he 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: A Practical Upgrade for Modern Families
The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a reliable choice for families seeking a blend of comfort, technology, and value. For 2026, Hyundai builds upon the already impressive foundation of the redesigned model, introducing subtle yet impactful upgrades that solidify its position as a top contender in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. Forget flashy gimmicks; the 2026 Santa Fe focuses on delivering a refined driving experience and enhanced safety for the everyday driver.
Subtle Shifts, Noticeable Improvements:
While the exterior design remains largely unchanged, the real story of the 2026 Santa Fe lies under the skin. The biggest, though least visible, change is the introduction of a new eight-speed automatic transmission for the gas-powered models, replacing the previous dual-clutch unit. As someone who’s spent years behind the wheel of various SUVs, I can tell you that a smooth, responsive transmission can make all the difference in daily driving. This new transmission promises exactly that, offering a more refined and seamless shifting experience, which will be a welcome improvement for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use.
Beyond the transmission, Hyundai has prioritized safety by making advanced forward collision warning technology standard across all trim levels. This is a significant step forward, ensuring that even the base model Santa Fe comes equipped with crucial safety features that can help prevent accidents. In today’s world, where distracted driving is a growing concern, this enhanced safety net is a huge advantage.
A Trim for Every Need:
The 2026 Santa Fe lineup offers a variety of trims, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Let’s break down what each trim brings to the table:
SE: Starting at $36,400, the SE provides excellent value with standard features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED exterior lighting, heated side mirrors, and a hands-free power liftgate. More importantly, it includes the full suite of advanced safety features, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on safety.
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SEL: For those seeking a touch more comfort and convenience, the SEL, priced at $38,940, adds synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and Hyundai’s Digital Key 2. The Digital Key 2, allowing you to use your smartphone or smartwatch as a key, is a particularly useful feature for tech-savvy individuals.
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XRT (Gas Only): Designed for the adventurous, the XRT, available only with the gas engine and priced at $43,390, stands out with its rugged styling, a 1.3-inch lift, dark-gray 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a moonroof, black exterior trim, navigation, and a second wireless charger. While it’s not a dedicated off-roader, the XRT’s increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires make it capable of handling light off-road trails and challenging weather conditions. It also now gets terrain modes for mud, snow and sand.
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Limited: Stepping into the luxury realm, the Limited, priced at $45,950, boasts 20-inch wheels, dual moonroofs, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather seating, power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated second-row captain’s chairs (with a bench option available), ambient lighting, rear window shades, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Limited also includes advanced safety features like a 360-degree camera system, blind spot cameras, side parking sensors, and automated parking.
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Calligraphy: At the top of the range, the Calligraphy, priced at $48,950, offers the ultimate in luxury and technology with 21-inch wheels, upgraded exterior and interior trim, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, an upgraded driver’s seat, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. It also includes advanced safety features like an upgraded forward collision warning system, blind spot intervention, and Highway Driving Assist 2, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centering functions for semi-autonomous highway driving. A new Peach Brown Nappa leather option is now available.
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The Hybrid models largely mirror the features of their gas-powered counterparts, offering the same trim levels (SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy) with a focus on fuel efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance:
The gas-powered 2026 Santa Fe is powered by a 277-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with the new eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined for FWD models and 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for AWD models. The XRT, with its all-terrain tires and increased ride height, achieves 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
The Hybrid models utilize a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, generating a combined output of 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid achieves an EPA-rated 37 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined with FWD and 35 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined with AWD. For those prioritizing fuel economy, the Hybrid is an excellent choice.
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The Competition:
The mid-size SUV segment is packed with worthy contenders, including the Toyota Highlander, Honda Passport, Kia Sorento, and Ford Edge. Each offers its unique strengths. But the 2026 Santa Fe distinguishes itself with its comprehensive suite of standard safety features, well-appointed interior, user-friendly technology, and a range of trim levels to suit various needs and budgets. The addition of the new transmission and the broadened availability of safety technology in 2026, further solidifies the Santa Fe as a strong contender.
Looking Ahead:
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe demonstrates a commitment to refinement and value. The subtle yet important upgrades, like the new transmission and enhanced safety features, make it an even more compelling choice for families in 2025. With its blend of practicality, technology, and style, the Santa Fe is well-positioned to continue its success in the competitive mid-size SUV market.
Ready to experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe for yourself? Visit your local Hyundai dealer to schedule a test drive and discover which trim level best fits your needs.
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