2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: Best-Value Mid-Size SUV?

There is no segment in the auto industry more competitive than the mid-size SUV segment. Every automaker pours tons of money into their offering, and even in years when there is just a refresh or a carryover, you can expect some decent changes. It’s hard to keep up with the competition. But Hyundai has managed to keep its product lineup fresh and relevant every year. The upcoming 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a prime example.

Base Trim Engine

2.5L Smartstream I4 ICE

Base Trim Transmission

8-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

277 HP @5800 RPM

Base Trim Torque

311 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM

While the 2026 model year is considered mostly a carryover, a closer look at the updates sees numerous changes and refreshes that help keep this midsize SUV relevant and appealing. In fact, the 2026 Santa Fe might just represent the best value in the mid-size SUV segment. And here’s why.

The XRT Trim Delivers Tough Terrain Capability

The Santa Fe Is Ready For The Adventures Ahead

Hyundai

Overlanding and off-roading are buzzwords within the midsize segment. Each SUV claims superiority over the other in ruggedness. Truth be told, there are more rugged options within this segment than the Santa Fe. But that doesn’t mean it will disappoint should you want to get off the beaten path a bit. You will just want the XRT trim.

For 2026, there’s a new gloss black grille exclusive to the XRT trim. It really adds personality and pizzazz to the Santa Fe. But what’s more impressive is the standard HTRAC all-wheel drive system, which comes with 1.3 inches of increased ground clearance over the other trims of the Santa Fe. The Santa Fe XRT is clad with 18-inch, all-terrain tires and dark alloy wheels. It certainly looks the part of an adventurous midsize SUV. There’s also Terrain Mode, exclusive to XRT, which allows the driver to shift to mud, snow, or sand mode, based on the terrain and conditions. The XRT is only offered in all-wheel drive.

A New Transmission Brings Added Refinement

Gone Is The Dual-Clutch Transmission

Hyundai

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine that carries over from the previous model year. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t performance improvements. In fact, Hyundai made one very significant change to the overall powertrain when they replaced the dual-clutch automatic transmission with a more traditional eight-speed automatic. The end result is a noticeable improvement in driving refinement and smoothness.

The turbocharged engine is still quite capable with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. While this doesn’t lead the segment, it is also nowhere near the bottom. And now with the improvement to the transmission, the Santa Fe drives far differently than it did previously. Subtle changes like this can truly help a vehicle’s evolution and also keep it competitive.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy

Enhanced Interior And Technology

Hyundai Increased The Value Found Inside

Hyundai

One of the things that Hyundai has been known for over the past decade is the quality of its interior. This has helped Hyundai gain ground in multiple segments, with many of its interiors being considered superior to some of the most established brands in the market. That same premise applied to the 2026 Santa Fe without a doubt. While many of the changes are subtle or minimal for this new model year, they aren’t without recognition. These are the notable changes for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe’s interior:

• Standard dual wireless chargers: The Limited and XRT trims now come standard with dual wireless phone charging pads in the center console.
• New interior color: The top-tier Calligraphy trim is now available with a new Pecan Brown Nappa leather interior.
• Third-row USB ports: Third-row USB ports are now included on the SEL and XRT trims.
• Limited trim seating: The Limited trim receives standard second-row captain’s chairs, with a bench seat still available as an option.
• Enhanced center console: All models now feature a center console box that can be opened by both front and second-row passengers.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe fits six or seven passengers, depending on the specific trim level and configuration. Models equipped with a second-row bench seat can accommodate up to seven passengers, while versions with second-row captain’s chairs will seat six passengers. These configurations and a larger interior make it perfect as a family hauler or for road trips.

Rear Seat Headroom And Legroom

A quick look at the total cargo area showcases one of the big perks of the Santa Fe. With all the seats folded down, you’re looking at almost 80 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s a number that puts some larger, more expensive SUVs to shame.

Final Thoughts On The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

Enough Changes Keep It Relevant, Competitive, And Value-Oriented

Hyundai

Whether as the adventurous XRT trim (pictured above) or as one of the basic trims, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe showcases why this Korean automaker continues to do just enough to keep this midsize SUV relevant and fresh. Even in a model year (like 2026) where the changes aren’t plentiful, the Santa Fe remains near the top of one of the most competitive segments in the auto industry.

For the family that needs a versatile, reliable, and powerful vehicle without breaking the bank, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a slam dunk. Its combination of a powerful, torquey engine, luxury-level standard features, and a smart, spacious design gives it a clear edge over the competition.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims By Price

Head-To-Head In The Midsize SUV Segment

Hyundai

When you put the Santa Fe up against its key rivals like the Kia Telluride, Honda Passport, and Toyota Grand Highlander, the value proposition becomes clear.

• Engine & Performance: The Santa Fe’s turbocharged 2.5-liter engine offers a unique advantage. The Kia Telluride and Honda Passport both use larger V6 engines, producing 291 horsepower and 285 horsepower, respectively. While those are slightly higher numbers, the Santa Fe’s turbo gives it a whopping 311 pound-feet of torque, which is significantly more than the Telluride’s 262 pound-feet and the Passport’s 262 pound-feet. That extra torque makes a huge difference in everyday driving—it’s what you feel when you’re merging onto a busy highway or pulling away from a stoplight with a full load of passengers. In fact, the Santa Fe’s 0–60 mph time is quicker than both the Honda Passport and the Toyota Grand Highlander.
• Features & Tech: This is where Hyundai seems far superior. The Santa Fe offers standard features that its competitors often list as costly options. For example, while the base models of the Telluride and Passport may have similar safety features, the Santa Fe packs a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. You have to move up several trim levels on many competitors just to get features that are standard on the entry-level Santa Fe.
• Interior Space & Versatility: While the Toyota Grand Highlander does have a larger third row and slightly more maximum cargo space (around 97.5 cubic feet versus the Santa Fe’s 79.6), the Santa Fe’s smart, boxy design still feels incredibly spacious. It manages to deliver near-best-in-class cargo volume without the oversized footprint of some rivals. The Santa Fe is also a bit shorter and has a tighter turning radius, making it easier to maneuver in city streets and parking lots.