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 |
| Gasoline Economic system | A |
| Worth | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not replicate Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” 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)
Gasoline kind: Common gasoline
Base value: $50,250 (not together with $1495 (vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Ground mats ($240)
Value as examined: $51,985
Audio-System Model
Bose
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Wonderful
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Roomy, snug, luxury-level cabin appointments
The great: Wonderful gas financial system, good management structure
The not so good: Not a discount
Assessment
When Hyundai redesigned the Santa Fe for 2024, it raised the value of its common 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 will be attributed to provide points associated to the redesign. Gross sales recovered virtually 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 had been additionally hampered considerably by a scarcity of hybrid examples of the Santa Fe, with shoppers clamoring for the more-efficient powertrain possibility.
Modifications for 2026
Modifications to the crossover for 2026 embrace changing the complaint-prone dual-clutch computerized present in non-hybrid examples with a typical 8-speed unit. Additionally, Hyundai has centered for 2026 on high 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 consumers 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 characteristic 3rd-row seating. Fashions outfitted with 2rd-row captains chairs seat as much as 6 passengers, whereas these fitted with a bench seat will haul as much as 7 people.
Take into account the Palisade
Consumers searching for extra cabin house are effectively 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 possibly can learn our assessment 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 outfitted with a turbocharged 1.6-liter turbocharged engine mated to a single electrical motor and a 6-speed computerized transmission. Complete system output for the hybrid setup is 231 horsepower.
Check Automobile
Client Information lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy with AWD in Shimmering Silver. All instructed, together with vacation spot cost, or check automotive got here to $51,985.
Luxurious Appointments
As is the way in which Hyundai as of late, the Santa Fe cabin is full-on luxurious, particularly in top-tier Calligraphy trim. We admire the straightforward and trendy design, and might’t assist however be impressed by the standard floor supplies and obvious meeting high quality.
Controls
The one-pane contact display screen integrates the middle console with the instrument panel to good impact. And we discovered infotainment operation usually easy and simple to study. Plus, touchscreen inputs had been responded to promptly, and the display screen was straightforward to learn, even in brilliant gentle.
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 straightforward sufficient, because of giant door openings and a comparatively low step-in top.
Trip and Dealing with
Consolation is enhanced mightily by the Santa Fe’s spectacular trip 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 had been largely impressed. Although down virtually 40 horsepower versus the non-hybrid setup, our check automobile pulled strongly and instantly away from cease lights, and all the time appeared prepared for and required passing and merging. Although not really fast, the Santa Fe Hybrids immediate throttle response offers the automobile an virtually sporty character. As an added bonus, the engine cease/begin system operates particularly easily.
Gasoline Economic system
Our noticed gas financial system was likewise spectacular. We noticed 35.4 mpg throughout every week of largely routine driving. It is a important enchancment over the 21.7 mg we noticed throughout our analysis of a 2024 Santa Fe with the non-hybrid drivetrain.
Standard or Hybrid Drivetrain?
That mentioned, with gasoline costs at historic highs, buying a Santa Fe Hybrid could require some persistence—as provides could also be strained—in addition to an elevated asking value. We advocate 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 together 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 now not a discount, it’s fairly priced, and it’s frankly glorious by most measures. And for those who discover the cabin appointments a little bit too good, be happy to step down a trim degree or two, and avoid wasting cash on the buy value.
Take heed to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged photos
2026 Chevrolet Traverse Excessive Nation: Assessment, Costs, and Specs
