- The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe features a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission along with enhanced technology and interior options across all trims.
- Power of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe comes from either a 277-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine or a 231-horsepower hybrid system.
- The 2026 Santa Fe provides three-row seating, comprehensive safety features, and Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe continues to stand out in the competitive midsize SUV segment with its bold, boxy design and family-focused features. This three-row SUV delivers a compelling combination of style, practicality, and value that makes it an excellent choice for families seeking adventure both near and far. With important updates for the 2026 model year, including a new transmission and enhanced technology features, the 2026 Santa Fe is better positioned than ever to meet the needs of modern drivers.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Overview
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe defies expectations with its upscale appearance and accessible pricing. At first glance, the 2026 Santa Fe looks like it belongs in a luxury category with a much higher price tag, but Hyundai has managed to deliver premium styling and features without the premium cost. The 2026 model year brings several important updates to the Santa Fe lineup. The most significant change addresses a reliability concern from the previous year: Hyundai has replaced the problematic eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a more traditional eight-speed torque-converter automatic. This change comes after over 12,000 2024 Santa Fe models required transmission replacements, making this update crucial for long-term dependability. For hybrid buyers, Hyundai has introduced a more affordable SE base model to the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid lineup, making efficient three-row transportation more accessible than ever.
Performance
Performance is a strong suit of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, with two distinct powertrain options available. The standard engine across non-hybrid models is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant is now paired with the new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. It promises smoother operation and improved reliability compared to the outgoing dual-clutch unit. For those seeking maximum efficiency, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model charges its battery automatically through regenerative braking and the gasoline engine, requiring no external charging. Towing capacity varies by configuration. Most Santa Fe models are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with trailer brakes, or 1,650 pounds without trailer brakes.
MPG
For the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline models, EPA estimates indicate 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive configurations. This results in a combined rating of approximately 23 to 24 mpg. The off-road-focused XRT trim sees slightly lower numbers at 19 mpg city and 25 to 26 mpg highway for a combined rating of approximately 21 mpg. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid delivers substantially better fuel economy, making it an excellent choice for buyers prioritizing efficiency. Front-wheel-drive hybrid models achieve EPA estimates of 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined.
Top Speed
Real-world testing has shown the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.3 to 7.2 seconds depending on configuration. The XRT all-wheel-drive model achieves this sprint in about 7.2 seconds. While the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t designed for sports car performance, it provides sufficient power for confident highway merging, comfortable cruising, and everyday driving scenarios.
Interior
The interior of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe represents one of its strongest attributes, combining thoughtful design with quality materials and practical features. Hyundai has elevated the cabin with large, intuitive screens, soft-touch materials, and upscale trim details. Material quality varies by trim level. For example, the base SE model features cloth upholstery and headliner. However, the SEL and XRT trims upgrade to synthetic leather seating surfaces and Limited trim receives genuine leather upholstery.
Lastly, the top Calligraphy model features Nappa leather seating with an eco-suede microfiber headliner. Needless to say, seating comfort is excellent across all three rows for a vehicle in this size class. Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin. The center console features a unique two-level storage armrest with bi-directional opening. This means it can be accessed from either the front or rear. Ambient lighting on Limited and Calligraphy trims creates a pleasant atmosphere for evening drives, while LED interior lighting across all trims ensures good visibility.
Technology
Technology features are another highlight of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, with Hyundai equipping the SUV with an impressive array of modern conveniences. The centerpiece of the tech experience is a curved panoramic display that combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single glass panel. The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Enhanced voice commands enable drivers to control various vehicle functions hands-free, reducing distraction. Higher trims offer additional technology features including a head-up display on the Calligraphy that projects speed, navigation, and other critical information onto the windshield. A digital rearview mirror option provides an unobstructed view behind the vehicle using a camera feed. Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium on SEL and higher trims allows the vehicle to be locked, unlocked, and started using a compatible smartphone through NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy, and ultra-wideband technology.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, which comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. The Santa Fe has earned recognition for its safety performance, receiving the Top Safety Pick Plus award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with top “Good” scores in almost every testing category. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating. Safety Features That Vary Depending On Trim:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Driver Attention Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rear-View Monitor w/ Parking Guidance
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control
- Highway Driving Assist
- Forward, Side, & Reverse Park Distance Warning
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Surround View Monitor
Price of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers competitive pricing that makes three-row family transportation accessible. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has a price that starts around $35,000, the entry-level SE trim includes impressive standard equipment. This trim establishes the 2026 Santa Fe as a strong value proposition in the segment. The SEL trim starts around $39,000 and represents a strong middle-ground option with meaningful comfort and convenience upgrades. Beginning around $42,000, the XRT trim is the off-road-focused variant that’s exclusive to the gasoline powertrain and offers the best value for buyers seeking enhanced capability. The Limited trim starts around $45,000 and emphasizes luxury and technology. The range-topping Calligraphy trim begins around $49,000 for the gasoline model and $50,000 for the hybrid. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid models follow a similar pricing structure with a slight premium over their gasoline counterparts.
2026 Santa Fe Price by Trim
The price of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe will vary depending on the trim you choose and the configurations. We highly recommend that you visit a local Hyundai dealer in person to get 100% accurate prices.
SE: $34,800
SEL: $37,340
XRT: $41,790
Limited: $44,350
Calligraphy: $47,350
Hyundai Warranty
One of the most compelling aspects of Hyundai ownership is the brand’s industry-leading warranty coverage, often referred to as America’s Best Warranty. The basic new vehicle limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain limited warranty extends to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. For 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid models, the hybrid battery system also receives this 10-year/100,000-mile warranty coverage, addressing any concerns about long-term hybrid system durability.
Test Drive a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe at Edmond Hyundai
When you’re ready to experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe firsthand, Edmond Hyundai is your trusted local destination. Our dealership offers a comprehensive selection of 2026 Santa Fe models in various trims, colors, and configurations, allowing you to find the perfect match for your family’s needs and preferences.
Our Hyundai cars for sale include the Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Kona, and the Hyundai Venue. We’re here to answer any questions you have about our vehicles!
Contact Edmond Hyundai
Contact Edmond Hyundai today to learn more about the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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