Get ready for a sneak peek at the upcoming 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe! This SUV is about to undergo a major transformation, and we've got the inside scoop for you. Say goodbye to the weird and hello to a fresh new look!
The current fifth-generation Santa Fe, which made its debut in Australia in 2024, is getting a significant makeover. Spy photos reveal a revised front and rear design, with narrower headlights and a simpler grille and bumper. But here's where it gets controversial... the distinctive tail-lights, which have divided opinions, are being replaced with more traditional vertical brake lights. A bold move, don't you think?
The update will retain the core shape and sharp window lines, drawing inspiration from the Art of Steel design language seen in the Nexo, Hyundai's hydrogen fuel-cell SUV. This design theme is set to spread across other models, including the Kona SUV, which is also getting a facelift ahead of its 2028 launch.
Hyundai aims to unify the exterior styling of its vehicles while still maintaining the unique identity of each model. And this is the part most people miss... the facelifted Santa Fe will also introduce significant cabin upgrades, including a larger center screen running Hyundai's new Pleos operating system, based on Android Automotive.
Pleos was announced in 2025, and Hyundai plans to roll it out to an impressive 20 million vehicles by 2030. It's expected to debut in the next i30 and Tucson, around the same time as the updated Santa Fe. Now, here's a thought-provoking question: Do you think this new infotainment system will give Tesla a run for its money?
As for powertrains, we're expecting no major changes, but there's a possibility of a new extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) option. The current lineup offers a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol hybrid and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, both with impressive transmission options. However, Hyundai Australia has confirmed no plans to replace the transmission in local models, despite customer complaints in other countries.
Lastly, the Palisade, Hyundai's larger SUV, is also getting an expanded lineup in Australia, with new entry-level and top-tier models joining the family in the second half of 2026.
So, what do you think of these upcoming changes? Will the new Santa Fe win over critics with its revised design? And will Pleos revolutionize in-car infotainment? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
