--- title: "Spied: 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Ditching the LED H Lighting Pattern" description: "With the release of the new [2026 Palisade](), Hyundai is just about done overhauling its lineup to reflect a boxier, more SUV-like aesthetic. In fact, Hyundai is so close to wrapping [this lineup refresh]() that it's already circling back around…" date: "2026-01-27" modified: "2026-06-29" authors: - name: "Byron Hurd" job_title: "Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/byron-hurd" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/2027-hyundai-santa-fe-spy-shots" categories: - "Hyundai News" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Spy Photos" tags: - "Hyundai Santa Fe" - "suv/crossover" --- # Spied: 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Ditching the LED H Lighting Pattern ![2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Spy Shots]() *\Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien\* With the release of the new [2026 Palisade](), Hyundai is just about done overhauling its lineup to reflect a boxier, more SUV-like aesthetic. In fact, Hyundai is so close to wrapping [this lineup refresh]() that it's already circling back around to the model that started it all: [The Santa Fe](). These photos of a road-going 2027 prototype give us our latest look at what Hyundai has in store for this trendsetter. One thing stands out right away: that's a lot of camouflage for what should be just a mere mid-cycle refresh. And while your author is certainly feeling a sense of deja vu, there's no reason to believe we're looking at a repeat of the [Volkswagen ID.4]()/[ID Tiguan]() situation. There's no secret rebrand at work here that we're aware of. Instead, it appears the Santa Fe is moving a little closer to the Palisade's styling and ditching one of the most controversial eye-grabbing pieces: the Hermès-like LED lighting patterns both front and back. ![]() ![2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Spy Shots]() Based what we can see here, the front end update looks fairly extensive. The cut-outs indicate we'll see vertical daytime running lights along with headlights mounted lower in the bumper. It's possible that the camo up front is merely there to disguise how the new front bumper meets the hood line, but given the extent of the coverage, it's possible there's a whole new hood design under there. In the rear, we're seeing a similar shift toward an upright/vertical theme. The rear lights appear to have moved from the bumper to outboard of the tailgate, which makes the prototype look more truck-like, but a lot of that is down to the disguise itself. ![2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Spy Shots]() ![2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Spy Shots]() ![2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Spy Shots]() Expect the 2027 Santa Fe to debut later this fall. *Got a news tip? Let us know at tips@thedrive.com!* ## Author Byron is an editor at The Drive with a keen eye for infrastructure, sales and regulatory stories. He brings a light, punchy style to all of his content, believing that there's plenty out there to be laughed at—himself included. Born and raised in Maryland but now based just a stone's throw from Detroit, Byron is an auto enthusiast and generalist who enjoys building and tinkering with things of all kinds, from cars, computers and digital cityscapes, to the new garage that will soon house his fleet (a CT4-V Blackwing, a JK Wrangler and an NA Miata). Inspired by an early love of rollercoasters, Byron quickly caught the high-performance driving itch. He's been tracking and auto-crossing his cars since 2007. In his downtime, Byron enjoys reading, playing city builders, and studying the history of the Motor City. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()