Hyundai to Redesign the Santa Fe With Upcoming Facelift: Renderings

The first unofficial renderings of the updated Hyundai Santa Fe have surfaced online. Based on the published images, the crossover will retain its recognizable boxy body style but receive a completely redesigned front end and an updated interior.

The Hyundai Santa Fe has been in production since 2000 and remains one of the brand's most popular crossovers. The fifth-generation model debuted in 2023 with a dramatic shift to a more rugged, boxier design. One of its most distinctive features was the signature H-shaped lighting design.

New renderings of the updated Hyundai Santa Fe recently appeared online, created by an independent designer from the Godcha Cars channel. The images are based on previously published spy photos and are not official.

The biggest change shown in the renderings is a completely redesigned front end. While the overall boxy body shape will remain, the lighting design is expected to change almost entirely.

While the current Santa Fe features Hyundai's signature H-shaped daytime running lights and taillights, the updated model is expected to adopt vertically oriented headlight units positioned at the outer edges of the front bumper.

A slim horizontal light bar will span the upper section of the front fascia along the edge of the hood. This design will give the vehicle a wider visual stance and create a more unified appearance at the front. In addition, the grille and front bumper will appear as a single integrated design rather than placing the primary emphasis on the lighting elements.

Previously spotted test prototypes support this design direction. Spy photos also show vertically oriented headlights mounted lower than on the current model.

Changes are also expected inside the cabin. According to published reports, the updated Santa Fe could receive a new widescreen display similar to those already found in other recent Hyundai models.

The infotainment system is expected to switch to Hyundai's next-generation Pleos Connect platform. According to preliminary information, it will support over-the-air (OTA) software updates and include the built-in Gleo AI assistant powered by a large language model.

As for the powertrain, no major changes are expected at this point. Preliminary reports indicate that the lineup will retain the turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine and the turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain.

At the same time, insiders suggest an EREV version could be added. The electrified powertrain uses an internal combustion engine to generate electricity and extend driving range. However, this information has not been officially confirmed.

According to South Korean media, the updated Hyundai Santa Fe could go on sale during the second half of this year. The facelifted model is also expected to cost about $2,150 more than the current version.