2027 Hyundai Santa Fe: Extended-range electric version confirmed for Australia

The upcoming Hyundai Santa Fe extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) will definitely make its way to Australia, we just don't know when.

First announced last week, the 2027 Santa Fe will launch Hyundai's first-ever EREV powertrain next year.

At the time, Hyundai CEO and President José Muñoz gave no indication of whether it would be sold Down Under, only confirming the Santa Fe EREV will be launched first in North America before reaching other markets.

However, Hyundai Australia PR boss Bill Thomas has now confirmed the electrified large SUV for local showrooms.

"It's coming, but we can't talk about timing," Mr Thomas told CarExpert in Sydney.

"We will get it eventually."

Very little is known about the Santa Fe EREV at this stage, other than that it will team dual electric motors with a traditional combustion engine, use a battery less than half the size of a typical EV, and be capable of travelling around 966km between stops.

The wider Santa Fe range is also set to receive a substantial exterior makeover, including narrower headlights and a simpler front grille and bumper.

At the rear, it will dump its distinctive low-set tail-lights in favour of more conventional vertical brake lights connected by a horizontal light bar.

The facelifted Santa Fe will also bring significant cabin changes, with a larger centre screen indicating it will run Hyundai’s new-generation Android Automotive-based ‘Pleos’ operating system.

EREV aside, the Santa Fe is currently offered with petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Australia gets all bar the latter.

While the Santa Fe is believed to be the first global Hyundai product to receive the EREV powertrain, the automaker has confirmed a luxury Genesis model will follow, reportedly a flagship SUV with a combined range of 1030km.

A range-extender version of the wedge-shaped Ioniq V will also hit Chinese showrooms in 2027, as Hyundai attempts to arrest its sliding sales in the world’s biggest new-car market.

Hyundai and Chinese partner BAIC have committed ¥8 billion (A$1.6bn) to developing a range of electric and extended-range models as part of that recovery push, potentially opening the door for more EREVs to reach Australia as exports.

MORE: Explore the Hyundai Santa Fe showroom