2010 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV Facelift Scooped, gets new Diesel and Gasoline Engines
April 19th, 2009

It's facelift time for Hyundai's mid-size SUV or if you prefer, crossover - who can tell the difference any more. In view of the fact that the latest generation Santa Fe has only been around for three years, don't expect to see any major cosmetic changes, just minor tweaks here and there that will include reshaped headlights and tail lamps along with restyled bumpers, new mirrors that incorporate turning signals and different alloy wheel designs.

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Our spy photographers didn't manage to scoop the prototype's interior but our sources state that Hyundai will update the cabin with new trim options and add a few toys to the vehicle's equipment list.

Hyundai has paid more attention under the skin as the refreshed Santa Fe will benefit from the presentation of at least two new powertrain options including the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Theta II gasoline engine that produces 175HP at 6,000 rpm and 168 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. The second-generation Theta engine that can be mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission has already been confirmed for the U.S. market. Up until now, the Santa Fe was offered in the States only with a 2.7-liter V6 and 3.3-liter V6.

In Europe, Korea and other international markets, the 2010 Santa Fe facelift will also be available with Hyundai's newly developed 2.2-liter 4-cylinder 'R' diesel engine that cranks out 197HP and 435Nm or 320.1 lbs/ft of torque.

Though not officially confirmed, Carscoop's sources state that in the USA, Hyundai will replace the current 242HP 3.3-liter V6 with the Korean firm's new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 277HP and 335 Nm or 247 lbs/ft of torque.

Expect to see the 2010 Santa Fe making its debut at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September with the first cars arriving in Hyundai's dealerships on both sides of the Atlantic shortly after.

Source: http://carjake.com/2010-hyundai-santa-fe-s...asoline-engines

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Source: http://www.globalmotors.net/spy-shots-2010-hyundai-santa-fe/

2010 Hyundai Santa Fe facelift
Apr.19, 2009 in Santa Fe

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First spy shots of the facelifted 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV hit the web.

Hyundai Santa Fe has been on sale since 2006 and over the past three years it has sold considerably well. Despite its exterior design still being fresh and good-looking, the Korean largest car company decided to upgrade its mid-sized SUV with a few mid-cycle tweaks.

The 2010 Santa Fe will bring us an upgraded front fascia with redesigned grille and headlamps, while at rear, the SF will be getting slightly different looking tail-lights and bumper with integrated dual chrome tail-pipes. Since this is a mid-cycle update, no major design changes are expected until the next generation Santa Fe comes to the market (reportedly in 2012-13).

Inside, the cabin will be slightly revised with an increased emphasis on material quality while under the bonnet the 2010 Santa Fe will be getting an all-new R-diesel engine with estimated rating of 200 horsepower. However, the R-diesel engine is expected to be available in European and South Korean market only. The facelifted Santa Fe is also rumored to be equipped with Hyundais new six-speed automatic transmission, meaning the vehicle will benefit from improved fuel economy!

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to hit the US Hyundai dealers by the end of this year, but some reports state the early date, sometime around September 2009. [Source: GlobalMotors]

Update: Sitting next to the facelifted Santa Fe are two heavily camouflaged Kia Sorentos, both sharing the uni-body platform and powertrain units with the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. Location: Hyundais European R&D centre in Germany.

Source: http://www.hyundai-blog.com/index.php/2009...-fe-facelift-2/

Looks promising! I'm rather disappointed they chose not to bring the diesel to the states as I would gobble one of those up in an instant.

Nice shots... thanks for posting this!

The age-old question, of course, is why no diesel for North America? Oil burners are catching on here, and Hyundai could get the jump on most of its competition. 320 lb-ft of torque with 4-cylinder fuel economy?? My camping trailer and I would be SO there if only we could (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

I'll reserve my judgement until we see it without camo. I'm glad to see they are putting the turnsignals in the mirrors, but not a fan of the wheels. I guess I bought my car at the right time. As of April 24th 2012 I will own my 08 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif) . Hopefully the new Santy will be just as great since they have 2 excellent models to follow.

Has anyone seen the new Sorento's? They look awesome!

This post has been edited by HyundaiLvr87: Apr 20 2009, 05:01 PM

I would love a diesel too. Seriously considered a VW Jetta TDI with 6sp Tiptronic instead of the Santa Fe. Finally decided against it after doing some math on fuel cost comparisons. Diesel engines are more expensive to produce than gassers. Assuming even a modest premium of $2000 over a gas version, and both gas and diesel at $4/gal, it will still take many miles just to break even, and many more miles to rack up savings. It'll make sense only if you drive a lot of miles per year, or if you need the low-end torque for frequent towing.

Now the 3.5L stroker sounds like a good upgrade for the upper trim levels. The 3.3L is perfect for Sonata duty, but feels just a bit strained motivating the heavier Santa Fe off the line. Every time I switch between driving the 3.8L Sedona and the 3.3L Santa Fe, I always felt the Sedona is livelier on throttle response and acceleration, even though the minivan is at least some 500 lbs heavier. The larger 3.5L shouldn't hurt mpg much. My Sedona and Santa Fe get virtually identical mpg on the hwy.

6sp auto would be great also.

I couldn't imagine driving a Santa Fe with a Theta II engine, unless they did some massive weight reduction.
Its okay for my Sonata but its 700-800 pounds lighter.

