Mid-Cycle Facelift Coming for the Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe caused quite a stir when Hyundai unveiled the fifth generation in 2023 for the '24 model year. Its blocky aesthetic was a massive departure from its predecessor, but while its design was intended to carve out a distinct identity, many people view it as polarizing.
Both the front and rear ends have their critics. Now, spy photos from high-altitude testing reveal a remarkably thorough mid-cycle refresh that addresses market feedback. On closer inspection, Hyundai is aligning the Santa Fe with the design language introduced by the second-generation Nexo in 2025.
Because of the high altitude, test drivers overseeing the pictured vehicle were forced to pull back the heavy camouflage to ensure sufficient air intake and cooling performance. This exposure has given us the best look yet at the facelifted model, which is expected to launch for the '28 model year.
Abandoning the Land Rover-esque fascia of the pre-facelift model in favor of a new design language, the Santa Fe is embracing the Art of Steel design philosophy with a split-headlight setup in which the main lamps sit lower on the bumper. The headlights are flanked by vertical daytime running lights that emphasize width, creating a sleeker lighting signature.
Hyundai moved away from the outgoing chunky grille in favor of a more premium layout that appears to integrate more cleanly with the rest of the front end. The entire lower portion of the bumper has also been reshaped to align with the Art of Steel design philosophy.
The sides benefit from smoother horizontal moldings that minimize visual bulk, another sign that Hyundai is moving away from the current Land Rover-inspired styling. Around back, the low-mounted taillight configuration has been replaced by vertical clusters connected by a full-width light bar. This change also results in a relocated license plate housing.
The decision to make such a comprehensive redesign just a few years into the fifth generation's life cycle highlights the high stakes of the segment. While sales initially received a boost from customers drawn to bold geometric themes, overall market reception leveled off in 2025. Rivals also maintained broader appeal through less divisive styling.
Inside, the cabin will also receive updates, including the adoption of Pleos Connect infotainment from the redesigned Elantra. Beyond the styling and in-vehicle technology updates, Hyundai is also using this refresh to implement a mechanical improvement.
Already confirmed by South Korea's largest automaker, the Santa Fe equipped with the 2.5L turbocharged inline-four will replace the dual-clutch transmission with a torque-converter automatic. The change comes in response to numerous complaints about low-speed jerkiness and clunky shifting. The hybrid Santa Fe will continue using a six-speed automatic, while the non-hybrid models will retain an eight-speed automatic.
Second Time: Another Update for the Skoda Octavia
With its all-electric successor delayed until 2029 or 2030, Skoda is giving its best-selling model, the Octavia, a second facelift. Our spies caught a camouflaged prototype testing in the Austrian Alps.
Despite the swirly camouflage, a new 3D grille is visible up front, along with new internal graphics for the headlights. A redesigned bumper completes the updates at the front. At the rear, the bumper and taillights will receive minor cosmetic revisions.
Not much will change under the hood, but the interior may receive updated materials and improved connectivity. Expect the second facelift for the Skoda Octavia to debut in early 2027.
Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
