Discover the Hyundai Santa Fe facelift’s upgraded interior, featuring a larger PLEOS Connect touchscreen, a sleek new steering wheel and possible EREV powertrain. Learn more now!
Large PLEOS Connect Touchscreen Takes Center Stage
The latest test‑drive photos from California reveal that the refreshed Hyundai Santa Fe adopts Hyundai’s new PLEOS Connect platform – a widescreen digital hub that consolidates infotainment, navigation and vehicle controls into one sleek display. By expanding the screen size and eliminating most physical buttons, the cabin feels more like a modern tablet than a traditional SUV interior.
New Steering Wheel Inspired by EV Competitors
The prototype also showcases a completely redesigned steering wheel. Borrowing design cues from electric‑focused brands such as Tesla, the wheel features a flat, minimalistic layout with touch‑sensitive buttons, replacing many of the conventional stalks found on the current model. Notably, the traditional speedometer cluster behind the wheel has been dropped.
Potential Extended‑Range Electric (EREV) Powertrain
Although the facelift remains built on the fifth‑generation Santa Fe platform (code‑named “MX5”), a test badge reading “EREV” hints at an extended‑range electric variant. An EREV combines a gasoline engine that acts solely as a generator with an electric motor that drives the wheels, offering EV‑like feel while preserving the range of a conventional engine. Hyundai has not yet confirmed this configuration.
What’s Next? Anticipated Launch Timeline
Hyundai has not announced an official release date, but the testing schedule suggests a market debut in late 2026 or early 2027. The facelift aims to address criticisms of the current version and deliver a cabin that aligns with the contemporary expectations of midsize‑SUV buyers.