Hyundai Santa Fe TM Body Kit Installation Review

Transforming Your Hyundai Santa Fe TM with a Body Kit

Many SUV owners appreciate the rugged, off-road aesthetic that comes with unpainted plastic cladding. However, for those who prefer a more refined, urban look for their Hyundai Santa Fe TM, especially the The New Santa Fe (partially changed model), there's a popular modification: converting these textured plastic elements to a smooth, body-colored finish. This upgrade, often inspired by the premium Calligraphy trim, offers a significant aesthetic enhancement, making the vehicle appear more sophisticated and integrated. This review delves into the process, results, and considerations of installing a body kit on your Santa Fe TM.

The Calligraphy Exterior Upgrade: Beyond Plastic

The top-tier Calligraphy trim of the Santa Fe TM was distinguished by its luxurious exterior design. Key elements included body-colored cladding on the lower bumpers and wheel arches, along with satin chrome garnishes. In contrast, lower trims or earlier models often feature rough, black plastic in these areas, which can appear somewhat utilitarian. By adopting the Calligraphy style, these plastic parts are painted to match the vehicle's main body color. This unification creates a cleaner, more upscale appearance, transforming the SUV into a sleeker, more urban-focused vehicle. The process involves replacing or repainting these specific components to achieve a cohesive and premium look, effectively giving your Santa Fe TM the appearance of a higher trim level right from the factory.

Body-Colored Cladding and Enhanced Grille: The Transformation Process

The core of this modification for the The New Santa Fe involves replacing the black, textured plastic parts on the lower bumpers and side skirts with pieces painted to match the car's original body color. These factory plastic elements can be prone to fading, scratching, and collecting dirt, making them difficult to maintain. Switching to body-colored cladding not only resolves these maintenance issues but also dramatically improves the vehicle's visual flow and integration. The result is a smoother, more unified exterior. Beyond the cladding, the grille and other garnishes are often upgraded to mimic the Calligraphy trim. This typically includes a distinct grille pattern with more pronounced styling, adding a bold yet refined character to the front fascia. Satin chrome accents on the sides and rear further enhance the premium feel. These detailed changes collectively elevate the vehicle's overall luxury and presence, creating a more substantial and elegant silhouette. The application of body color extends to the lower door sections, complemented by satin chrome trim, making the Santa Fe appear larger and more grounded.

Installation Process:

1. Surface Preparation: The existing textured plastic parts are carefully removed or masked. The new body-colored parts, or the original parts if being repainted, are thoroughly cleaned and prepped for optimal adhesion.
2. Painting and Finishing: If repainting existing parts, multiple layers of primer, base coat (matching the vehicle's color), and clear coat are applied for durability and a high-gloss finish. New parts are painted to match precisely.
3. Component Installation: The newly painted or replacement parts, including bumper sections, wheel arch moldings, and side skirts, are securely attached to the vehicle using factory mounting points and clips.
4. Garnish and Trim Attachment: Any additional elements, such as satin chrome garnishes or specific grille designs, are installed to complete the Calligraphy-inspired look.
5. Final Inspection: A thorough check is performed to ensure all parts are correctly fitted, aligned, and securely fastened, with a final polish to achieve a seamless appearance.

Results and Owner Satisfaction

After the installation, the The New Santa Fe exhibits a markedly different and more sophisticated appearance, leading to high owner satisfaction. The transition from black plastic to a unified body color creates smoother lines and a cleaner overall impression. The vehicle appears more substantial and stable, particularly when viewed from the side. The rear design also gains a more imposing and luxurious character. These changes are especially noticeable in natural light, highlighting why the Calligraphy-inspired styling is so popular among Santa Fe owners. While opinions on the Santa Fe's design vary, this body kit upgrade offers a compelling way to achieve a more polished and premium look, moving away from the utilitarian feel of textured plastics towards a sleek, integrated aesthetic.