The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe near Lexington, GA
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe continues the brand’s three-row SUV lineup with multiple powertrain options, updated cabin technology, expanded driver assistance systems, and versatile passenger and cargo configurations. The model lineup includes SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy trims, along with hybrid variants for several trims. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe combines turbocharged gasoline performance, available hybrid efficiency, front-wheel drive or HTRAC all-wheel drive capability, and a broad range of comfort and convenience systems designed for daily transportation, highway travel, and light off-road use.
Turbocharged Engine Performance and Hybrid Capability
The standard gasoline powertrain for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe uses a Smartstream® 2.5-liter Turbo GDI and MPI DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,497 cc. This engine produces 277 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine uses turbocharging, gasoline direct injection, aluminum block and head construction, and Idle Stop and Go technology. Hyundai pairs the engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and SHIFTRONIC® manual shift paddle shifters. The transmission also uses Shift-By-Wire operation for electronic gear selection.
Hybrid models use a Smartstream® 1.6-liter Turbo GDI DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine combined with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The hybrid system produces a total combined output of 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of combined torque. The electric motor generates an estimated 60 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid battery system uses lithium-ion technology with a maximum voltage of 270V and a 1.49 kWh battery capacity. Hybrid models use a six-speed automatic transmission.
Both gasoline and hybrid powertrains are designed to operate on regular unleaded fuel. The engines also use SULEV_30 emissions control systems. Front-wheel drive and HTRAC all-wheel drive configurations are available depending on trim and powertrain selection.
HTRAC All-Wheel Drive and Terrain Management
The available HTRAC all-wheel drive system operates as an active on-demand setup that automatically adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. In Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart drive modes, torque distribution can vary from a 100:0 to a 50:50 front-to-rear balance. Snow mode adjusts the distribution between 80:20 and 50:50 for additional traction. XRT trims add Sand and Mud modes that maintain a 50:50 torque split for improved traction on loose surfaces.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe also includes an AWD lock function that maintains a fixed 50:50 torque distribution. Drive Mode Select is mounted on the center console for quick access while driving. These systems work together with the traction and stability management systems to improve traction and directional control on different road surfaces.
XRT Trim Engineering and Off-Road Specifications
The XRT trim adds several functional changes focused on off-road driving and towing capability. The XRT model is available exclusively with all-wheel drive and uses 18-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Continental all-terrain tires. Ground clearance increases from 7.0 inches on standard models to 8.3 inches on XRT models.
The approach angle increases to 19.3 degrees, while the departure angle increases to 21.8 degrees. The ramp breakover angle reaches 19.1 degrees. The XRT also increases towing capacity with trailer brakes from 3,500 pounds to 4,500 pounds.
Exterior changes unique to the XRT trim include a gloss black front grille, black mirror caps, matte metallic black roof rails, black exterior accents, and an XRT emblem. Interior updates include black H-Tex® trimmed seats with embroidered XRT branding on the seatbacks.
Suspension Systems and Structural Design
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe uses a unibody structure with high-strength steel construction. Front suspension components include MacPherson® struts with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers, advanced valving, and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension uses a multi-link independent design with separated springs and shocks, gas-pressurized shock absorbers, and a rear stabilizer bar.
The steering system uses column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering with rack-and-pinion operation. The steering ratio is 13.7 with 2.6 turns lock-to-lock. Turning diameter measures 37.9 feet curb-to-curb.
The braking system includes 12.8-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 12.8-inch solid rear disc brakes. Hyundai equips all trims with Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Downhill Brake Control, Hillstart Assist Control, Trailer Sway Control, and an electric parking brake with Auto Vehicle Hold.
Exterior Design and Functional Components
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe combines upright SUV proportions with functional exterior components designed for visibility, cargo support, and towing preparation. All trims include LED projector headlights with LED accents, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, automatic headlights, and High Beam Assist. LED interior cabin lights and a roof-mounted center high-mount stop lamp are also standard.
Wheel designs and tire specifications vary across trims. SE and SEL gasoline models use 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R18 Goodyear® tires. Hybrid SEL models use 18-inch alloy wheels. XRT models use 18-inch black alloy wheels with 245/60R18 Continental all-terrain tires. The Limited and Limited Hybrid trims use 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/45R20 tires, while the gasoline Calligraphy trim uses 21-inch alloy wheels with 245/45R21 Pirelli tires. Calligraphy Hybrid models use 20-inch alloy wheels.
Additional exterior equipment includes acoustic laminated windshield and front side glass, solar front glass, rear privacy glass, an integrated rear spoiler, a shark-fin antenna, and a trailer pre-wire connection. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are included on Limited and Calligraphy trims. Hyundai also equips every trim with a hands-free smart liftgate with adjustable height settings.
Passenger Space and Seating Configurations
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers multiple seating layouts depending on trim selection. SE, SEL, and XRT trims provide seven-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat. Limited trims offer six- or seven-passenger configurations, while Calligraphy trims use second-row captain’s chairs for six-passenger seating.
