2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is that gas-only models switch to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This is not a redesign; Hyundai also adds an SE Hybrid and gives the XRT and Limited a few trim-specific equipment updates.
About the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
5th generation (2024-present), third model year of the current boxy redesign.
Hyundai positions Santa Fe as an adventurous, family-friendly three-row SUV with a bold boxy shape, a wide cargo opening, and a more upscale cabin than many mainstream rivals. The standard third row is a major part of the pitch, and the lineup gives shoppers a choice between stronger gas performance and higher-efficiency hybrid power without giving up space. Its key differentiators are standout styling, generous interior room, and lots of tech for the class.
The SE is the straightforward family trim, with three-row seating, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power liftgate. The XRT emphasizes rough-road ability with standard AWD, extra ground clearance, Terrain Mode, and a 4,500-pound towing capacity, while Calligraphy focuses on comfort with Nappa leather, second-row captain’s chairs, a head-up display, and an advanced highway driving aid.
What changed, by category
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 20–37 mpg | 20–37 mpg | 19 mpg | 20–37 mpg | 20–37 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–36 mpg | 29–36 mpg | 26 mpg | 29–36 mpg | 29–36 mpg |
| Horsepower | 231–277 hp | 231–277 hp | 277 hp | 231–277 hp | 231–277 hp |
| Torque | 195–311 lb-ft | 195–311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 195–311 lb-ft | 195–311 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 4500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 79.6 cu-ft | 79.6 cu-ft | 79.6 cu-ft | 79.6 cu-ft | 79.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30 in | 30 in | 30 in | 30 in | 30 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The biggest change is the switch to an 8-speed automatic transmission on every gas-only 2026 Santa Fe. The hybrid powertrain continues separately, with a new SE Hybrid joining the range.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe redesigned?
No, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is not redesigned. It remains part of the fifth generation introduced for 2024, retaining the boxy body shape and standard third-row seating.
What changed in the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid lineup?
The 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid lineup gains a new SE trim. It brings the hybrid powertrain to the entry-level Santa Fe trim while retaining core features such as three-row seating, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What changed on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT?
The 2026 Santa Fe XRT gains Terrain Mode and dual wireless phone charging, and it switches to the new 8-speed automatic. It retains standard AWD, extra ground clearance, and a 4,500-pound towing capacity.
What changed on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited?
The 2026 Santa Fe Limited gains dual wireless phone charging and standard second-row captain’s chairs. Gas Limited models also switch to the 8-speed automatic transmission.