Hyundai Santa Fe Prototype Catches Fire During Facelift Testing

Daily Car

23/01/2026

A prototype of the facelifted Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a significant fire during testing in South Korea, just weeks after the fifth-generation model's debut. The incident occurred near Hyundai's Ulsan manufacturing plant, with the driver safely escaping before the blaze engulfed the front of the vehicle. Firefighters were unable to prevent extensive damage to the SUV's front end.

Key Takeaways

A camouflaged Hyundai Santa Fe prototype caught fire during road testing.
The incident happened near Hyundai's Ulsan plant in South Korea.
The driver escaped unharmed, but the front of the SUV was severely damaged.
Hyundai is investigating the cause of the fire.

Fire During Testing

Development of the updated Hyundai Santa Fe has hit a snag, as a test vehicle caught fire earlier this week. The incident took place in South Korea, not far from the automaker's main manufacturing hub in Ulsan. Reports indicate that the driver managed to exit the vehicle safely before the fire intensified.

However, local firefighters struggled to contain the blaze, and the front section of the Santa Fe prototype was reduced to a charred wreck. Early speculation suggests the fire may have originated in or around the engine compartment, causing extensive damage to the SUV's nose.

Investigation and Powertrain Possibilities

Hyundai has confirmed the fire and stated that it is investigating the cause. While the company has not yet disclosed details about the prototype's specific powertrain, there is speculation that the refreshed Santa Fe could introduce an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) option. This potential new variant could appeal to markets like the United States, offering a blend of internal combustion engine convenience with electric-only driving capability.

It is also possible that the existing powertrain options, including the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid (available in some markets), will be retained for the updated model.

Design Updates Unclear

Details regarding the exterior design changes for the facelifted Santa Fe remain scarce. Given the polarizing styling of the current model, Hyundai might be considering strategic revisions, particularly to the rear of the vehicle. The development process is still in its early stages, and the updated Santa Fe is not anticipated to reach the U.S. market until the 2027 model year.

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