SPIED: 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe facelift to get EREV version?

2027 Hyundai Santa Fe facelift prototype seen for the first time

Believe it or not, it's been over two years since the fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was revealed. It then arrived in the Philippines in 2024 and is available in several variants, along with various engine options, including a turbo-hybrid, a turbocharged inline-four, and a naturally aspirated four-cylinder.

This year, however, the current Santa Fe could undergo a makeover, along with some extensive upgrades to its powertrain options. This comes after our spies managed to take pictures of a heavily camouflaged prototype being tested by Hyundai in the snow.

Based on the covering and use of false body panels, it looks like we can expect a heavy redesign. The front fascia will likely get a thinner set of LED headlights & daytime running lights, along with a revised front grille. The front bumper might also get reworked to go along with the rest of the updated front fascia.

Around the back, the bulky LED taillights may be replaced by vertical LED units, which means it might get some inspiration from its closest sibling, the Kia Sorento. The taillights will then be connected via a full-width LED light bar, which could form a distinct H-pattern on the rear, keeping the signature H look.

In terms of powertrain options, the 1.6L turbo-hybrid engine will likely be carried-over, including the 6-speed automatic gearbox. However, the 2.5L turbocharged version will reportedly get a new torque converter automatic, as customer complaints of the 8-speed dual-clutch continue to hound Hyundai.

But what could be the biggest change for the refreshed Santa Fe is the addition of an Extended Range EV (EREV) variant. That means we can expect the Santa Fe to be more efficient and eco-friendly while maintaining its size and capability.

The refreshed Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to make its debut either in late 2026 or in early 2027. We're hoping the brand reveals it sooner rather than later.