Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

2.5L Turbocharged GDI/MPI 4-cylinder

At the heart of the lineup is a 2.5L Turbocharged GDI/MPI 4-cylinder that delivers up to 277 horsepower, tuned for smooth, eager acceleration and confident highway passing. The engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic to keep power flowing seamlessly, whether you’re climbing on-ramps or cruising at speed. Turbocharging gives you ample midrange torque, which is useful when the SUV is loaded with passengers and gear or when you’re navigating rolling rural highways. It’s the kind of everyday strength that not only makes driving more relaxed, but also adds reassurance when you need quick throttle response to merge or overtake. If you want efficiency without sacrificing responsiveness, this powertrain nails the brief—calm and composed when you’re settling into the commute, punchy when you need it. For drivers comparing power-to-practicality across the segment, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe brings an excellent balance of refinement and capability.

HTRAC All Wheel Drive and 4,500-lb. Towing Capacity

Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive adds traction and stability for a wide range of surfaces—think spring rain, winter slush, gravel drives to the lake, or freshly fallen snow. It’s designed to help you stay composed when conditions change, with intelligent torque distribution responding to wheel slip. Properly equipped, SANTA FE also offers up to a 4,500-lb. towing capacity on configurations like XRT with HTRAC, making it well-suited for small campers, jet skis, or a pair of ATVs. The combination of an eager turbo engine, available HTRAC All Wheel Drive, and confident towing capability gives families flexibility for active weekends without stepping up to a full-size SUV. For buyers who want one vehicle to handle weekday routines and weekend adventures, this well-rounded capability is a standout.

Three-Row Space, Tailgate Utility, and Clever Storage

SANTA FE’s cabin was thoughtfully laid out to make every seat feel useful and every trip easier. Three rows offer space for up to seven, with an available power-reclining second row and available captain’s chairs to upgrade comfort on longer drives. The squared-off tailgate and low liftover simplify loading, while the auto-open hands-free smart liftgate adds convenience when your hands are full. Hyundai even integrated an available C-pillar assist handle to help you reach roof cargo and get a better vantage point when securing gear. Inside, you’ll find a front-and-back-opening center console that lets front and rear passengers access shared storage, plus available dual wireless device charging so two phones can top up at once. The result is a cabin that feels both upscale and purpose-built for families who need real utility without losing the premium vibe.

Digital Displays, Bluelink+, and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium

Big, beautiful screens bring clarity to your drive with an available 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster and a hi-res 12.3-inch touchscreen with available navigation. Menus are intuitive and crisp, so it’s easy to keep track of maps, calls, and audio at a glance. Bluelink+ lets you remotely start the vehicle, lock or unlock doors, and, on applicable trims, pre-condition the cabin—all from your smartphone via the MyHyundai with Bluelink app. Even better, Bluelink+ benefits are included with purchase or lease of a new Hyundai with no additional monthly fees. Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium lets you use your compatible smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle, and you can share access with family members when needed. For your rear view, an available full-display digital rearview mirror uses a camera in the rear spoiler to show a live video feed—especially helpful when the cargo area is stacked high.

Hyundai SmartSense and Parking Tech

Hyundai SmartSense brings a broad palette of driver assistance features, many standard across the lineup. Lane Following Assist (LFA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go, High Beam Assist (HBA), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) help with daily driving. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection (FCA-JT) adds vital peace of mind. On upper trims you’ll find Highway Driving Assist (HDA) or Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Surround View Monitor (SVM), and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse (PCA-R). Available Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) can even move the SANTA FE into or out of a tight spot while you watch from outside by pressing and holding buttons on the Smart Key. Safety is rounded out with thoughtful touches like Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (Advanced ROA), which can send alerts through Bluelink® if movement is detected in the back seat after locking.