“It completely fits our needs and lifestyle. We are retired and enjoy life to the fullest. We are very active playing tennis and/or golf nearly every day--sometimes both in one day. We take many day trips as well to wine taste or play golf/tennis. While it's our secondary car, it easily accommodates our equipment and luggage. Comfortable, reliable and nice to drive!”
Hyundai Santa Fe: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize family SUV known for roomy practicality, useful technology, and a cabin that often feels more upscale than its mainstream badge suggests. Since the 2024 redesign, it has had a boxy shape and a standard third row, while earlier versions varied between two- and three-row layouts.
The Santa Fe has long focused on giving families plenty of space, safety equipment, and everyday convenience without making the cabin feel basic. Its seating layout has changed over time, including separate five-seat and three-row versions in some years and a two-row-only stretch from 2019 through 2023. Hybrid power joined in 2021, followed by a plug-in hybrid for 2022 and a gas-or-hybrid lineup in the current generation. Since 2024, its identity has leaned more adventurous, with bold styling, a wide cargo opening, and three-row seating across the range.
Strengths
- The cabin offers generous passenger and cargo room, and the current boxy design adds a wide opening that makes loading bulky items easier.
- Current models include a third row on every trim, with seating for six or seven people in 2026.
- The hybrid is the efficiency-focused version, rated at 37 mpg city and 36 mpg highway for 2026.
- The gas model provides stronger performance, with 277 horsepower in 2026 and towing capacity as high as 4,500 pounds in the right version.
- Recent Santa Fe models pair large touchscreens and smartphone integration with a broad set of driver-assistance features.
- The bold exterior and upscale-looking cabin help the Santa Fe feel distinct from more conventional family SUVs.
Who it's for
The Santa Fe suits families who want a practical everyday SUV with useful technology and more visual character than a conventional family hauler. Current models make the most sense for shoppers who need occasional third-row seating, while 2019 through 2023 models better fit buyers who prefer a roomier two-row layout.
Hyundai Santa Fe lineup
In recent lineups, the SE is the straightforward entry point, while the SEL is the more broadly equipped middle choice. Pick the XRT if you prefer darker, more rugged-looking exterior trim; that identity began with its 2022 introduction. Limited moves into the more upscale side of the range, while Calligraphy has served as the top trim since it arrived for 2021. Gas and hybrid versions overlap several of these trims in current models, so the powertrain matters as much as the trim name when comparing two Santa Fes.
Hyundai Santa Fe generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Santa Fe spans four generations. The current 5th Generation arrived for 2024, following the 4th Generation (2019–2023).
5th Generation (2024–Present)
The Santa Fe became longer and boxier, with more passenger and cargo room and a standard third row. The lineup continued with turbo gas and hybrid versions, a large touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a broad set of driver-assistance features.
355 In Stock
2026
A new SE Hybrid joins the lineup. Gas-only models switch to an 8-speed automatic, with smaller equipment updates for XRT and Limited.
2025
The boxy three-row design, gas and hybrid models, and basic trim structure carry over.
2024New generation
Complete redesign with a larger, boxier body, more room, and standard three-row seating.
4th Generation (2019–2023)
The redesigned five-passenger Santa Fe replaced the former Santa Fe Sport name, with a roomier, quieter cabin, an 8-speed automatic, and more standard driver-assistance technology. A major 2021 update brought new styling, a reworked interior, new engines, and the first Santa Fe Hybrid.
451 In Stock
2023
More trims gain the larger navigation screen and Digital Key. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models receive added driving-assistance and connected-navigation features.
2022Trim changes
The plug-in hybrid model and rugged-looking XRT gas trim join the lineup.
2021Mid-cycle update
Major refresh with new front styling, a reworked cabin, new engines, the first Santa Fe Hybrid, and a new Calligraphy trim.
2020Trim changes
The lineup is simplified to SE, SEL, and Limited, with safety and convenience equipment reorganized among them.
2019New generation
The redesigned five-passenger Santa Fe replaces Santa Fe Sport. The previous three-row model continues for one final year under the Santa Fe XL name.
3rd Generation (2013–2018)
Hyundai split the Santa Fe family into the five-seat Santa Fe Sport and a longer three-row Santa Fe. Both used direct-injection engines and a 6-speed automatic, and both received a substantial styling and technology update for 2017.
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2018Trim changes
The basic lineup carries over with minor equipment reshuffling. This is the final year before Hyundai reorganizes the Santa Fe names.
2017Mid-cycle update
Front and rear styling is redesigned, lighting and wheels are revised, and drive-mode settings become standard across the range.
2016Trim changes
The three-row GLS is renamed SE, and interior and package choices are simplified.
2015
Steering and suspension are retuned, and the lineup gains several convenience and visibility upgrades.
