2010 Hyundai Santa Fe facelift spied
July 8, 2009 by George Skentzos
With the new generation Hyundai Tucson replacement receiving all the attention, it was only a matter of time before a prototype of its bigger brother was spied on the roads.
Beneath this camouflage lies a facelifted version of the next Hyundai Santa Fe which is set to breathe new life into the range before the new generation model arrives.
The most obvious change is the new grille which appears to be a new design trait for Hyundai SUVs, also appearing on the 2010 Hyundai iX35 prototypes.
A new headlight cluster design can already be seen through the camouflage and it is likely the new model will also receive a new front bumper and lower fascia.
At the rear it should be a similar story with a new set of tail lights and redesigned bumper.
A 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine from the Sonata may also find its way into the 2010 model range, complimenting the existing V6 engines.
Print it: 
Hope they drop the new Kia Sorento diesel in the Santa Fe!
On another note, this is completely unrelated to this article, but I heard that as of 6 pm tonight and for the next 7 days, NSW police are not issuing any speeding fines? Is this true?
Kris Says:
Hope they drop the new Kia Sorento diesel in the Santa Fe!
Just to clarify the diesel is actually Hyundai’s, they’ve just dropped it into the Kia Sorento for economy of scale. Various reporters have already driven Korean versions of the updated Santa Fe with the new diesel and 6 speed auto combination.
The speeding tickets thing is only for low range speeding offences ie. Not more than 10km per hour. Anything more and they’ll still book you. The red light and fixed speed cameras are not on strike though…
I wanted to buy one of these 18 months ago. The problem for me is being 6′ 2″, I could not slide the drivers seat back far enough to be comfortable. I have read the same sorts of comments on other websites here and overseas. I hope its something they can address as these are good cars, especialy when fitted with the diesel engines.
Thanks hans, appreciate the feedback champ.
The problem for me is being 6′ 2″, I could not slide the drivers seat back far enough to be comfortable.
Reply:
I am 6′6″, no problem at all.
The problem for me is being 6′ 2″, I could not slide the drivers seat back far enough to be comfortable.
Reply:
I am 6\’6\”, no problem at all.
I would like to know if South Korean made Sante Fe 2009 crdi SUV is as durable and long lasting as compared to many German and American competitors ? Has anyone had a reasonably trouble free 80,000 km on a Sante Fe 2008 or 2009 model ? I would also like to know IF the Brakes, Transmissions and Suspensions lasts Long for mostly ’safe highway drive’ usage?
Can experienced owners help me with my Queries ? thanks
Roy, i have a 2008 Santa Fe Elite crdi, have done about 38,000km of which 70% has been highway driving, the remainder being city and off-road. So far not one problem! Brakes are probably the best i have had in a suv, front pads barely worn. No trouble with the trans or suspension but its probably to early to judge these . . . ask me again at 70K.