Expected Design Changes
Hyundai is working on a facelift for the Santa Fe, and if the company gets the details right, this update could significantly boost the appeal of the popular SUV. Recent spy photos provide a glimpse of the future changes, and the latest renderings instill cautious optimism about the manufacturer’s plans.
Most of the controversy surrounding the fifth-generation Santa Fe’s design concerns the rear end. In most cars, the front and rear lights are positioned at roughly the same level. With the current Santa Fe, it’s different—the taillights are placed unusually low on the tailgate. This creates a visually awkward look that doesn’t harmonize well with other Hyundai models.
This may change. New renderings created by Mykita Chuik for Kolesa based on the latest spy shots show an updated model with vertically positioned taillights, similar to those installed on the larger Palisade.
Impact on Overall Appearance
This seemingly minor change could unexpectedly have a strong impact on the overall perception of the SUV. Experts believe it will give the design a cleaner and more cohesive look, which is expected to resonate with many buyers.
Serious updates may also affect the front of the Santa Fe, although it doesn’t require such radical changes as the rear. As seen on recent prototypes, the new model will likely get a split headlight design. Renderings show a full-width LED strip on top and angular daytime running lights framing separate headlight units lower on the bumper. The overall look draws inspiration from the Palisade but appears slightly more restrained.
Technical Updates and Model Popularity
Beyond the new exterior, little is known about the updated Santa Fe. Some reports suggest it could become one of the first Hyundai models to receive the new Pleos Connect infotainment system, inspired by Tesla solutions and running on the Android Automotive operating system.
As for powertrains, Hyundai is unlikely to plan a complete overhaul of the engine lineup. Existing offerings are likely to remain unchanged, including the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 277 hp and 421 Nm of torque, as well as the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid in configurations of 231 and 271 hp.
The polarizing design of the Santa Fe has not diminished its popularity. On the contrary. Last year, Hyundai sold 142,404 units in the United States, which is 20 percent more than the previous year. This momentum sets the stage for the facelift to do more than just improve the exterior.
Preparation for the facelift of the popular SUV is taking place against a backdrop of stable demand, giving engineers and designers some freedom to adjust the most criticized elements without risking the loss of the model’s recognizability. Changing the taillights to more classic ones may be an attempt to attract buyers who were put off by the originality of the previous design, thereby expanding the target audience. The retention of powertrains indicates that the company considers this technical base sufficiently modern and competitive, focusing on the visual and technological aspects of the update.