2014
The basic two-model formula carries over, with added comfort and safety features on some versions.
2013New generation
Full redesign that creates the five-seat Santa Fe Sport and the longer three-row Santa Fe.
2nd Generation (2007–2012)
This generation ran through 2012 as the smaller, five-seat Santa Fe after the optional third row was dropped in 2010. That year's major update also brought new engines, six-speed transmissions, revised styling, and more standard cabin technology.
8 In Stock
2012
A lightly revised grille and standard downhill braking arrive for the final year before the 2013 redesign.
2011
The refreshed body, three-trim lineup, and core equipment carry over, with only a Limited trim equipment change.
2010Mid-cycle update
New engines and six-speed transmissions arrive with revised styling, more standard technology, and the removal of the small third row.
2009
USB/iPod and auxiliary audio inputs become standard, while packages and upper-trim utility equipment are reorganized.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Hyundai Santa Fe.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe2025 Hyundai Santa Fe2024 Hyundai Santa Fe2023 Hyundai Santa Fe2022 Hyundai Santa Fe2021 Hyundai Santa Fe2020 Hyundai Santa Fe2019 Hyundai Santa Fe2018 Hyundai Santa Fe2017 Hyundai Santa Fe2016 Hyundai Santa Fe2015 Hyundai Santa Fe2014 Hyundai Santa Fe2013 Hyundai Santa Fe2012 Hyundai Santa Fe2011 Hyundai Santa Fe2010 Hyundai Santa Fe2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe a two-row or three-row SUV?
It depends on the era. Santa Fe models from 2019 through 2023 have two rows, while the boxy 2024-and-newer version has a standard third row and seats six or seven. From 2013 through 2018, the Santa Fe was the three-row model and the Santa Fe Sport was the five-seat version.
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe come as a hybrid?
Yes. The first U.S. Santa Fe Hybrid arrived for 2021. The current boxy generation offers gas and 231-hp hybrid versions, and both keep the same three-row family-SUV layout.
Was there a plug-in hybrid Santa Fe?
Yes. A Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid joined the U.S. range for 2022, with about 30 miles of electric driving before operating like a regular hybrid. The current U.S. lineup consists of gas and regular hybrid models rather than a separate plug-in version.
What is the Hyundai Santa Fe known for?
The Santa Fe is known for useful family space, generous technology, and a cabin that feels more upscale than many mainstream SUVs. Since the 2024 redesign, its boxy shape, wide cargo opening, and standard third row have become central to its identity.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe a good family SUV?
Yes, especially the 2024-and-newer version if occasional third-row seating matters. It seats six or seven, has a wide cargo opening, and includes family-friendly safety and phone-connectivity features. Earlier Santa Fe models vary between two and three rows, so check the era carefully.
Why are some used Santa Fe models called Santa Fe Sport or Santa Fe XL?
Hyundai changed the names as the lineup evolved. From 2013 through 2018, Santa Fe Sport meant the shorter five-seat model and Santa Fe meant the longer three-row model. For 2019, the new five-seat SUV became Santa Fe, while the outgoing three-row version was renamed Santa Fe XL.
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe have AWD?
Yes. Santa Fe models span front-wheel drive and AWD, though the exact setup depends on year, engine, and trim. On recent models, XRT has standard AWD. Always verify the individual used vehicle because drivetrain availability changed across generations.
Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews
What owners are saying about the Hyundai Santa Fe.
4.2
Hyundai Santa Fe
(4,992 reviews)
“Any blue tooth features need to keep up with time times on phone update so features work!!!”
“The Santa Fe is an affordable, reliable car that does what it is supposed to do. It is particularly good for families that travel.”
“High Beam display light is difficult to find sometimes. A/C and Heat adjustment should be available from the app. Headlights are different in color.”
“I love my new car and I'm very pleased with the purchase experience. I would have liked more cup holders in the front seat of the car. I would have considered navigation if it was more reasonable.”
“The Santa Fe Hybrid is not going to give the driver a sporty driving experience. Acceleration and braking at times seem to be more electronically controlled than from the foot pedal. Low profile tires in general, ride hard. Lighting seems superior to most models. Side view mirrors cannot be turned in when driving in narrow pass throughs.”
Sources
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- hyundainews.com — Applications / Original / 69984 Hyundai Santa Fe The Drive Best Hybrid Of 2026 Release Final
- hyundaiusa.com — Us / Vehicles / 2025 Santa Fe
- hyundaiusa.com — Us / Vehicles / 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid
- hyundainews.com — Documents / Original / 62996 2025SantaFeSpecsandFeatures20240809
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- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Santa Fe / Se
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Santa Fe / Calligraphy
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid / Calligraphy
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Santa Fe / Limited