Finding Your Perfect Match in the 2026 Santa Fe Lineup

Shopping for a three-row SUV that checks all your boxes? The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in five different flavors, each one bringing something a little different to the table. Whether you’re chasing value, adventure, or all-out comfort, there’s a Santa Fe built for how you actually drive.

• Every 2026 Santa Fe packs the same turbocharged engine under the hood, putting out a solid 277 horsepower to keep things interesting on the highway.
• The XRT trim stands out with all-terrain tires and an extra 1.3 inches of ground clearance, plus it can tow up to 4,500 pounds when you need to haul gear for the weekend.
• Hyundai swapped in a new eight-speed automatic transmission for 2026, ditching the old dual-clutch setup for smoother shifts across all trim levels.

What You’re Getting at Every Level

Here’s what makes the Santa Fe lineup worth a closer look. All five trims share the same 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that cranks out 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty of pull when you need to merge onto the freeway or pass slow-moving traffic on two-lane roads. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive running you an extra $1,800 on most models.

Gas mileage sits at 20 city and 29 highway for front-drivers, dropping just one highway MPG when you add all-wheel drive. The XRT takes a small hit thanks to its beefier tires, landing at 19 city and 25 highway.

SE: Solid Features Without the Premium Price

Starting around $35,050, the SE doesn’t feel stripped down. The base trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting all around, and a hands-free power liftgate that opens when you walk up with the key in your pocket. Inside, the 12.3-inch touchscreen runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right out of the box.

Safety tech doesn’t get shortchanged either. Forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist all come standard. Cloth seats and manual adjustment up front keep things simple, but for a lot of families, this trim offers everything they need without padding the monthly payment.

SEL: Where Comfort Starts to Show Up

Step up to the SEL at $37,590, and you’ll notice the difference right away. Synthetic leather replaces the base cloth, heated front seats become standard, and the driver’s seat gains eight-way power adjustment. You won’t be fiddling with seat positions every time someone else drives.

This trim adds a wireless charging pad that actually works with most phones, plus Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 lets you unlock and start the SUV with your smartphone. Dual-zone climate control means the driver and passenger can finally agree on a temperature. USB ports in the third row make this a smart pick for families with teens who’ll mutiny if they can’t charge their devices.

XRT: Ready for Off-Road Adventures

If you need something that goes beyond grocery runs and soccer practice, the XRT starts at $42,040. All-wheel drive comes standard here, along with all-terrain tires that add 1.3 inches of ground clearance, bringing the total to 8.3 inches. New for 2026, Terrain Mode gives you specific settings for mud, snow, and sand.

Towing capacity jumps to 4,500 pounds, a full thousand more than other trims. That’s enough for a decent-sized boat or a loaded trailer. Dual wireless chargers, a sunroof, and navigation round out the package. The blacked-out exterior trim and dark wheels give it a tougher look that matches what it can actually do off-road.

Limited: Where Luxury Takes Over

Priced around $44,600, the Limited shifts focus to refined comfort. This trim adds 20-inch wheels, genuine leather seating, and ventilated front seats that’ll keep you cool on summer road trips. Heated rear seats mean nobody in the back is left out, and the heated steering wheel makes cold mornings a lot more bearable.

Second-row captain’s chairs come standard, dropping total capacity to six but giving middle passengers a lot more room to stretch out. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster replaces the smaller 4.2-inch screen from lower trims. Bose 12-speaker audio fills the cabin with better sound than you’d expect, and Remote Smart Parking Assist actually steers the Santa Fe into tight spots while you control the gas and brake from outside.

Calligraphy: Everything Hyundai Can Pack In

At the top of the heap sits the Calligraphy, pushing close to $49,000. This top-tier trim includes 21-inch wheels that completely change the SUV’s stance, quilted Nappa leather in Pecan Brown, which looks straight out of a luxury sedan, and a driver’s seat with a relaxation function that reclines when you’re parked.

The digital rearview mirror gives you an unobstructed view behind you, even with passengers or cargo blocking the traditional mirror. Head-up display projects key info onto the windshield so you don’t have to look down at the gauges. Highway Driving Assist 2 combines adaptive cruise and lane-centering for hands-on semi-autonomous driving that actually works on the highway.

Comparing the Santa Fe Trim Levels

Trim Level	Starting Price	Key Features	Best For
SE	$35,050	18″ wheels, 12.3″ touchscreen, cloth seats, LED lighting, hands-free liftgate	Budget-conscious buyers who want solid features without extras
SEL	$37,590	Heated seats, H-Tex seating, wireless charging, 8-way power driver seat, Digital Key 2	Families wanting daily comfort at a reasonable price
XRT	$42,040	AWD standard, all-terrain tires, 4,500-lb towing, Terrain Mode, dual wireless chargers	Weekend adventurers who need real capability
Limited	$44,600	20″ wheels, leather seats, ventilated front seats, Bose audio, captain’s chairs, parking assist	Buyers wanting premium features without the top price tag
Calligraphy	$48,845	21″ wheels, Nappa leather, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, driver seat relaxation	Those who want every feature Hyundai offers

What About the Hybrid Option?

Don’t overlook the hybrid if fuel economy matters to you. Available on the SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy, the hybrid setup pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor. Total output drops to 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft, but you’re getting 36 combined MPG with front-wheel drive or 34 with all-wheel drive.

The hybrid premium is only $1,350 over the gas version, which you’ll make back pretty quickly if you’re doing a lot of driving. Power delivery feels smooth thanks to the six-speed automatic, though you’ll give up a couple of seconds in 0-60 acceleration compared to the gas models.

Where the Smart Money Goes

For most buyers, the SEL hits the sweet spot. It costs about $2,500 more than the base SE but brings heated seats, better upholstery, and the convenience features you’ll actually use every day. The power driver’s seat alone is worth the upgrade if multiple people drive the SUV.

If you tow regularly or genuinely need off-road capability, the XRT makes sense. That extra towing capacity and ground clearance aren’t just marketing fluff. The Limited is a good option if you want a nicer interior without paying Calligraphy’s price tag. Second-row captain’s chairs and the Bose audio system are legitimate upgrades that make long trips more pleasant.

The Calligraphy? That’s for folks who want the full experience and don’t mind paying for it. The Nappa leather and head-up display are nice, but you’re really paying for the feeling of having everything Hyundai can offer in this segment.

Matching Your Budget to What You Need

Take an honest look at how you’ll actually use the SUV. Daily commuting with occasional road trips? The SEL gives you comfort without breaking the bank. Hauling boats or campers on weekends? The XRT’s towing capacity and all-terrain capability are worth every penny. Want to impress passengers with a refined interior? The Limited brings luxury features at a price that won’t make you wince.

Remember that all these Santa Fe trim levels share the same solid powertrain and safety tech. The real choice comes down to convenience features, interior materials, and specific capabilities like towing or off-road performance. There’s no wrong answer here, just different ways to spend your money based on what matters most.

Test Drive the 2026 Santa Fe in Richmond

Reading about features only gets you so far. We keep multiple Santa Fe trim levels on our lot so you can sit in an SE and then hop into a Limited to feel the actual difference. Want to see how the XRT’s all-terrain tires handle compared to standard rubber? We’ll set that up. Our team can walk you through the tech features, answer questions about towing capacity, and help you figure out which trim fits your budget and driving needs. Schedule a test drive online or swing by our showroom at 6000 Atwood Drive in Richmond when you’re ready to see the 2026 Santa Fe lineup in person.

Tags: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, Calligraphy Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, Santa Fe Limited trim, Santa Fe SEL features, Santa Fe towing capacity, Santa Fe trim levels, three-row SUV
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