2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: A Deep Dive into Pricing, Features, and Value
The Hyundai Santa Fe, fresh off its bold redesign, continues to evolve for the 2026 model year. As someone who’s been tracking the SUV market for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of contenders come and go. The Santa Fe, however, has consistently impressed with its blend of practicality, style, and value. In 2026, it gets even better, and here’s what you need to know.
What’s New for 2026?
Hyundai has made a few key improvements, focusing on enhancing the driving experience and standard features.
Refined Transmission: The biggest change under the hood is a new eight-speed automatic transmission for the gasoline-powered models, replacing the previous dual-clutch system. From a user perspective, this translates to smoother shifts and a more refined driving experience, especially in everyday city traffic. Dual-clutch transmissions are great for sporty feel, but the new automatic prioritizes comfort and reliability, which makes more sense for the Santa Fe’s target audience.
Enhanced Safety: A major win for all buyers is the standardization of advanced forward collision warning technology across all trims. This feature was previously reserved for higher trims, so making it standard significantly boosts the Santa Fe’s safety profile.
XRT Trim Updates: If you’re eyeing the adventure-ready XRT, you’ll appreciate the new Terrain Mode, which includes settings for Mud, Snow, and Sand. This provides optimized traction for various off-road conditions, expanding the XRT’s capabilities.
Interior Enhancements: The Limited trim now comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, adding a touch of luxury and comfort for rear passengers. A bench seat remains an option, catering to those who need maximum seating capacity. The top-tier Calligraphy trim now offers a new Peach Brown Nappa leather option, elevating the interior aesthetics.
More USB Ports: The SEL and XRT trims get additional USB ports for the third row.
Pricing and Trim Levels: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
Here’s a breakdown of the 2026 Santa Fe’s pricing structure, including the destination charge of $1,600:
Santa Fe (Gas)
SE: $36,400
SEL: $38,940
XRT: $43,390
Limited: $45,950
Calligraphy: $48,950
Santa Fe Hybrid
SE: $37,750
SEL: $40,040
Limited: $47,050
Calligraphy: $50,050
A Closer Look at Each Trim:
SE: The base SE is surprisingly well-equipped. It comes standard with features like keyless entry and start, LED exterior lighting, heated side mirrors, and a hands-free power liftgate. Inside, you’ll find a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most importantly, it includes a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure steering assist, lane-centering steering, and more.
Who is it for?: Budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on essential features and safety tech.
SEL: Stepping up to the SEL adds creature comforts like 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 feature is particularly useful, allowing you to use your smartphone or smartwatch as a key and remotely monitor the vehicle.
Who is it for?: Those who want a more comfortable and convenient driving experience without breaking the bank.
XRT: The XRT is the adventurous 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. It’s only available with the gas engine, and features a new Terrain Mode for optimizing off-road performance.
Who is it for?: Buyers who plan to venture off the beaten path and want a rugged-looking SUV with some off-road capability.
Limited: The Limited trim is where luxury starts to shine. It adds 20-inch wheels, dual moonroofs, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather seating, a power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 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. It also includes advanced safety features like a 360-degree camera system, blind spot cameras, and automated parking.
Who is it for?: Those who want a premium SUV experience with all the bells and whistles.
Calligraphy: At the top of the lineup, the Calligraphy 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. It also gets additional safety equipment, including an upgraded forward collision warning system, blind spot intervention, and Highway Driving Assist 2.
Who is it for?: Buyers who demand the absolute best in terms of luxury, features, and technology.
Powertrain Options: Gas or Hybrid?
The 2026 Santa Fe offers two powertrain options: a gasoline engine and a hybrid.
Gasoline Engine: The gas-powered Santa Fe is equipped with a 277-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 311 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and highway cruising.
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Hybrid Engine: The hybrid Santa Fe features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, generating a total of 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. It uses a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid offers improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much performance.
Fuel Economy: A Key Consideration
Fuel economy is always a crucial factor when choosing an SUV. Here are the EPA-rated fuel economy figures for the 2026 Santa Fe:
Gas (FWD): 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
Gas (AWD): 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
XRT (AWD): 19 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined
Hybrid (FWD): 37 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 36 mpg combined
Hybrid (AWD): 35 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 34 mpg combined
As you can see, the hybrid powertrain offers significantly better fuel economy, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize efficiency.
The Competition: How Does the Santa Fe Stack Up?
The mid-size SUV segment is crowded with worthy contenders. The Honda Passport, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Grand Cherokee are well-regarded options. Each has its strengths, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. However, the Santa Fe holds its own with its combination of style, features, and value.
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Key Takeaways for 2025 Buyers:
Value Proposition: The 2026 Santa Fe offers excellent value for money, with a long list of standard features and a competitive price point.
Safety First: The standardization of advanced forward collision warning technology is a significant safety upgrade.
Hybrid Efficiency: The hybrid powertrain provides impressive fuel economy, making it a smart choice for eco-conscious buyers.
Trim Level Variety: With a wide range of trim levels, there’s a Santa Fe to suit every budget and lifestyle.
Transmission Refinement: The new automatic transmission in gas models enhances the driving experience.
Final Verdict: A Solid Choice in a Competitive Market
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a compelling option in the mid-size SUV segment. Its stylish design, comprehensive features, and affordable price make it a standout choice. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid or a rugged adventure vehicle, the Santa Fe has something to offer.
Ready to experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe for yourself? Visit your local Hyundai dealer for a test drive and see why it’s earning rave reviews.
