Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

A couple of years back, we had a chance to work with the current generation Hyundai Santa Fe. We were captured by its upright design based on the idea that it would be a nice adventurous vehicle for the family.

It was indeed a winning formula. Sales are on the rise at a 22 percent clip year-to-date with last year. You are definitely seeing a lot on the road, if not at rental car lots. It also helps that they are assembled at Hyundai’s Montgomery, Alabama plant. 

The one rub that the current-generation Santa Fe has received was the return of the third row. The previous generation model did not come with them for the USA market, which puzzled a lot of consumers. 

A recent comparison article by another media outlet gave it a name for these vehicles – “2.5 rows.” It may seem like a slap in the face to Hyundai and other automakers. It may also further deter customers from these vehicles. 

We believe that the Santa Fe is a relevant vehicle in today’s SUV market. Yet, we never experienced the hybrid driveline that is available on it. Our curiosity was rewarded with the arrival of this 2026 Calligraphy Hybrid test vehicle.

The Hybrid driveline used on the Santa Fe consists of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an electric motor drawing from 1.49-kilowatt-hour battery, a six-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The entire system delivers a combined net 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. 

This is already a proven driveline that fits the Santa Fe well. It may have taken a couple of model years to see how this worked in the Santa Fe, but we can say with confidence that it works extremely well. Power take off is smooth, as is the transition between the internal combustion and electric power sources. The transmission shifts smoothly, too. 

Credit should be given to the electrified drivelines across the Hyundai lineup. They truly work extremely well to deliver improved fuel economy and performance overall. While we observed a fuel consumption average of 32.0 MPG, it stretches the gas pump budget further than expected in an SUV of its size. 

The driveline also fits with the Santa Fe’s exterior vibes. Without repeating a lot of what we said about the 2024 model we reviewed previously, it is a boxy shape that is both stylish and functional. It also looks sharp with this glossy silver/gray paint job. That is offset with the angled details, the upright front fascia area and the slightly canted rear roof line leading to the taillight units. 

When you have a gap in time between similar models, you start discovering – or, rediscovering in our case – a few things after the first go-round. The semi-octagonal wheel openings with the Calligraphy’s black finish simply pop. The upper grille has a horizontal LED light element running across it. Those H-shaped lighting signatures are this vehicle’s most prominent exterior attraction. The grab handle on the C-pillar is also a fun party trick. It simply comes down to the details that make the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid an entertaining vehicle to look at. 

No matter what’s underneath the hood, Calligraphy models receive the same 20-inch black-finished multi-spoke alloy wheels. We love continuity within the model lineup, especially when you do not need to delineate between ICE and hybrid drivelines. 

Back in 2024, we were quite enamored with the Santa Fe’s interior. There have been no real changes for the 2026 Calligraphy Hybrid – except for the energy meter placed where the tachometer would go. It is as you were sitting down in a luxurious space with a degree of logical minimalism, replete with both haptic/soft touch and physical tactile controls. 

It all just seemed familiar. The transmission stalk with a knob that is flipped to either drive or reverse. Park is a button on the end. The larger 12.3-inch screens feature the instrument cluster on the left and the infotainment touchscreen on the right. They have the climate controls below the belt line of the dashboard that is easy to use. 

Opting for the Calligraphy Hybrid – as well as the Limited Hybrid – gets you a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. You also get the requisite wireless smartphone integration and two wireless chargers on the center console. 

We often remarked that the Calligraphy trim on the Santa Fe and Palisade reminds us how close you can get to a Genesis. That’s quite the compliment, because the luxury brand has been raising the stakes in interior quality. However, you still get Nappa leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. 

In the Calligraphy Hybrid, the second-row captain’s chairs offer plenty of adjustment, as well as an easy way to get into the third row. Front row seats are balanced between support and comfort. The third row is best for two small children, and you could get two child restraint systems back there. 

Cargo space starts with 14.6 cubic feet with the third-frow seats up. Folding the third-row seats will expand the cargo hold to 40.5 cubic feet. Ultimately, cargo space will expand to 79.6 cubic feet with both the second- and third-row seats folded down. As far as a mobility device is concerned, we ended up folding down the third row for the rollator to be loaded in with plenty of space around it. Manual wheelchairs folded down will also fit behind the second-row seats. 

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: As Randy is considered disabled, we will be adding more impressions about whether accessibility devices can fit in our test vehicles. Hopefully, we can tell you our results with every vehicle. 

How was the driving experience in the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid? First it was a quiet place to be. On smoother surfaces and better road conditions, the ride quality was solid and effortless. The suspension system tried to smooth out road imperfections the best it can. It also takes corners quite well, without much lean or roll.

The steering system yielded a really good turning radius. It also delivered a solid response from the wheel with solid on-center feel. Yet, the brake pedal felt a bit soft to get the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid to stop. The response to the wheels was OK with regenerative energy playing no effect on the system.  We also turned in decent stops during normal and panic situations. 

There are four 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid trim levels to choose from. Pricing starts at $36,150. Our Calligraphy Hybrid tester came with a sticker price of $51,985. Don’t want the Hybrid driveline? You also have five other trim levels to choose from, including the rugged-looking XRT.

This is the second hybrid vehicle we worked with in a short period of time that felt more favorable than the standard internal combustion engine. There is less power underneath the hood than the 2.5-liter turbo, but you do get better fuel economy without sacrificing driving manners.

The point we will not make is about the third-row seats. We understand the attraction, but we also recognize that customers have other needs that the Santa Fe Hybrid meets. That way, we can agree that this SUV is a winner in many ways. 

Which makes us curious about the newly released 2026 Palisade Hybrid. Well…one vehicle at a time. Just enjoy the efficiency and space that the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid offers you and your family. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Hyundai Motor America

All photos by Randy Stern