It is true that the latest generation Hyundai Santa Fe, known internally as the MX5, hasn’t achieved the expected success. In countries like South Korea, it has been outsold by the Sorento and, more recently, by an MPV—the Kia Carnival and of course the recently launched Hyundai Palisade. So, what if the updated model get some of Hyundai’s All-New Design Language “Art of Steel” premiered by the NEXO? We will explore this thanks to KKSStudio latest rendering.
The Hybrid and SUV trend still not enough for Santa Fe
Hyundai Motor launched the 5th generation model Santa Fe in August 2023 and started selling it only with a gasoline engine. In the first two months when the new Santa Fe sales began, the hybrid model was not available, making it difficult to enjoy the full new car effect.
The Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a significant boost in sales following the introduction of the hybrid model in October 2024. However, sales have been on a downward trend since November 2024, with a notable decline in early 2025. In January 2025, the Santa Fe sold 4,819 units in South Korea, reflecting a continued decrease in demand. This decline may be attributed to increasing competition in the SUV market and changing consumer preferences.
What was unexpected was Santa Fe sales drop again in March and April, with Sportage, Hyundai Grandeur, Kia Carnival forward or even Hyundai Sonata forward. Did the All-New Santa Fe failed again even with the new generation?
Refreshed model to get a completely makeover
Our colleagues at KKSStudio imagined how the refreshed SUV could look, applying several solutions from another Hyundai cars. At the top of the front, they have applied Hyundai’s new design language “Art of Steel” premiered by the new generation Hyundai NEXO.
Below this line, the designer applied a pair of headlights that are pretty similar to what we have seen in the new generation Hyundai NEXO hydrogen fuel cell SUV. The 5th generation Santa Fe was extremely liked and disliked because of its unconventional design, which was completely different from the previous generation. If Hyundai apply the new Palisade design cues to the facelift model could get a more balanced appearance, so the popularity of the model could increase. What do you think?
