2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: What's New

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the second full model year of the fourth-generation redesign introduced for 2024. Hyundai has refined the initial launch with targeted equipment updates: Highway Driving Assist II becomes standard from SEL upward, the Calligraphy trim replaces the outgoing Limited as the new top of the standard (non-PHEV) range, and the PHEV's SEL Convenience configuration adds the 10.25-inch digital cluster as standard equipment.

What changed for 2026

• Highway Driving Assist II standard on SEL and above — lane centering with adaptive cruise; previously required the SEL Convenience package add-on
• Calligraphy trim added — new top trim for the standard hybrid replacing Limited; includes quilted Nappa leather, a two-tone exterior, 20-inch wheels, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a panoramic sunroof as standard
• SEL Convenience PHEV — 10.25-inch digital cluster and heated steering wheel added as standard (previously optional)
• AWD available on SE Hybrid — previously AWD required stepping to SEL Hybrid; SE Hybrid AWD now available as a standalone option at approximately $39,000
• New Galactic Gray exterior color replaces Serenity White for 2026; all other colors carry over
• Powertrain unchanged — 1.6L turbo hybrid (228 hp AWD, 35 mpg combined), PHEV (261 hp, 31 miles EV range, 3,500 lb tow)

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe trim and pricing

Trim	Powertrain	MSRP
SE FWD	1.6T (191 hp)	$35,050
SE Hybrid FWD	1.6T Hybrid (228 hp)	$37,550
SE Hybrid AWD	1.6T Hybrid (228 hp)	$39,050
SEL Hybrid AWD	1.6T Hybrid (228 hp)	$41,750
SEL Convenience PHEV AWD	1.6T PHEV (261 hp)	$43,850
Calligraphy Hybrid AWD	1.6T Hybrid (228 hp)	$49,500
Calligraphy PHEV AWD	1.6T PHEV (261 hp)	$52,000

All Hybrid and PHEV trims are 5-passenger (no third-row option). The Santa Fe does not offer a third row in any configuration.

How it fits in the market

The Santa Fe's 35 mpg combined (Hybrid AWD) leads the mid-size non-plug-in hybrid SUV segment — 2 mpg better than the equivalent Kia Sorento Hybrid AWD at 33 mpg, and tied with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at 37 mpg in equivalent AWD trim. At $39,050 for SE Hybrid AWD — the most affordable AWD hybrid trim after the 2026 update — the Santa Fe is significantly less expensive than the RAV4 Hybrid XLE AWD ($34,700 FWD; comparable AWD trim around $39,500).

The PHEV SEL Convenience AWD at $43,850 before the $7,500 federal credit lands at an effective price near $36,350 — the lowest of any mid-size PHEV SUV after incentives, including the Santa Fe's sibling Sorento PHEV and the Escape PHEV.

No third-row seating is available at any price point in the Santa Fe lineup — buyers needing a seventh seat must look at the Kia Sorento (third row available on hybrid trims) or a traditional three-row mid-size like the Highlander or Palisade.

Assembly: Santa Fe PHEV is assembled in South Korea. The battery sourcing complies with IRA requirements for 2026; verify at irs.gov before finalizing a purchase as compliance can change during the model year.

Current incentives

• No national cash incentive programs active in June
• 4.49% APR for 60 months on all trims through Hyundai Motor Finance
• PHEV: $7,500 federal credit available on SEL Convenience PHEV and Calligraphy PHEV — reduces effective price to $36,350 and $44,500 respectively; verify eligibility at irs.gov
• No lease subvention programs active in June

For a head-to-head comparison of the Santa Fe against the Sorento, see Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe 2026.