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SANTA FE

Hyundai’s Next Move: A First Look At The 2027 Santa Fe

2027 Hyundai Santa Fe

When Hyundai dropped the fifth-generation Santa Fe for the 2024 model year, it wasn’t just an update but a seismic shift.

The once-curvy, familiar crossover morphed into a chiseled, boxy adventurer that looked like it drove straight out of a design studio in 2030.

2027 Hyundai Santa Fe
2027 Hyundai Santa Fe

It was a gamble that paid off, grabbing headlines and turning heads. Now, as we look ahead, every industry watcher’s question is: what’s next? Enter the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe, a model poised not for revolution, but for a calculated and potent evolution.

As we are still a couple of model years out, consider this our expert forecast based on Hyundai’s product cadence, industry trends, and inside whispers.

The 2027 model will represent the mid-cycle refresh for this generation, a critical point where a manufacturer refines the formula, addresses early feedback, and injects new technology to keep the vehicle at the top of a brutally competitive class.

This could be the sweet spot for potential buyers, combining a proven platform with the latest goodies.

Refining a Revolutionary Design

Let’s be clear: the blocky, “H”-themed design language isn’t going anywhere. That’s the new Hyundai SUV identity.

For the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe, expect a sharpening of the details rather than a wholesale change. To distinguish the trims, look for subtle tweaks to the front grille, perhaps with more intricate patterns or different finishes—like darker chrome or satin black.

The distinctive “H” signature daytime running lights will almost certainly remain. Still, we anticipate Hyundai’s designers will play with the pixelated theme in the taillights, offering new animated lighting sequences for locking and unlocking.

New wheel designs are a given for a mid-cycle refresh, likely ranging from 18 to 21 inches with even more aggressive and aerodynamic patterns.

We could also see a revised lower fascia, front and rear, to enhance the rugged aesthetic, possibly leaning even harder into the XRT trim’s off-road persona. The goal won’t be to reinvent the Hyundai Santa Fe redesign of 2024, but to perfect it.

Powertrain Forecast: More Electrons, More Efficiency

We predict some of the most meaningful updates will occur under the hood. The current lineup forms a solid foundation: a peppy 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and an efficient 1.6-liter turbo hybrid.

  • Standard Power: The 277-hp 2.5-liter turbo is a workhorse and will likely carry over, perhaps with minor tuning for improved response or fuel economy.
  • The Enhanced Hybrid: The Santa Fe hybrid has been popular for balancing power and MPG. For the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe, we expect Hyundai to aim for a combined rating closer to 40 mpg. This could be achieved through a slightly larger battery pack or more refined software governing the interplay between the gas engine and electric motor.
  • The Main Event: A Better Plug-In Hybrid: This is the big one. While a Santa Fe plug-in hybrid (PHEV)exists in the current generation, its availability has been limited. For 2027, we forecast Hyundai will make a much bigger push with an improved PHEV. The target will be to compete directly with rivals like the Kia Sorento PHEV and the growing list of electric-assisted competitors. Look for an all-electric range climbing from the low 30s to a more competitive 38-40 miles. This would make the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe a true do-it-all family SUV, capable of handling daily commutes entirely on electric power.

As the market continues its march toward electrification, a more robust and widely available PHEV option is not just a possibility; it’s a necessity for any serious player in the mid-size SUV segment.

2027 Hyundai Santa FE Interior
2027 Hyundai Santa FE Interior

The Cabin: Upping the Tech Ante

The current Santa Fe’s interior is already a benchmark, with its panoramic curved display and clever use of space. The Hyundai Santa Fe interior of 2027 will focus on software, connectivity, and driver assistance.

The beautiful dual 12.3-inch screens will undoubtedly remain the centerpiece. However, we predict they will run an even faster, more intuitive version of Hyundai’s infotainment system.

A key upgrade we anticipate is the widespread implementation of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, a feature strangely absent on the top-tier trims of some current Hyundai models.

Furthermore, SUV technology will take another leap forward with an updated Hyundai SmartSense safety suite.

This could include a more advanced version of Highway Driving Assist (HDA), allowing for automated lane changes and more natural, fluid traffic operation.

A more sophisticated digital key system, allowing you to share access with more users via your smartphone, is also a likely addition.

The practicality of the three-row SUV layout will remain a core selling point, thanks to its generous cargo space and innovative storage solutions.

Expect minor material upgrades, new color palettes, and more available features, such as the driver relaxation seat on lower trims.

Expected Price and Release Date

Hyundai has built its brand on delivering exceptional value, and we don’t see that changing. However, a price increase is inevitable with added technology and powertrain refinements.

  • 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Price: We estimate the 2027 model will start at approximately $36,000 for the base model and climb to over $52,000 for a top-of-the-line Calligraphy or a fully loaded PHEV variant. This puts it squarely in competition with the Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, and its corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride.
  • 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Release Date: Following typical automotive timelines, look for an official reveal of the refreshed Santa Fe in the fall or winter of 2026, with models arriving in U.S. showrooms in the first quarter of 2027.

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe is shaping up to be a masterful refinement of an already compelling package. It won’t be the earth-shattering statement its predecessor was, but it doesn’t need to be.

By focusing on enhancing its electrified powertrains, upgrading its already class-leading tech, and subtly honing its standout design, Hyundai is positioning the next-generation Santa Fe to maintain its momentum.

For families and adventurers looking for a bold, spacious, and tech-forward mid-size SUV, the 2027 model will be more polished and capable than ever before.

It’s a testament to Hyundai’s relentless drive to enter and lead a segment. We’ll be watching closely and will bring you the official 2027 Santa Fe specs and our first-drive review as soon as we get our hands on one. Stay tuned.

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