First Look Inside Hyundai Santa Fe Facelift, PLEOS OS Confirmed!

Sneak Peek: 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Facelift Revealed

Get ready for a major overhaul of the Hyundai Santa Fe. Our colleagues at WoopaTV have shared the first insider look at the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Facelift, and it’s packed with exciting updates. The refreshed Santa Fe is expected to ditch its polarizing design for a more polished look, and these photos confirm that it will also come equipped with the latest technology, including PLEOS Connect, a new steering wheel, and a compact cluster behind the steering wheel.

A New Era of Design: “Art of Steel” Philosophy

The facelifted Santa Fe is set to undergo one of the most significant mid-cycle design updates in Hyundai’s recent history. Inspired by the “Art of Steel” design language, first seen on the next-generation NEXO, the SUV will sport a fresh new look. Key changes include:

• A redesigned front fascia with slimmer headlights and side-mounted DRLs, replacing the current bulky setup
• A more refined four-bar grille with cleaner integration, moving away from the rugged Land Rover-inspired look
• Sleeker body sides with horizontal molding that emphasize width rather than bulk
• Vertical taillights linked by a full-width horizontal brake light bar, plus a relocated license plate for a more upscale feel
• A matte-finished skid plate and gloss-black trim accents to balance ruggedness and sophistication

The result is a less boxy, more aerodynamic stance, giving the Santa Fe a premium SUV appearance that aligns with the Tucson and Palisade.

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Why the Design Change Matters

The current Santa Fe’s rugged design was intended to stand out in a crowded midsize SUV market. However, it deterred buyers who preferred the sleeker designs of rivals like the Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander. As sales declined steadily through early 2025, even with the introduction of the hybrid, the facelift represents a critical chance for Hyundai to win back customers. By adopting a more modern design philosophy, the facelift should broaden the Santa Fe’s appeal, particularly among families and urban drivers seeking a stylish yet practical SUV.

Mechanical Upgrade: A New Transmission

Alongside the design refresh, Hyundai has confirmed a major mechanical upgrade: all 2.5-liter turbo Santa Fe models will ditch the contentious eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) in favor of a torque-converter automatic transmission. This change addresses years of consumer complaints about jerky low-speed driving, clunky shifts, and warranty claims. The update will also apply to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which shares the same drivetrain. The hybrid Santa Fe will continue with its 1.6-liter turbo engine and smooth six-speed automatic.

Release Timeline

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Facelift is expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, featuring the new torque-converter automatic and refreshed styling.