It’s only been 24 months since the current Hyundai Santa Fe was unveiled to the world with a dramatic new look that’s since spread across the Hyundai range. Despite this, the South Korean automaker is readying a facelift and our spy photographers recently snapped it undergoing winter testing.
This prototype is covered in thick camouflage and as such, much of its design is hidden from view. Peeking through the body cladding across the front fascia is a large grille similar in design to the grille of the current Santa Fe. It also appears as though the updated Santa Fe will retain the split headlight design of the current model but some minor tweaks will be made to the lights.
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As for the rear, it is virtually impossible to decipher exactly what adjustments will be made but it’s not hard to guess the type of changes. Like virtually all mid-life facelift models that launch these days, expect to see modified taillights and a new rear bumper. Other than that, the refreshed Hyundai Santa Fe should look largely identical to the outgoing one.
A number of new powertrains are expected for the facelifted model including various hybrid and plug-in hybrid options but specifics remain scarce at the moment. In the United States, the existing Santa Fe is sold with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 185 hp and returning 25 MPG over the combined cycle as well as a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 235 hp and rated at 24 mpg combined.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is likely to be retained but the future of the aging 2.4-liter four-cylinder is unclear. In Australia last year, the 2.4-liter was dropped from the Santa Fe range and replaced with a 3.5-liter V6 developing 276 hp and 248 lb-ft (336 Nm). Given the existence of the Palisade that has a V6, we don’t expect to see this engine offered stateside.
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