2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: A Practical, Premium SUV for the Modern Family
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe arrives with subtle but meaningful improvements, solidifying its position as a compelling choice in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. After spending a week with the 2026 Santa Fe, from bustling city streets to scenic mountain roads, here’s my take on what makes this SUV a worthy contender.
What’s New for 2026?
Hyundai has made a few key updates to enhance the Santa Fe’s appeal for 2026. While the exterior remains largely unchanged from the boxy redesign, the real story lies beneath the surface:
New Transmission: The gas-powered models bid farewell to the dual-clutch transmission, replaced by a conventional eight-speed automatic. This translates to smoother, more refined shifts, especially at lower speeds. The hybrid models retain their six-speed automatic, which is well-suited to the powertrain.
Enhanced Safety Tech Standard: Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like forward collision warning are now standard across all trim levels. This is a significant win for safety-conscious buyers.
Luxury Touches: The Limited trim gets standard second-row captain’s chairs for a more spacious and comfortable experience. A new Peach Brown Nappa leather option is available for the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim, adding a touch of elegance.
XRT Gains Traction: The adventure-oriented XRT trim now features Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand settings, enhancing its off-road capabilities.
Rear USB Ports: Rear passengers will appreciate the addition of USB ports in the SEL and XRT trims.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a wide range of trims to suit different budgets and needs:
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
(All prices include a $1,600 destination charge)
A Deep Dive into the Trim Levels
Let’s break down each trim level to help you decide which one is right for you:
SE: The base SE offers 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. Most importantly, it includes the full suite of advanced safety features. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize safety and technology, the SE is a solid choice.
SEL: Stepping up to the SEL adds more comfort and convenience. You get synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and Hyundai’s Digital Key 2. The SEL strikes a good balance between price and features, making it a popular choice for families.
XRT: The XRT is the rugged, off-road-inspired trim. It features a 1.3-inch lift, all-terrain tires, a moonroof, black exterior trim, navigation, and a second wireless charger. The new Terrain Mode for 2026 further enhances its capabilities on challenging surfaces. If you enjoy venturing off the beaten path, the XRT is worth considering. “Hyundai Santa Fe XRT off road” is definitely a search term I’d recommend for XRT lovers.
Limited: The Limited is the luxury-focused trim. It 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, ambient lighting, rear window shades, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. It also adds advanced safety features like a 360-degree camera system and blind-spot cameras. The Limited offers a premium driving experience with all the bells and whistles.
Calligraphy: The top-of-the-line Calligraphy takes luxury to another level. It features 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 the most advanced safety features, including Highway Driving Assist 2. If you want the ultimate Santa Fe experience with all the latest technology and premium materials, the Calligraphy is the way to go.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers two powertrain options:
Gas-Powered: A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving and highway cruising.
Hybrid: A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a total of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid uses a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain offers excellent fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
Fuel economy figures vary depending on the powertrain and drivetrain:
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
Driving Experience
Having spent considerable time behind the wheel, I can confidently say that the 2026 Santa Fe offers a comfortable and composed driving experience. The new eight-speed automatic transmission in the gas-powered models is a welcome improvement, providing smooth and responsive shifts. The suspension soaks up bumps and road imperfections with ease, making for a comfortable ride, even on rough surfaces.
The hybrid powertrain delivers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The electric motor provides instant torque, making it feel responsive around town. On the highway, the hybrid system seamlessly blends gasoline and electric power for optimal efficiency.
The XRT trim, with its increased ride height and all-terrain tires, is surprisingly capable off-road. The new Terrain Mode helps optimize traction in various conditions, giving you added confidence on dirt roads and trails.
Safety Features
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is packed with safety features, earning it high marks in crash tests. Standard safety features include:
Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
Automatic Emergency Braking
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Centering Assist
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Driver Attention Monitor
Blind Spot Monitoring
Higher trim levels add even more advanced safety features, such as:
Blind Spot View Monitor
Surround View Monitor
Highway Driving Assist 2
Interior and Technology
The Santa Fe’s interior is well-designed and features high-quality materials, especially in the higher trim levels. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and features crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is a huge plus.
The Limited and Calligraphy trims offer luxurious amenities like leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Bose audio system. The second-row captain’s chairs in the Limited trim provide ample space and comfort for rear passengers.
The Competition
The Hyundai Santa Fe competes in a crowded segment with rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Kia Sorento. Each of these SUVs has its strengths and weaknesses. The Santa Fe stands out with its bold styling, spacious interior, long list of standard features, and competitive pricing.
My Verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a well-rounded SUV that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid, a rugged off-roader, or a luxurious family hauler, the Santa Fe has you covered. The updates for 2026, including the new transmission and enhanced safety tech, make it an even more compelling choice.
Should You Buy One?
If you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe deserves a spot on your shortlist. It offers a winning combination of style, comfort, technology, safety, and value.
Ready to experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe for yourself? Schedule a test drive at your local Hyundai dealer today!
