Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD
Specs
Class: Midsize Crossover
Nation of manufacture: U.S.
Seating capability: 6
Colour: Shimmering Silver
Miles pushed: 141
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | B- |
| Match and End | A |
| Gas Financial system | A |
| Worth | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 231-horsepower 1.6-liter |
| Engine Kind | Turbocharged, hybrid 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed computerized |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Noticed gas financial system: 35.4 mpg
Driving combine: 35% metropolis, 65% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 35/34/34 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gas kind: Common gasoline
Base value: $50,250 (not together with $1495 (vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Flooring mats ($240)
Worth as examined: $51,985
Audio-System Model
Bose
Audio-System High quality
Poor Truthful Good Very-Good Wonderful
Execs and Cons
The good: Roomy, snug, luxury-level cabin appointments
The great: Wonderful gas financial system, good management structure
The not so good: Now not a discount
Evaluate
When Hyundai redesigned the Santa Fe for 2024, it raised the value of its standard midsize crossover greater than $5000, a daring give given the aggressive nature of the midsize crossover phase.
Santa Fe Recognition
Santa Fe gross sales fell in 2024, although a lot of that decline may be attributed to provide points associated to the redesign. Gross sales recovered nearly totally to 2023 ranges in 2025, suggesting that regardless of the value hike, shoppers noticed worth in Hyundai’s fashionable household hauler.
Gross sales in 2024 have been additionally hampered considerably by a scarcity of hybrid examples of the Santa Fe, with shoppers clamoring for the more-efficient powertrain possibility.
Adjustments for 2026
Adjustments to the crossover for 2026 embrace changing the complaint-prone dual-clutch computerized present in non-hybrid examples with a standard 8-speed unit. Additionally, Hyundai has targeted for 2026 on prime Santa Fe trim ranges, upping gear and content material ranges. The trim-level topping Calligraphy, for instance, will get a brand new Pecan Brown nappa leather-based inside possibility.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2026, the Hyundai Santa Fe lineup appears to be like like this:
- SE ($36,650)
- SE Hybrid ($38,000)
- SEL ($39,190)
- SEL Hybrid ($40,290)
- XRT ($43,640)
- Restricted ($46,200)
- Restricted Hybrid ($47,300)
- Calligraphy ($49,200)
- Calligraphy Hybrid ($50,300)
Cheaper Hybrid
The SE Hybrid is new for 2026, giving worth buyers a brand new, lower-price hybrid possibility. In contrast to different Santa Fe trim ranges, the off-road oriented XRT comes with normal AWD, and isn’t supplied with the hybrid powertrain.
Room for six or 7
All 2026 Santa Fe trim ranges function 3rd-row seating. Fashions geared up with 2rd-row captains chairs seat as much as 6 passengers, whereas these fitted with a bench seat will haul as much as 7 of us.
Think about the Palisade
Customers on the lookout for extra cabin house are nicely suggested to additionally check drive Hyundai’s glorious Palisade crossover, which is meaningfully longer total than the Santa Fe, and boasts as much as 2 inches of addition 3rd-row knee- and legroom. And, for 2026, the Palisade can be supplied with a hybrid powertrain setup. You may learn our evaluate of the newly redesigned Palisade right here.
Engines
Non-hybrid Santa Fe fashions are powered by a 277-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine mated to the aforementioned 8-speed computerized. Hybrids are geared up with a turbocharged 1.6-liter turbocharged engine mated to a single electrical motor and a 6-speed computerized transmission. Whole system output for the hybrid setup is 231 horsepower.
Take a look at Automobile
Client Information lately spent per week behind the wheel of a 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy with AWD in Shimmering Silver. All advised, together with vacation spot cost, or check automobile got here to $51,985.
Luxurious Appointments
As is the best way Hyundai lately, the Santa Fe cabin is full-on luxurious, particularly in top-tier Calligraphy trim. We respect the easy and trendy design, and may’t assist however be impressed by the standard floor supplies and obvious meeting high quality.
Controls
The only-pane contact display integrates the middle console with the instrument panel to good impact. And we discovered infotainment operation usually easy and simple to be taught. Plus, touchscreen inputs have been responded to promptly, and the display was simple to learn, even in shiny mild.
Room and luxury
The Santa Fe’s boxy form could also be polarizing from a design standpoint, however pays off in spades within the cabin. There’s ample house for 4 full-size adults, plus 3rd-row house for wee riders. Coming into and exiting the Santa Fe is simple sufficient, because of giant door openings and a comparatively low step-in peak.
Trip and Dealing with
Consolation is enhanced mightily by the Santa Fe’s spectacular journey high quality and total quietness. Certainly, Hyundai’s midsize crossover handles street imperfections with the sophistication of a German luxurious sedan, although it doesn’t fairly deal with with the identical sporty character.
Energy and Efficiency
As for the hybrid drivetrain, we have been principally impressed. Although down nearly 40 horsepower versus the non-hybrid setup, our check car pulled strongly and instantly away from cease lights, and at all times appeared prepared for and required passing and merging. Although not really fast, the Santa Fe Hybrids immediate throttle response offers the car an nearly sporty character. As an added bonus, the engine cease/begin system operates particularly easily.
Gas Financial system
Our noticed gas financial system was likewise spectacular. We noticed 35.4 mpg throughout per week of principally routine driving. This can be a important enchancment over the 21.7 mg we noticed throughout our analysis of a 2024 Santa Fe with the non-hybrid drivetrain.
Typical or Hybrid Drivetrain?
That mentioned, with gasoline costs at historic highs, buying a Santa Fe Hybrid might require some endurance—as provides could also be strained—in addition to an elevated asking value. We suggest breaking out the calculator when it comes time to make a deal in your new crossover. If Hyundai shops are making higher presents on non-hybrid Santa Fe fashions, it would make sense to go along with a conventionally powered instance.
Worth
All issues being equal, we advise you set the Santa Fe close to the highest of your midsize crossover test-drive checklist—whatever the drivetrain. Whereas Hyundai’s smaller midsize providing is not a discount, it’s fairly priced, and it’s frankly glorious by most measures. And for those who discover the cabin appointments a bit too good, be at liberty to step down a trim degree or two, and avoid wasting cash on the buy value.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy Photos
Click on under for enlarged pictures
2026 Chevrolet Traverse Excessive Nation: Evaluate, Costs, and Specs
