Predator: Family SUV

While tame compared to the Kia Tasman, the current Hyundai Santa Fe’s exterior design has generated plenty of discussion and debate since its debut in 2023, so it’s perhaps not surprising the facelift will look completely different. According to the internet, the updated model – due in 2027 – will adopt a very different aesthetic in an effort to attract more buyers.

Based on spy shots snapped in Sweden recently, these unofficial renders portray the upcoming Santa Fe update as a radical departure from the current model rather than a cheeky nip and tuck.

Gone are the H-block headlights (and tail-lights), replaced by slim vertically stacked units mounted lower down the front fascia as per the smaller Tucson and Kona which are then framed by hooked daytime running lamps.

Said DRLs encompass the bottom and outside edges of the headlight clusters before jumping a narrow piece of bodywork and tracing the bonnet line.

It’s a similar story at the rear where the all-new tail-light clusters are now taller and portrait oriented, linked at the bottom of the tailgate by a contrasting black panel.

The front bumper has also been completely redesigned with what ultimately look like Predator-style mandibles, complementing the bottom line of the DRLs and pinching the new rectangular mesh grille.

A contrasting faux skid plate adds some extra muscularity and ruggedness.

It’s anticipated the new model will retain the familiar 2.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol-hybrid powertrains, though the former could swap out its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in favour of an eight-speed torque converter as per the North American versions.

With the first prototypes now spotted, odds are the new Santa Fe will debut either late this year or early next; either one leading to a 2027 arrival Down Under.

Digital image credit: Kolesa

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