Hyundai's 2027 Santa Fe: A Bold Facelift and Transmission Upgrade
Hyundai is giving its popular Santa Fe SUV a significant facelift for 2027, with a dramatic redesign and transmission upgrade. The changes, developed by KKSStudio, aim to make the Santa Fe less boxy and more aerodynamic, aligning it with Hyundai's latest 'Art of Steel' design language. The facelifted model was recently spotted in South Korea, hinting at a late 2026 or early 2027 debut.
The 2027 Santa Fe facelift will feature a host of design changes, including a revised front fascia, a refined grille, sleeker body sides, and vertical taillights. The license plate has also been relocated. These updates bring the Santa Fe's design closer to the Hyundai Tucson, giving it a more modern and premium appearance. The radical mid-cycle design update will also incorporate Hyundai's latest design language, first seen on the next-generation NEXO.
Hyundai is not just refreshing the Santa Fe's looks; it's also addressing consumer complaints about the current model's transmission. The 2027 facelift will replace the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a torque-converter automatic in the 2.5-liter turbo models. This change will also apply to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which shares the same drivetrain.
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe facelift is set to debut with a bold new look and improved transmission. The facelift aims to make the Santa Fe more aerodynamic and premium, while the transmission upgrade addresses consumer concerns. With a late 2026 or early 2027 launch expected, Hyundai fans have much to look forward to.