Overview The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid’s sharp creases stand out in the three-row mid-size SUV segment. Though its styling may hint at genuine off-road-conquering ability, its core strength is transporting up to seven passengers in comfort and delivering improved fuel economy compared with its nonhybrid sibling. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder works in cahoots with an electric motor for a combined 231 horsepower, all funneled through a six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, but adding all-wheel drive is just a box check away. Acceleration is merely sufficient—the nonhybrid model is quicker—and its handling is ordinary, but the Santa Fe Hybrid’s price premium is reasonable for the increased efficiency. Expert Tip: We’ve acknowledged that the Santa Fe Hybrid won’t blow you away with power, but shoppers who desire a bit more punch in their mid-size hybrid SUV are encouraged to check out the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. It posted a 5.6-second 0 to 60 mph time in C/D testing. What’s New for 2026?A new SE base model joins the lineup. The Limited trim sees the addition of standard second-row captain’s chairs (a bench seat is still optional) and dual wireless chargers. The SEL gets third-row USB ports, and the top Calligraphy trim adds a Pecan Brown Nappa leather interior. Pricing and Which One to BuyWhile the higher trims offer many nice features and there’s a new SE base trim, we maintain that the SEL represents the best value of the bunch. It adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, wireless device charging, third-row air vents, and more for a reasonable upcharge. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is an $1800 option across the board.Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Hybrid Powertrain: Turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor, 231-hp combined
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive
All Santa Fe Hybrids are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder which is assisted by an electric motor for a combined 231 horsepower. That’s a little more powerful than the 226-hp setup that was offered in the previous-generation model. In the real world, acceleration is sufficient for the type of casual driving most buyers of three-row crossovers will do, but the Santa Fe occasionally feels sluggish when merging or passing on the highway. The Santa Fe Hybrid’s road manners are subdued, but the ride is comfortable, and engine noise is well-isolated from the cabin unless you’re really hustling. All models come with a six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.0–60-MPH Times
- C/D 60-mph Test: 7.8 seconds
In Comparison: Though the base 245-hp Grand Highlander Hybrid is a closer competitor to the Santa Fe Hybrid, the Toyota’s available 362-hp Hybrid Max model knocked off the 60-mph run in just 5.6 seconds in C/D testing. The nonhybrid Santa Fe is also quicker than the hybrid, getting to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Additional ResearchTowing and Payload Capacity The Santa Fe Hybrid is rated to tow 2000 pounds. If we were dead set on the Santa Fe, but occasional towing was in the gameplan, we’d go for the nonhybrid Santa Fe XRT, as it’s rated for up to 4500 pounds.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: N/A
- EPA City Ratings: 35-36 mpg
- EPA Highway Ratings: 34-35 mpg
While the EPA hasn’t released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid yet, the 2025 model with front-wheel drive earned ratings of 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined. We don’t expect any changes for the 2026 model year. We haven’t had the opportunity to take a Santa Fe Hybrid on our 75-mph real-world highway fuel economy test, but we will update this section as soon as we do. For more information about the Santa Fe Hybrid’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoFirst Row: Seating is ample and comfortable. Side bolsters are more than sufficient for a family SUV, and the seats are bisected by a large center console with storage and space for wireless charging for devices if so equipped. The base SE gets cloth seating, the SEL and XRT have faux leather, the Limited has leather, and the Calligraphy has Nappa leather. Second Row: A bench seat is standard on the base SE, and captain’s chairs are standard on the SEL or higher, though you can spec a bench on the SEL if desired. Second-row space is accommodating for adults.Third Row: The third row is serviceable but lacks the ease and convenience of the first two rows. Access is decent with the easy forward-folding captain’s chairs, but legroom is tight compared with some larger three-row SUV competitors.Cargo Capacity: Cargo volume is sufficient, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 41 cubes behind the second row, and 80 cubes with both folded. The Grand Highlander Hybrid has slightly more space, however. Infotainment and ConnectivityInfotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreenConnectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoAudio System: 6-speaker stereo (standard), 12-speaker Bose stereo (optional)All trims get a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, two 12-volt outlets (one front and one rear cargo), and XRT and above trims get a 110-volt outlet. While the base SE gets four USB ports (two each in the first and second rows,) the SEL and up get an additional pair for the third row for a total of six. Wireless charging is standard on the SEL, and the XRT trim and above get two wireless charging spots. Calligraphy models also have a standard head-up display. Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesAll Santa Fe models come standard with a host of driver-assistance features, but more advanced tech, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, is optional. For more information about the Santa Fe’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard Safety Features: Automated emergency braking with pedestrian alert, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring
- Optional Safety Features: Blind spot collision-avoidance assist, park distance warning, adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageAmong mid-size SUVs, the Santa Fe Hybrid and its corporate cousin, the Kia Sorent,o offer the longest standard warranty terms. The Hyundai holds an advantage over the Kia in this area, though, thanks to its generous complimentary scheduled maintenance program.
- Limited Warranty: Five years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: Ten years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: Three years or 36,000 miles
C/D Test Results and SpecsWe test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.SpecificationsSpecifications
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine and front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $50,215/$50,425
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline-4, 178 hp, 195 lb-ft + AC motor, 60 hp, 195 lb-ft (combined output: 231 hp, 271 lb-ft; 1.0-kWh [C/D est] lithium-ion battery pack)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.8-in disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion MS
255/45R-20 105V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.8 in
Length: 190.2 in
Width: 74.8 in
Height: 69.7 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 61/55/33 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 80/41/15 ft3
Curb Weight: 4516 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.0 sec @ 89 mph
100 mph: 21.3 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.6 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 119 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.82 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 26 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 34/35/34 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