The front seats vary by trim level. Base trims use manually adjustable seating, while higher trims add power adjustment, lumbar support, heating, ventilation, integrated memory settings, and a driver relaxation seat with one-touch operation. Seating materials progress from YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth to H-Tex® trimmed surfaces, leather-trimmed seating, and Nappa leather upholstery on Calligraphy models.
The second row uses a 60/40 split fold-flat configuration with reclining seatbacks and adjustable head restraints. Heated second-row seats are available on higher trims. The third-row seating system uses a 50/50 sinking and folding design with dedicated room lighting.
Cargo capacity behind the third row measures 14.6 cubic feet. Capacity expands to 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. Underfloor cargo storage and remote second-row folding release functions are standard throughout the lineup.
Digital Displays and Cabin Technology
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe includes multiple infotainment and connectivity systems depending on trim selection. SE and SEL trims use a 12.3-inch Display Audio system with AM/FM/HD Radio™ capability. XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch wide touchscreen with onboard navigation, traffic flow information, incident data through HD Radio™, and integrated Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ are standard across all trims. Hyundai also includes Dynamic Voice Recognition, Hyundai Pay in-car payment functionality, Rear Seat Quiet Mode, and rearview monitor systems with parking guidance.
Higher trims add a Bose® premium audio system with 12 speakers, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and a windshield-type head-up display. Wireless device charging is standard beginning on SEL trims, while higher trims add dual wireless charging capability.
Every trim includes multiple USB charging ports throughout the cabin, including available third-row charging ports. Bluelink® connected car technology and over-the-air software update capability are also standard on all trims.
Interior Convenience and Climate Systems
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe includes a broad range of convenience and climate-control systems across the model range. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cabin air filtration, a rear window defroster with a timer, an external temperature display, and rear passenger air vents. Dual automatic temperature control with auto-defog functionality becomes available on higher trims and hybrid variants.
Convenience features include proximity key entry with push-button start, remote engine start, storage compartments integrated into the center console, dual front cupholders, power windows, power door locks, and front and cargo-area 12-volt outlets. Higher trims add a 115-volt power outlet and rear side-window sunshades.
Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium is available on SEL trims and above. This system supports NFC, BLE, and UWB technology for smartphone-based vehicle access and operation.
Driver Assistance and Active Safety Systems
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe includes a broad suite of driver assistance and occupant protection systems. Standard restraint systems include advanced front airbags, front seat side airbags, second-row side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, seatbelt pretensioners, and LATCH child seat anchors.
Every trim includes Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Vehicle Stability Management, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire indicators. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Following Assist 2, and Safe Exit Assist are also standard.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist includes pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection capabilities. SEL trims and adds a higher Forward Attention Warning, which functions as a driver monitoring system. Limited and Calligraphy trims add Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist and expanded Park Distance Warning systems with side detection capability.
Highway Driving Assist becomes available beginning with XRT and Limited trims, while Calligraphy trims add Highway Driving Assist 2 functionality.
Dimensions, Capacities, and Fuel Economy Ratings
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe rides on a 110.8-inch wheelbase and measures 190.2 inches in overall length. Width measures 74.8 inches, while height measures 67.7 inches without roof side rails. Models equipped with roof rails measure 69.7 inches in height.
Front headroom measures 41.1 inches, while second-row headroom measures 40.6 inches. Front legroom measures 44.4 inches, and second-row legroom reaches 42.3 inches on gasoline models. Roof rail load capacity measures 220 pounds.
Gasoline models equipped with front-wheel drive achieve EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. All-wheel drive gasoline models return 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. XRT models are rated at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Front-wheel drive hybrid models achieve EPA ratings of 37 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined. All-wheel drive hybrid models are rated at 35 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined.
Disclaimer: 2026 SANTA FE SE / SEL / Limited / Calligraphy FWD: 20 City/ 29 Highway/ 24 Combined MPG. 2026 SANTA FE SE / SEL / Limited / Calligraphy AWD: 20 City/ 28 Highway/ 23 Combined MPG. 2026 SANTA FE XRT AWD: 19 City/ 25 Highway/ 21 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle’s condition.
Schedule a Test Ride Today
Drivers interested in advanced SUV engineering, available hybrid efficiency, three-row seating flexibility, and expanded driver assistance technology can explore the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe at ALM Hyundai of Athens near Lexington, GA. A test drive provides the opportunity to evaluate the turbocharged performance, HTRAC all-wheel drive operation, cabin technology systems, and seating configurations across the trim lineup. Our team can also demonstrate the available navigation interface, digital displays, towing capability, and advanced parking assistance systems. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe lineup includes configurations designed for daily commuting, family transportation, and light off-road capability through the XRT model. Multiple trim levels and powertrain combinations allow drivers to compare gasoline and hybrid performance while reviewing available technology and convenience equipment in person.