A New Look With Something More Underneath
Hyundai’s fifth-generation Santa Fe hasn’t been around for long, but the brand is already working on a facelifted version. Prototypes have been spotted this year with updated lighting, revised grille details, and what looks like a slightly tweaked front fascia. Inside, the SUV is expected to feature Hyundai’s latest infotainment platform, likely adopting a large, tablet-style screen with multi-window layouts.
While those upgrades sound like typical mid-cycle updates, there’s a more interesting development underneath. Spy shots have confirmed that Hyundai is working on an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version of the Santa Fe. The discovery hints that the brand isn’t only tweaking design and comfort but also expanding its powertrain lineup for markets like North America.
What the EREV Prototype Reveals
The first Santa Fe EREV prototype was recently caught on camera by South Korean outlet Healer TV. The camouflaged SUV has a label reading “MX5a EREV” – “MX5” stands for the model code of the fifth-generation Santa Fe, while “a” means that it’s headed for North America. The EREV label, well, means what it means.
While the exterior looked largely unchanged from the current model, close inspection revealed an extra charging port and distinctive rear-bumper sensors. There’s also a visible exhaust pipe that confirms the use of a gasoline engine, but not in the typical sense. Instead, the EREV setup should allow the engine to operate solely as a generator, powering the motors or recharging the battery as needed.
The expected benefits include long-range flexibility – possibly up to 600 miles combined – EV-like acceleration, and quieter operation.
Healer TV/YouTube
Hyundai’s Expanding Hybrid and EREV Lineup
Hyundai’s move toward EREVs is part of the automaker’s wider plan that targets 3.3 million electrified vehicles a year by 2030. Apart from the Santa Fe, Genesis will introduce EREV and hybrid powertrains in its lineup, including the GV70. Hyundai and Kia will also expand their hybrid offerings, with over 18 such vehicles planned by the end of the decade.
By adding EREVs to the mix, Hyundai wants to appeal to drivers who want the smooth feel of an EV minus range anxiety. For the Santa Fe, it is an unprecedented direction, something to watch out for when the refreshed model arrives by 2027.
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