The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: A Hands-On Review for American Drivers
The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a solid contender in the mid-size SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of value, features, and practicality. As we roll into 2026, Hyundai has refined the Santa Fe, making it an even more attractive choice for American families and adventurers alike. After a week-long test drive across diverse terrains, from bustling city streets to rugged mountain trails, I’m ready to share my comprehensive take on the 2026 Santa Fe, focusing on what truly matters to US drivers.
What’s New for 2026?
While the overall design language remains consistent with the recent boxy redesign, the 2026 model year brings several noteworthy upgrades. One key change under the hood is the swap of the dual-clutch transmission for a traditional eight-speed automatic in the gas-powered models. While some might lament the loss of the DCT’s sporty feel, the new transmission provides smoother and more predictable shifts, a welcome improvement for everyday driving.
Hyundai has also made strides in safety by standardizing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) across the entire Santa Fe lineup. Features like forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist are now included even on the base SE trim. This commitment to safety is commendable and significantly enhances the Santa Fe’s appeal.
For those seeking a touch of luxury, the Limited trim now comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, providing a more comfortable and spacious experience for rear passengers. A bench seat remains available for those who prioritize maximum seating capacity. Additionally, a new Peach Brown Nappa leather option elevates the interior of the top-tier Calligraphy trim.
Adventurous drivers will appreciate the addition of Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand settings to the XRT trim, optimizing traction and control in challenging off-road conditions. USB ports have also been added to the third row of the SEL and XRT trims, keeping all passengers connected on long journeys.
Trim Levels and Key Features: Finding the Right Santa Fe for You
The 2026 Santa Fe is available in several trim levels, each offering a unique combination of features and equipment. Let’s break down the key highlights of each trim to help you make an informed decision:
SE: The base SE trim starts at a competitive $36,400 (including destination charges) and offers a solid foundation of features. It includes 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and start, LED exterior lighting, heated side mirrors, a hands-free power liftgate, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. More importantly, it boasts a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
SEL: Stepping up to the SEL trim ($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, allowing you to use your smartphone or smartwatch as a key. These added conveniences enhance the overall driving experience and make the SEL a popular choice for many buyers.
XRT: The XRT ($43,390) is the adventure-oriented trim, featuring 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. The new Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand settings further enhances its off-road capabilities. If you plan to venture off the beaten path, the XRT is worth considering.
Limited: The Limited trim ($45,950) elevates the Santa Fe to near-luxury territory. It features 20-inch wheels, dual moonroofs, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather seating, a power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, ambient lighting, rear window shades, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Limited also adds a 360-degree camera system, blind spot cameras, side parking sensors, and automated parking, making maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze.
Calligraphy: The top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim ($48,950) offers the ultimate in luxury and refinement. It boasts 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. The Calligraphy also gets more standard safety equipment, including an upgraded forward collision warning system, blind spot intervention, and Highway Driving Assist 2, which combines the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering functions for hands-on semi-autonomous highway driving.
Performance and Fuel Economy: Balancing Power and Efficiency
The 2026 Santa Fe offers two powertrain options: a gas-powered turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain.
Gas Engine: The gas-only Santa Fe is powered by a 277-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and confident acceleration for merging onto highways. Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined with FWD, and 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined with AWD. The XRT, with its taller ride height and all-terrain tires, is rated at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Hybrid Powertrain: The hybrid Santa Fe combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a total of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system uses a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy, rated at 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. The hybrid offers a smooth and quiet driving experience, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious buyers.
Real-World Driving Impressions: Comfort, Handling, and Technology
After spending a week behind the wheel of the 2026 Santa Fe, I can confidently say that it’s a well-rounded and comfortable SUV that excels in various driving conditions. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The cabin is spacious and well-designed, with user-friendly controls and a modern infotainment system.
The ride quality is smooth and composed, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The handling is surprisingly agile for an SUV of this size, providing confident cornering and precise steering. The available all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability in inclement weather.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with crisp graphics and seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose audio system delivers rich and immersive sound quality.
Target Audience
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a compelling choice for a wide range of buyers. Families will appreciate its spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and comprehensive safety features. Adventure seekers will be drawn to the XRT trim’s off-road capabilities and rugged styling. Luxury-minded buyers will find the Limited and Calligraphy trims offer a premium experience with their upscale features and refined interiors.
Competitive Landscape
The mid-size SUV segment is fiercely competitive, with rivals like the Toyota Highlander (known for its reliability), Honda Passport (sporty handling), Kia Sorento (feature rich), and Ford Edge (powerful engine). However, the Santa Fe offers a unique blend of value, features, and style that sets it apart from the competition.
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Cost-Effectiveness and Resale Value of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is relatively cost-effective. The features offered on the base trim are more competitive than you would find on other vehicles of the same model. Depending on the trim, you also have the option of all-wheel drive at an additional cost. All of the options are relatively affordable and the features given are more than worth the cost. For those seeking a reliable, yet affordable SUV, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the perfect car. The vehicle’s estimated cost-effectiveness makes it competitive in its class of SUV, setting it apart from other vehicles of the same class.
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Overall Assessment
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a well-rounded and compelling SUV that offers a strong value proposition. With its refined design, improved safety features, comfortable interior, and efficient powertrains, the Santa Fe is a top contender in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. Whether you’re a family seeking a safe and spacious vehicle or an adventurer looking for a capable and stylish SUV, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is worth a closer look.
Ready to experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe for yourself? Visit your local Hyundai dealer for a test drive and discover why this SUV is making waves in the American market.
