The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a value-oriented midsize SUV with upscale exterior styling, a smart cabin, and three rows of seating. Rivals include the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Mazda CX-90.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid gets minor updates for the 2026 model year. A new base trim, the SE, lowers the starting price, and the Limited trim now includes second-row captain’s chairs, an optional bench, and a pair of wireless device chargers. New Pecan Brown Nappa leather is available with the top Calligraphy trim.
Design
Among a sea of inoffensive midsize crossover SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid goes bold, with crisp lines and sharp corners reminiscent of imported luxury SUVs. It’s available in a range of smart colors, including a few sharp matte paints that further elevate the premium vibe. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, and LED taillights. Options include roof rails and a choice of 20-inch wheel designs.
Powertrain
The Santa Fe Hybrid features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. Output is a combined 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The Santa Fe Hybrid comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and is available with all-wheel drive (AWD). With FWD, the EPA estimates fuel economy of 36 mpg combined, while the AWD version comes in at 34 mpg combined.
Interior
The Santa Fe Hybrid can seat six or seven across its three rows. The first two rows can easily accommodate adults but the third row is best left for children, as is typical of midsize crossovers. Cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate are standard. Options include synthetic or genuine leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, ventilated front seats, and power-reclining second-row captain’s chairs. This Hyundai offers a scant 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, but space opens up to 40.5 and 79.6 cubic feet with the third and second rows folded, respectively.
Technology
The Santa Fe Hybrid features a 4.2-inch digital display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The display boasts sleek graphics and intuitive, responsive menus. Options include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, wireless charging, a smartphone-based digital key, and a Bose audio system with 12 speakers.
