The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: A Refined Family SUV for the Modern Driver
The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market, offering a compelling blend of value, features, and practicality. Heading into 2026, Hyundai has further refined the Santa Fe, making it an even more attractive option for families and individuals alike. After spending a week behind the wheel of various trim levels, here’s my expert take on what the 2026 Santa Fe brings to the table.
What’s New for 2026?
While the 2024 redesign already gave the Santa Fe a fresh, boxy aesthetic, Hyundai hasn’t rested on its laurels. The most significant change for 2026 is a new conventional eight-speed automatic transmission for the gasoline-powered models, replacing the previous dual-clutch unit. While the dual-clutch offered quick shifts, some drivers found it less smooth in low-speed situations. This new transmission provides a more refined and predictable driving experience.
Beyond the transmission, Hyundai has also focused on enhancing safety and convenience. Upgraded forward collision warning technology, previously reserved for higher trims, is now standard across the entire lineup. This is a significant boon for safety-conscious buyers. Other notable additions include standard second-row captain’s chairs in the Limited trim (with a bench seat still available), a new Peach Brown Nappa leather option for the Calligraphy trim, and a Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand settings for the XRT. Finally, SEL and XRT trims now boast USB ports for the third row, keeping everyone connected on longer journeys.
Trim Levels and Key Features
The 2026 Santa Fe offers a range of trim levels to suit various needs and budgets:
SE: The base model is surprisingly well-equipped, featuring 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and start, LED lighting, heated mirrors, a hands-free power liftgate, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure steering assist, lane-centering steering, and more. It’s a great value for budget-conscious buyers.
High CPC Keywords: SUV Safety Features, Affordable Family SUV
SEL: Building upon the SE, the SEL adds synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and Hyundai’s Digital Key 2. It’s a solid upgrade for added comfort and convenience.
High CPC Keywords: Hyundai Digital Key, Wireless Car Charger
XRT: This rugged trim is only available with the gasoline engine and boasts a 1.3-inch suspension lift, dark-gray 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a moonroof, black exterior trim, navigation, and a second wireless charger. The newly added Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand settings further enhances its off-road capability. It’s ideal for those who want a capable and stylish SUV for light off-roading adventures.
High CPC Keywords: Off-Road SUV, All-Terrain Tires
Limited: The Limited trim adds a touch of luxury with 20-inch wheels, dual moonroofs, rain-sensing wipers, leather seating, 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 a 360-degree camera system, blind spot cameras, side parking sensors, and automated parking. For buyers seeking premium comfort and technology, the Limited is a fantastic choice.
High CPC Keywords: Luxury SUV Features, Bose Audio System Car
Calligraphy: The top-of-the-line Calligraphy takes luxury to the next level 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. The Calligraphy is the ultimate expression of the Santa Fe, offering unparalleled comfort, technology, and safety.
High CPC Keywords: Nappa Leather Seats, Head-Up Display
Powertrain Options and Fuel Economy
The 2026 Santa Fe offers two powertrain options:
Gasoline Engine: A 277-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with the new eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers strong acceleration and confident performance in various driving situations.
Hybrid Engine: 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, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid offers excellent fuel economy and smooth, quiet operation, making it a great choice for eco-conscious buyers.
Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, while all-wheel drive is standard on the XRT and available as an option on other models.
Fuel economy figures are as follows:
Gasoline (FWD): 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
Gasoline (AWD): 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
Gasoline (XRT): 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 driven both the gasoline and hybrid versions of the 2026 Santa Fe, I can attest to their distinct driving characteristics. The gasoline model offers brisk acceleration and a responsive feel, making it fun to drive on winding roads. The new eight-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and seamless shifts, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The hybrid, on the other hand, prioritizes fuel efficiency and refinement. The electric motor provides instant torque, making it feel surprisingly quick off the line. The hybrid system seamlessly transitions between electric and gasoline power, providing a smooth and quiet ride.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior of the 2026 Santa Fe is a comfortable and well-designed space. The seats are supportive and offer ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, especially in the higher trim levels.
The Santa Fe’s technology is also impressive. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is easy to use and offers a wide range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides a wealth of information and can be customized to suit the driver’s preferences. The head-up display is a welcome addition, projecting important information onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
Pricing and Value
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers excellent value for money, with a starting price of $36,400 for the SE trim and reaching $50,050 for the top-of-the-line Calligraphy Hybrid.
Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:
Santa Fe (Gasoline)
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
Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Right for You?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded mid-size SUV. It offers a compelling combination of value, features, performance, and safety. Whether you’re a family looking for a spacious and comfortable vehicle, an adventurer seeking a capable off-roader, or someone who simply appreciates a stylish and well-equipped SUV, the Santa Fe has something to offer.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to continuous improvement. The addition of the new eight-speed automatic transmission, the enhanced safety features, and the refined interior make it an even more compelling option in the competitive mid-size SUV segment.
Ready to experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe for yourself? Visit your local Hyundai dealer for a test drive and discover why it’s the perfect SUV for your needs. Find the best Hyundai Santa Fe deals near me today.
