Despite their major differences, all generations of the Santa Fe share one thing in common: they've always managed to stand out thanks to their boldness, reliability, and Hyundai's remarkable understanding of its clientele. The fifth generation is no exception. In fact, I'd even say it's the best expression of those qualities so far. The current Santa Fe isn't just different from previous versions — it doesn't look like anything else in Hyundai's lineup or on the market in general. That could have easily led to a complete flop, but it turned out to be quite the opposite, as the Santa Fe has proven to be a full-blown success.
There are no major styling updates for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, aside from a few changes to the color palette and a new grille for the XRT version. The most important update isn't visible from the outside, yet it's likely to make a huge difference in the driving experience. Hyundai has finally abandoned the dual-clutch transmission in favor of a conventional automatic gearbox. It still offers eight speeds, but promises smoother and more pleasant operation overall — a much better fit for the Santa Fe's character.
Lineup and Pricing
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe lineup is divided into two main categories: traditional gasoline models and hybrid versions. The gasoline lineup starts strong with the XRT, priced from $51,016. This version is primarily aimed at off-road driving enthusiasts. Next comes the Luxury trim which, as the name suggests, focuses on refinement and premium features, starting at $54,016. Sitting at the top is the Ultimate Calligraphy.
Surprisingly, the hybrid version's starting price is lower than that of the gasoline model, beginning at $46,816. However, the price jumps significantly with the Luxury and Calligraphy trims, which start at $56,566 and $59,916 respectively.
Category and Competitors
The new generation of Santa Fe has already made its mark and keeps attracting new fans every day. Its bold design, versatile interior, and advanced technologies make it an appealing choice. On top of that, Hyundai's midsize SUV falls into a much more accessible price range than many of its competitors, making it one of the best value propositions in its segment.
Rivals: Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, Toyota Crown Signia, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Design and Technologies
The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of those vehicles you could write an entire book about just to discuss its design. The Korean manufacturer showed a lot of courage with this styling direction, opting for a robust and boxy look reminiscent of the early 2000s — and it works surprisingly well. The only thing I'd change about the current Santa Fe is the height of the rear lights. Some versions are starting to get expensive for a mainstream vehicle, but I absolutely love the shape and positioning of the headlights.
The cabin is spacious and very comfortable. Technology takes center stage here, especially with the digital dashboard that spans more than half the front section. The 2026 Santa Fe offers a premium finish with well-selected materials and impeccable build quality. It's also one of the few vehicles in its category to offer seating for up to seven passengers.
Performance
For now, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers two powertrain options. First, there's a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 178 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a hybrid system for a combined output of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The standout feature of this setup is its fuel economy: 6.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway, which is excellent for the segment.
The gasoline version is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with a brand-new 8-speed automatic transmission. All models come standard with all-wheel drive, regardless of the version you choose.
Weak Points
Its design is clearly polarizing. The abundance of technology can also require some time to get used to.
Strong Points
It's a unique vehicle that never fails to turn heads. It offers an impressive list of standard equipment and delivers a very pleasant driving experience. The hybrid version is also exceptionally economical at the pump.
Signature Element
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe's design is undoubtedly what allows it to stand out from the crowd.
Final Thoughts
Hyundai took a major risk by reinventing the Santa Fe for its fifth generation, but the move paid off, as the model has been a strong success since it hit the market. Its design doesn't please everyone — I'll admit that — but Hyundai deserves praise for daring to create an SUV that stands out this much.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
