Hyundai Santa Fe SE, XRT, Calligraphy & More

On current-generation models, SE is the straightforward starting trim. It still has three rows, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, and a hands-free power liftgate, but it skips the richer seating and comfort upgrades found higher in the range.

On newer Santa Fe models, SEL adds the comfort items many families notice most: synthetic leather seating, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, roof rails, and a phone-as-key system. SE keeps cloth seating and a simpler equipment mix.

On the current generation, XRT is the more outdoorsy and capable step beyond SEL. It adds standard AWD, 1.3 inches of extra ground clearance, terrain settings for snow, mud, and sand, stronger towing capability, navigation, and darker rugged-looking trim.

No. XRT is better viewed as a rough-road family trim than a dedicated trail SUV. Since its 2022 debut, it has emphasized rugged styling. Current-generation versions add standard AWD, extra ground clearance, terrain settings, and greater towing capability.

On newer models, Limited is a major comfort-and-technology upgrade. It adds leather seating, ventilated front seats, Bose audio, a surround-view parking camera, a camera view of the blind spot, and remote parking assistance. SEL focuses on the everyday comfort basics.

On current-generation models, Calligraphy adds Nappa leather, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, second-row captain’s chairs, a driver relaxation seat with leg support, and a more advanced highway-driving assistance system.

On current-generation models, Calligraphy has second-row captain’s chairs and six-passenger seating. Most lower trims use a bench and seat seven. Some older three-row Limited models also used captain’s chairs, so confirm the seating layout on the specific used SUV.

Among current models, XRT is the towing-focused trim, rated for up to 4,500 pounds. Other current gas versions reach 3,500 pounds, while the hybrid reaches 2,000 pounds. Ratings differ on older Santa Fe models, so match the vehicle’s year and equipment to the trailer.

The newer hybrid ladder runs from practical to more luxurious. SE is the simplest entry on the latest models, SEL adds heated synthetic leather seats and everyday conveniences, Limited adds leather and parking cameras, and Calligraphy adds Nappa leather and captain’s chairs.

On fourth-generation Santa Fe Hybrids, Blue was the efficiency-focused trim. It paired the hybrid system with standard AWD while still including useful features such as heated front seats and a hands-free liftgate. Later lineups moved away from Blue to familiar names such as SEL.

In the fourth-generation hybrid lineup, SEL Premium added a more upscale cabin and easier parking. Its main upgrades included synthetic leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, a surround-view camera, a blind-spot camera view, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.

On plug-in models from the fourth-generation era, SEL Convenience focused on electric commuting, standard AWD, navigation, and core driver aids. Limited was the comfort-and-technology step, adding richer seating and more camera and parking features.

They identify the engine. On late-2010s Santa Fe models, 2.4 means the regular 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while 2.0T means the stronger turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The letters after the engine name, such as SEL or Limited, describe the equipment level.

On 2013–2018 Santa Fe Sport models, the 2.0T added a much stronger turbo engine plus meaningful comfort upgrades. Typical defining equipment included leather seating, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, blind-spot monitoring, and a hands-free liftgate.

The main difference is the engine. In the late fourth-generation lineup, both Limited versions had similar comfort and camera features, but the 2.0T used the stronger turbo engine while the 2.4 kept the regular four-cylinder.