The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe (MX5) arrived in 2023 with a boxy, retro-futuristic look that split opinions. Its mid-cycle refresh is now well into testing, and over the past months we have tracked it through spy shots, leaked photos and renderings. This guide brings together everything we know about the facelifted Santa Fe so far: design, interior, powertrains, the new EREV, the XRT Pro and timing. We will keep it updated as Hyundai confirms more details.
2027 Santa Fe Facelift At A Glance
Design: the polarizing "H" light signatures give way to vertical LED daytime running lights, a louvered grille and a full-width LED bar front and rear.
Interior: a large centered screen running Hyundai's new Pleos Connect platform and the Gleo AI assistant.
Transmission: the 2.5-liter turbo is expected to swap its 8-speed dual-clutch for a smoother 8-speed torque-converter automatic.
Hybrid: the 1.6-liter turbo hybrid carries over.
EREV: an extended-range electric version, officially confirmed for the first half of 2027 and built in Alabama, with more than 600 miles (about 965 km) of total range.
XRT Pro: a more serious off-road version with extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires and protective armor.
Exterior Design: Goodbye To The "H" Lights
The biggest visual change is up front. Leaked photos and prototypes with less and less camouflage show slimmer headlights, vertical LED daytime running lights and a louvered grille (see the leaked front design). Spy photos have also confirmed a prominent full-width LED light bar, a feature that had been rumored for months (front and rear lights leaked).
At the back, the taillights move away from the low, bumper-mounted position of the current model, with an indirect LED rear bar connecting both sides (indirect LED rear bar exposed). The latest prototypes have lost most of their camouflage, so the production design is now fairly clear (facelift loses camouflage).
Based on those spy shots, several renderings preview the finished car, including the regular model and the dark-trimmed Black Ink version (front rendering, rear rendering, Black Ink rendering).
Interior: Pleos Screen And New Upholstery
Inside, the main change is technology. Prototypes show a large centered display running Pleos Connect, Hyundai's next-generation infotainment and connected-car platform, together with the Gleo AI assistant (Pleos screen spied, interior leaked). New seat upholstery patterns have also been spotted (new upholstery), and the Black Ink prototype features a fully black cabin (Black Ink interior).
Powertrains: 8-Speed Automatic, Hybrid And EREV
2.5-liter turbo: the current 8-speed dual-clutch transmission has drawn complaints about low-speed behavior. For the facelift, Hyundai is expected to replace it with a conventional 8-speed torque-converter automatic for smoother everyday driving.
1.6-liter turbo hybrid: the proven hybrid setup is expected to carry over.
Santa Fe EREV: this is the big news. At its 2026 CEO Investor Day, Hyundai confirmed the Santa Fe EREV for the first half of 2027 (EREV officially confirmed). Key points:
It works as a series hybrid: the gasoline engine only acts as a generator to charge the battery, and the wheels are always driven electrically.
Total range of more than 600 miles (about 965 km) on a full tank and charge.
Hyundai's next-generation in-house battery cells, with a battery less than half the size of an equivalent full EV.
Built in the United States at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA).
Prototypes have been spotted with two separate doors, one for fuel and one for charging (two fuel doors), plugged in for the first time (charging) and with a V2L accessory in the trunk (V2L spotted).
XRT And XRT Pro
The refreshed Santa Fe XRT has already been spotted in what looks like production form (XRT spied). Above it, an XRT Pro is coming with real off-road upgrades: more ground clearance, all-terrain tires and protective armor, with styling close to the Tucson XRT (XRT Pro rendered).
Release Date And Model Year
The refreshed Santa Fe is expected to premiere in South Korea in late 2026, followed by North America and Europe in 2027, with the XRT arriving alongside the standard and hybrid versions. The Santa Fe EREV is officially scheduled for the first half of 2027. We will update this guide as soon as Hyundai confirms exact dates.
Price
Hyundai has not announced pricing for the refreshed Santa Fe or the EREV yet. Expect a moderate increase over the current model because of the new technology, with the EREV sitting above the hybrid.
FAQ
Is the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe a new generation? No. It is a mid-cycle facelift of the fifth-generation Santa Fe (MX5) launched in 2023.
Will the Santa Fe still have a dual-clutch transmission? The 2.5-liter turbo is expected to switch to an 8-speed torque-converter automatic.
What is the Santa Fe EREV? An extended-range electric SUV: it drives on electricity, and a gasoline engine works only as a generator. Hyundai quotes more than 600 miles of total range.
Where will the Santa Fe EREV be built? At Hyundai's plant in Alabama, USA.
Comments
1 commentsI still have two big questions that will determine if I get this vehicle. 1. Will EREV powertrain be available on XRT Pro trim? 2. Will there be any self-driving features available?