New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior, MPG, Pictures
New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior, MPG, Pictures – Hyundai has never been one to shy away from dramatic redesigns, with almost every one of its models looking entirely different from those that came before them — not to mention almost everything else in the lineup. That’s why there’s absolutely no resemblance between the New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and the short-lived fourth-generation version, as well as any of its contemporary siblings. This time around, it’s all about emphasizing size, with the real and perceived proportions stretching bigger than ever.
New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
More Ioniq 5 inspiration is found in the way the Santa Fe functions, with the same column-mounted gear selector that takes some getting used to — twist to move; push to park — but frees up space on the centre console. Not only does it look less cluttered, but the front half of the cabin feels more functional than most of the others in the segment and beyond.
Where it all goes at least a little wrong is the touch panel that’s employed to manage the climate control system. While the icons themselves are easy enough to understand, and there are dials for temperature adjustments, the display itself is prone to being washed out in bright sunlight. (Such systems are also demonstrably less intuitive than physical switchgear that can become second nature through muscle memory.) More generally, it isn’t just the tailgate opening that’s oversized; the doors front and back are worthy of the same praise, while the windows offer good views of what’s happening outside the vehicle.
New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Specs
The Santa fe specs included dual-zone automatic climate control, a satellite radio that requires a subscription, heated front seats, and a steering wheel are standard features on all Santa Fe versions. However, only the most expensive models get amenities like heated and ventilated front seats, a better 12-speaker audio system, and second-row captain’s chairs.
Engine and Performance
The hybrid powertrain that’s offered in the Tucson — as well as its corporate cousin, the Kia Sportage — carries over here, although it’s not offered under the hood of the Santa Fe XRT. Instead, it gets a stout 2.5L four-cylinder engine that turbocharges its way to 277 hp along with 311 lb-ft of torque. While the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission it’s paired with betrays it at least a little, with characteristic shuddering when rolling away from a stop, all that torque makes merging and passing uneventful in the best ways. New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, with the slip-and-grip system prioritizing the front wheels in the name of efficiency. That means the rear wheels are driven only when accelerating from a stop or when slippage is detected, while terrain modes for different low-traction situations do the same.
New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy
Despite the disconnecting drive system, the Santa Fe isn’t especially efficient. It’s rated to consume 10.6 L/100 km combined with the 2.5L engine under the hood, while this XRT trim is good for 10.8 thanks to its all-terrain tires. The available hybrid setup sends that number down to just 6.9. New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
That’s not much worse than most of its rivals, including the slightly larger Toyota Highlander that gets 10.3 (its hybrid is good for 6.7). Meanwhile, during this test the Santa Fe XRT turned in an indicated average of 10.5 L/100 km across a little more than 500 km. It runs on regular-grade gas.
New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Features
Similar to the majority of contemporary automobiles, the Santa Fe boasts a comprehensive safety suite that comes equipped with several features as standard equipment on all four trim levels. Every version comes with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, junction turn assist that can warn of oncoming traffic. More expensive versions also come with extras like a camera-based blind-spot system.
More basically, the Santa Fe’s tail- and signal lights are mounted incredibly low on the back of the vehicle, making them harder to spot — particularly for drivers of large vehicles. It’s an inherent flaw that’s shared by others, including the smaller Hyundai Tucson, with function following form to the detriment of essential safety. New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Price and Release Date
The New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $42,999 before tax (that includes a non-negotiable freight charge of $2,000), which reflects its positioning as one of the few SUVs this size to offer third-row seating. The XRT trim tested here is a big step up at $48,999, while both the Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims crest the $50,000 mark ($51,999 and $55,499, respectively).
The closely related Kia Sorento is priced between $41,025 and $54,525 before tax, while the gas-powered Mitsubishi Outlander ranges from $36,648 to $46,948. The latter is also offered with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that adds to the asking price but can travel some 61 km without burning a drop of gas. New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
