026 Hyundai Santa Fe: A Practical, Stylish, and Tech-Forward SUV (Updated for 2025)
The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a solid choice for families seeking a reliable and well-equipped mid-size SUV. Now entering 2026, the Santa Fe continues to evolve, solidifying its position as a top contender in a competitive market. As someone who’s spent over a decade watching the automotive landscape shift, I’ve seen vehicles come and go, but the Santa Fe’s consistent improvement and focus on value keep it firmly on my radar. In 2025, the new Santa Fe has become a very successful vehicle in the market
What’s New for the 2026 Model Year?
For 2026, Hyundai hasn’t made drastic changes, but rather a series of thoughtful refinements that enhance the overall driving experience and improve safety.
Enhanced Safety as Standard: The biggest win for consumers is the expansion of standard safety features. The advanced forward collision warning system, previously limited to higher trims, is now standard across the entire Santa Fe lineup. This includes pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as automatic emergency braking, a crucial safety net in today’s increasingly congested roads. Additionally, the standard safety suite now includes features like lane departure steering assist, lane-centering steering, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring, making the Santa Fe a genuinely safe vehicle for all passengers.
Smoother Shifting: While many drivers might not immediately notice, the gas-powered Santa Fe models now feature a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous dual-clutch transmission. This change aims to improve the smoothness of gear changes and overall drivability. The dual-clutch was fine, but the new automatic offers a more refined and less jerky experience, especially in low-speed city driving.
Luxury Touches: The Limited trim now boasts standard second-row captain’s chairs, elevating the cabin experience and offering a more comfortable and spacious layout. A bench seat remains an option for those prioritizing maximum passenger capacity. The top-tier Calligraphy trim now offers a sophisticated Peach Brown Nappa leather option, adding a touch of luxury and exclusivity.
Off-Road Capability: The Santa Fe XRT, designed for adventure, receives a significant upgrade with the addition of Terrain Mode. This system optimizes traction on various surfaces, including Mud, Snow, and Sand, making it even more capable for light off-roading and tackling challenging weather conditions.
Convenience for All Passengers: To keep everyone connected, the SEL and XRT trims now include USB ports in the third row, ensuring that rear passengers can easily charge their devices on long trips.
Trim Levels and Key Features: A Breakdown
The 2026 Santa Fe offers a diverse range of trims to cater to different needs and budgets. Here’s a quick rundown:
SE: The base model provides excellent value with features like 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.
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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, allowing you to use your smartphone as a key.
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XRT: Exclusively available with the gas engine, the XRT boasts a rugged aesthetic with 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.
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Limited: The Limited trim elevates the Santa Fe to a new level of luxury with 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 includes advanced safety features like a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot cameras, side parking sensors, and automated parking.
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Calligraphy: The top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim exudes sophistication 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 enhanced 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.
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Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2026 Santa Fe offers two powertrain options:
Gasoline Engine: A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and confident highway merging.
Hybrid Engine: A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid offers excellent fuel economy without sacrificing too much performance.
Fuel economy varies depending on the powertrain and drive configuration. The gas-powered Santa Fe achieves an EPA-estimated 20/29/24 mpg (city/highway/combined) with FWD and 20/28/23 mpg with AWD. The XRT, with its all-terrain tires, manages 19/25/21 mpg. The hybrid powertrain shines with 37/36/36 mpg (FWD) and 35/34/34 mpg (AWD).
Pricing and Value
Here’s a breakdown of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe pricing (including the $1,600 destination charge):
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 worth the money? In my professional opinion, yes. The Santa Fe consistently delivers excellent value for the features and performance it offers. The enhanced safety features, refined transmission, and luxurious touches make it a compelling choice in the mid-size SUV segment.
Competition in the Mid-Size SUV Market
The Santa Fe competes in a crowded segment that includes the Honda Passport, Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Blazer, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Each of these SUVs has its strengths, but the Santa Fe stands out with its modern design, comprehensive features list, and competitive pricing.
Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded SUV for 2026
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe continues to impress with its practical design, advanced technology, and comfortable ride. With its array of trim levels, diverse powertrain options, and competitive pricing, the Santa Fe offers something for everyone.
If you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of value, safety, and style, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe deserves a serious look.
Ready to experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe for yourself? Schedule a test drive at your local Hyundai dealer and see why it’s one of the top contenders in its class. You might just find your next family vehicle.
