2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | Laguna Niguel Hyundai
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe combines three-row seating, flexible cargo space, turbocharged performance, and available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive in a midsize SUV designed for busy everyday life. With seating for up to seven passengers and five gas-powered trim levels, the Santa Fe gives Orange County drivers several ways to balance passenger space, capability, technology, and comfort.
At Laguna Niguel Hyundai, we’re here to help you compare the 2026 Santa Fe lineup, from seating and drivetrain choices to towing capability, technology, and available features.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Performance and All-Wheel Drive
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe gas lineup is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC.
HTRAC All-Wheel Drive is available on SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy models and comes standard on the XRT.
Fuel economy varies by drivetrain. Front-wheel-drive gas models are EPA-rated at 20 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, and 24 MPG combined. AWD models are rated at 20 MPG city, 28 MPG highway, and 23 MPG combined, while the XRT AWD is rated at 19 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Levels
The 2026 Santa Fe gas lineup includes five trims:
- SE
- SEL
- XRT
- Limited
- Calligraphy
The lineup ranges from practical three-row configurations to more premium models with additional comfort and technology. The XRT takes a more capability-focused approach, with standard HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, all-terrain tires, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance compared with 7.0 inches on most other trims.
Limited and Calligraphy models offer available power-reclining second-row captain’s chairs, while SE, SEL, and XRT models feature a standard second-row bench.
Three-Row Seating and Cargo Space
The 2026 Santa Fe provides three rows of seating with room for up to seven passengers in SE, SEL, and XRT models equipped with the standard second-row bench. Limited and Calligraphy models can accommodate up to six passengers with available second-row captain’s chairs.
Passenger space includes 44.4 inches of front legroom, 42.3 inches in the second row, and 30.0 inches in the third row.
Behind the third row, the Santa Fe provides 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space. That expands to 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and approximately 79.6 cubic feet with the rear seating folded.
A hands-free smart liftgate with auto open and adjustable height is standard across the lineup, making the cargo area easier to access when your hands are full.
2026 Santa Fe Towing Capability
Properly equipped Santa Fe gas models are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes. The XRT increases maximum towing capacity to 4,500 pounds with trailer brakes.
Actual towing capability depends on vehicle configuration, equipment, trailer setup, and other factors, so shoppers planning to tow should match the vehicle and equipment to their specific needs.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, the organization’s highest award level.
Standard driver-assistance technologies include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction-Turning Detection; Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Following Assist; Driver Attention Warning; Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist; Safe Exit Assist; High Beam Assist; and a Rear View Monitor.
Depending on trim, additional technologies include Highway Driving Assist 2, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Surround View Monitor.
Technology and Connectivity
Every 2026 Santa Fe gas model includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, Bluelink+, Over-the-Air software update capability, and Rear Seat Quiet Mode.
SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy models add Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium. At the top of the lineup, the Calligraphy adds features including a 12-inch Head-Up Display and full-display digital rearview mirror.
The Santa Fe also includes two front and two rear USB-C charging ports and a two-level center console storage armrest across the lineup.
Hyundai Warranty Coverage
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is backed by Hyundai’s 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty for the original owner, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty, and 5-year/unlimited-mile 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Warranty terms, limitations, and eligibility requirements apply.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
How many passengers does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe seat?
The 2026 Santa Fe is a three-row SUV. SE, SEL, and XRT models with a second-row bench seat up to seven passengers, while Limited and Calligraphy models can seat up to six with available second-row captain’s chairs.
Does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. HTRAC All-Wheel Drive is available throughout the five-trim gas lineup and comes standard on the XRT.
How much can the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe tow?
Properly equipped gas models are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes. The XRT increases that rating to as much as 4,500 pounds with trailer brakes.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
The Santa Fe offers 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and approximately 79.6 cubic feet with the rear seating folded.
What fuel economy does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
Gas-powered front-wheel-drive models are EPA-rated at 20 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, and 24 MPG combined. AWD models are rated at 20 MPG city, 28 MPG highway, and 23 MPG combined. The XRT AWD is rated at 19 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined.
What safety rating does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, the highest award level from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Explore the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe in Laguna Niguel
Whether you need seating for the family, flexible cargo room, available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, additional towing capability from the XRT, or the premium technology of the Calligraphy, Laguna Niguel Hyundai can help you compare the 2026 Santa Fe lineup.
Laguna Niguel Hyundai is located at 28432 Camino Capistrano in Laguna Niguel, California, serving drivers throughout South Orange County.