Heck, I drove the SM with the Theta engine and all I can say is thank goodness it was a stick shift. I've read reviews saying the new Santy with the 2.7 Delta is underpowered so I can't imagine the Theta II. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Is the SM Santa Fe using Theta engine? I thought it was a Siruis II engine...And FYI, the new and current SF uses 2.7 MU engine which is much much better than the old Delta.

Agreed, although with a 6-speed automatic it wouldn't be all bad. Twenty five years ago I was driving a 175hp Pontiac with a 3-speed automatic, and it was considered a rocket (IMG:style_emoticons/default/banana.gif)

Hi from Oz,

I have heard that the diesel engines in the current Santa Fe and some other Hyundai vehicles sold in Europe and Australia require refined diesel that is not available in the US. I have an i30 hatch (Elantra) with a 1.6 CRDi manual and have just ordered a Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi auto (5 speed). The diesels are certainly a joy to drive and the economy is amazing. While not overly powerful in terms of horsepower, the torque over a wide and low rev band is amazing.

Bob

I stumbled upon this story yesterday and came here to see any convo. FINALLY some info! I appreciate the spy shots and the photographer grabbing them, but honestly, the car is parked. How hard could it have been to walk up to it to grab a quickie interior shot? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

This has a non-US plate on it. I'm concerned some of the things we're seeing won't be for the US. I.e.; can the US bank on those mirror signal lights?

Wheels: I see the wheels are identical to the 2010 Sorrento. Can anyone comment if those are the wheels the US will actually get? Or historically does each country/area of the world, have different wheels like they have different stereos, etc?
AND - Would Hyundai put the exact same wheels on the Santy as the Sorrento has?

Bottom black cladding: I see it's very different. Seems to retain the lower current piece that's clean and loses the upper piece with the ridge sticking out. I.e.; the black pieces on the bottom of the doors. I admit it looks cleaner (smoother) without the lower door pieces but the current one almost looks like a bump guard and fills a purpose.
So the 2010 will show color lower down to the bottom which will change the look significantly IMO.
BUT BUT! It's a black car. Is there NO black cladding? Are we looking at body color all the way down?

EDIT: Also if you look in the top pic right behind the rear wheel, the area not covered. There's a seam in line with the between-wheels bottom piece. Appears there will be a piece on the rear back this time. OK, There's a flare out in the bottom piece. It's not flat. It seems to be cladding as it has a different sheen than the car - tho the car is filthy so.... ???

This post has been edited by Meagain: Apr 26 2009, 09:44 AM

In Asia, we already have the LED signal at the mirror for 2008 model onwards... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

New Spy shots. This time a White in Michigan. I PRAY this isn't what we're getting cuz I hate it.

Note the white grill, less black on the bottom, no blingy wheels, 2-tone tail lights. WHITE grill? I want my Koala bear nose! (guess it can be painted eh?). Even worse, white pillars between doors? That can't be real. It's a fake out right? I hate that look.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/hyundai-santa-fe-2010.html

This post has been edited by Meagain: Apr 28 2009, 03:36 PM

I agree. The black at the bottom is horrible and so are the taillights. Only the turn signals look different to me. I'll hold out for the completely redesigned model. Why do they need a 4 cyl again if they have the Tucson. That was the whole point in getting rid of the 4 banger in the Santa Fe before.

I like the monochromatic look - especially in white. The taillight is too loud. The current all-red US-spec taillight work well with neutral colors - white, grey or black. Guess all LED is still cost prohibitive.

Actually, I am liking the white Portico even better. Before I bought the Santa Fe, I looked at entire the Hyundai/Kia family for a general-purpose commuter runabout:

1. Veracruz - so so exterior, but drop-dead gorgeous interior in saddle black. A bit large and don't need 3-row.
2. Tuscon/Sportage - smaller is okay, but cheapie interior is not. Neither is poor mpg for the size.
3. Kia Rondo - tall wagon concept is perfect for my needs, but hard plasticky interior killed it. Is manual leather seat an oxymoron?
4. Sorento - old-school body on frame.
5. Borrego - great full-size SUV, but so was our Sequoia Limited. Sold that Hulk Hogan for a reason.
6. Elantra Touring - stretched hatchback has excellent proportions. 2.0L I4 - blehhh.

If the Portico really does end up being a bit wider, lower, and more upscale than SF, it will fit my taste to a tee. The 3-across seating should work better than cumbersome 3rd-rows. 2 ourboard car seats for my young ones, and my oldest boy still can buckle up in between. Yes, sir. Make mine 3.5L V6 6sp auto, dipped-in-vainilla white and saddle leather.

This post has been edited by Volfy: Apr 28 2009, 11:58 PM

I agree with all of your observations. I love the Veracruz, never understood why it doesn't sell. Oh wait, could it be Hyundai's lack of advertising? I would have bought one but at the time I bought my Santy it was too expensive.

Me too. Right now with all the owner incentives, a '08 Veracruz Limited is only about $2000-3000 more than an '08 SF Limited, and probably about the same as an '09 SF limited. If that were the case when I bought my '07, I would have gotten a dark bronze Veracruz with saddle leather.

If that grille goes into production, drop my name off buying a new Santa Fe and put it solidly on a Genesis Coupe. What an atrocity. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/crying.gif)