Source: Hyundai
As competition intensifies in the midsize SUV market, the Hyundai Santa Fe reportedly fell behind the Kia Sorento in both January and February. The Renault Korea Koleos also adds pressure on the Santa Fe. Some experts suggest that Hyundai should improve the Santa Fe's design to align better with consumer preferences.
Source: Hyundai
In February, Hyundai sold over 5,000 units of the Santa Fe, while it sold around 4,800 units in January. Over the two months, the Santa Fe became the best-selling SUV from Hyundai, with total sales exceeding 9,800 units. Meanwhile, the Kia Sorento sold over 7,400 units in February, bringing its total sales for January and February to over 16,000 units.
Source: Hyundai
The Kia SUV lineup, including the compact Sportage and the Seltos, also performed well, selling approximately 13,000 and 9,100 units, respectively, thus either matching or surpassing the Santa Fe. Notably, the Renault Koleos sold over 2,000 units in January and over 4,100 units in February, closing in on the Santa Fe.
Source: Hyundai
Meanwhile, industry analysts believe that the Santa Fe's design negatively impacts its sales performance. The fifth-generation model has received mixed reviews, with some praising its uniqueness while others criticize it. Opinions vary on the strong H-shaped images in the headlamps and taillamps, as well as the design of the rear end.
Source: Hyundai
Source: Hyundai
Hyundai acknowledges the divided opinions on the Santa Fe's design and suggests that significant changes might occur during the upcoming facelift. Recently, anticipated renderings of the Santa Fe facelift have generated buzz.
Anticipated rendering of the Santa Fe facelift (Source: NYmammoth)
NYmammoth's rendering of the Santa Fe facelift adds a touch of modern Hyundai design language. Overall, it incorporates design elements from the all-new Palisade into the current Santa Fe.
Anticipated rendering of the Santa Fe facelift (Source: NYmammoth)
Notably, the rendering shows changes in the headlamp graphics. In the previous model, the H-shaped daytime running lights and turn signals lit up inside the rectangular lamps. However, in the Santa Fe facelift, vertical lamps on the outside, similar to the new Palisade, complete the family look.
Anticipated rendering of the Santa Fe facelift (Source: NYmammoth)
Information regarding the release of the Santa Fe facelift model remains unavailable, but considering the model change cycle, it is expected to debut around the second half of 2026.
