The new upgraded Hyundai Santa Fe has been fully revealed at 2010 Detroit Motor Show with the American spec model, which is pretty much the one that goes on sale everywhere else except the UK, as they get their own versions. The new car comes with some slight modifications to the exterior, upgraded interior and two new engines.

Styling changes are quite subtle and to be honest an uninterested eye won’t be able to tell it apart from the old model. It comes with revised bumpers, new tail and headlights, new tailgate and newly designed wheels.

The interior too remains pretty much intact, only the quality of used materials is enhanced and a few new equipments have been added such as the navigation system featuring a high-resolution touch-screen and voice command technology which is now standard on all trim levels and top-notch audio system.

But the most significant changes of the 2010 Santa Fe are the engines. It now features the Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine which replaces the old 2.7 liter V6, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox which delivers better performance than the old engine with its 175 horsepower and 169 lb.-ft. of torque. It also has 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway fuel economy rating (FWD)

Th other V6 engine of old Santa Fe, the 3.3 liter, is also discontinued and has been replaced by a new Lambda II 3.5-liter V6 engine which is more powerful and more efficient. It has 276 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque while returning 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway (FWD).

Both models can be had with Hyundai’s electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system which automatically routes power to the wheels with the best traction. A driver-selectable AWD lock provides a fixed 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels, which can improve performance in slippery or off-road conditions.