Discover the latest Hyundai Santa Fe facelift, featuring a bold new rear‑light design, refined front styling and upgraded powertrain. Read more now!
Hyundai has officially lifted the veil on the upcoming facelift of the fifth‑generation Santa Fe (MX5), showcasing a series of design tweaks that respond to consumer feedback, especially the criticism aimed at the rear end.
New Design Language – Art of Steel
The refreshed model adopts Hyundai’s latest Art of Steel language, first seen on the next‑generation NEXO. The front fascia gets slimmer headlights paired with narrow LED daytime running lights that run along the sides, replacing the bulky look of the current version. A four‑lane grille is tightened for a cleaner, more balanced appearance.
Softer, Wider Body Lines
Horizontal crease lines run across the side panels, giving the vehicle a broader stance while moving away from the former boxy silhouette.
Rear End Redesign – Vertical Light Signature
The most striking change is the rear‑light cluster. The controversial horizontal tail‑lamp has been replaced with a sleek vertical arrangement. The rear license plate shifts to sit beneath the new lights, creating a tidier tail‑gate composition. A matte‑finished bumper with glossy black inserts adds a mix of robustness and sophistication.
Powertrain Updates
- All 2.5‑litre turbo‑charged gasoline models will drop the 8‑speed dual‑clutch transmission (DCT) that drew complaints about jerky shifts.
- A conventional 8‑speed automatic will take its place, promising smoother city driving.
- The hybrid variant remains, but with refined tuning to improve efficiency.
Why the Facelift Matters
Sales of the current Santa Fe have softened, even after the introduction of a hybrid model, as the bold design alienated family‑oriented and urban buyers. Hyundai hopes the softened styling and practical transmission change will recapture this segment.
Launch Timeline
Hyundai plans to debut the refreshed Santa Fe by the end of 2026 or early 2027, positioning it as a competitive offering in the midsize SUV market.
Stay tuned for more updates as Hyundai rolls out the new Santa Fe facelift.