Spy Shots from California: Next-Gen Hyundai Santa Fe Caught in Road Testing

New spy photos taken in California are shedding light on what’s coming with the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe. The test vehicles reveal meaningful updates inside the cabin and confirm the arrival of a new EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) powertrain, signaling a deeper push into electrification for Hyundai’s midsize SUV.

Inside, the Santa Fe features an updated Pleos Connect infotainment system mounted at the center of the dashboard. The steering wheel stands out in particular: its button layout and overall control logic clearly draw inspiration from Tesla. The setup suggests Hyundai is aiming for a cleaner, more intuitive user experience while keeping the basic interior architecture largely intact.

A label reading “MX5a EREV” offers a clear clue about the prototype’s identity. While the vehicle retains the familiar body of the current Santa Fe, it’s hiding a new extended-range setup underneath. An additional charging port and revised rear sensors point to intensive testing of the new system. In this configuration, the gasoline engine acts primarily as a generator—allowing the SUV to operate in electric mode most of the time and only kicking in once the battery charge drops.

Under the hood, Hyundai is expected to pair a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a mid-capacity battery pack. The combination could deliver a total driving range of up to about 560 miles, with a distinctly EV-like feel during daily city driving. The EREV format appears tailored for markets with uneven charging infrastructure—most notably North America, where range flexibility remains a major selling point.