2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Rendered on Dirt Road With New Styling

Fresh spy photos have just given us our first real look at what is coming next for the Hyundai Santa Fe, and the upcoming 2027 update is shaping up to be more than a light refresh. Even with heavy camouflage, the changes are clear enough to show that Hyundai is responding directly to feedback from owners and enthusiasts.

The biggest visual shift happens right up front. The restyled Santa Fe adopts a completely new face with vertically oriented daytime running lights, while the main headlights sit noticeably lower in the front bumper. This layout gives the crossover a wider, more planted look on the road and aligns it with Hyundai’s latest design language. Along the edge of the hood, thin horizontal LED lighting elements are expected to appear, adding a sharper and more technical feel to the front end.

Around back, Hyundai appears to be correcting what many considered the most controversial detail of the current model. Spy photographers have captured prototypes with vertically aligned taillights instead of the low mounted units seen today. The license plate recess remains integrated into the rear bumper, but the overall rear design looks cleaner, more balanced, and easier to recognize at night.

Under the skin, the 2027 Santa Fe is expected to carry over its existing powertrain lineup. Hybrid versions continue to play a major role, built around a 1.6 liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The standard hybrid produces 180 horsepower and 265 Newton meters of torque, while the plug in hybrid delivers 160 horsepower with the same torque figure. For buyers looking for maximum performance, the 2.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine remains the top option, producing 281 horsepower and 422 Newton meters of torque, paired with an 8 speed dual clutch transmission.

The official debut of the updated Santa Fe is expected next year, and based on what these early spy shots reveal, this refresh looks focused, purposeful, and well timed.