One of our favourite seven-seat SUVs is getting a big midlife update later this year, with new images serving as concrete proof Hyundai is working on substantial changes for its Santa Fe. We’re yet to get a full scope of the upgrades, but they will include a fresh look outside, new tech inside and improved hybrid powertrain technology.
Good news if correct. I like the front of the Santa Fe and the side profile is OK, but the back end is awful IMHO. The light clusters are far too low. If they can sort that it could be a nice looking car. It reminds me of a previous generation Discovery.
The PHEV battery needs an upgrade. Our Tucson (with an identical battery and engine) struggles to get more than 30 miles out of it. The range vanishes very quickly on the motorway if you drive in the 70-80 mph range.
The petrol engine sounds strained and holds on to revs too long, which makes it sound unrefined. I would think that it would be inadequate for the heavier Santa Fe, so they really need to upgrade the engine as well.