, current options often utilize direct-fit genuine parts, making the process more straightforward and cost-effective. It's advisable to get a direct quote from a reputable installer after they've assessed your vehicle. This upgrade is highly recommended for Santa Fe TM owners who admire the premium look of the Calligraphy trim but opted for a different configuration, or for those who feel the standard lower trim is underwhelming. The relatively short installation time and the significant visual improvement make it a worthwhile investment for enhancing your vehicle's presence.