2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Level Breakdown

Hyundai’s 2026 Santa Fe brings a lot to the table for midsize SUV shoppers. With five distinct trim levels, three rows of seating, and a turbocharged engine under the hood, there’s a Santa Fe configuration for almost every budget and lifestyle. But which one actually makes sense for you? We’ve put together this 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe trim level breakdown to help you sort through the options.

• The 2026 Santa Fe offers five gas-powered trims ranging from the value-focused SE to the fully loaded Calligraphy.
• Every model gets a 277-horsepower turbocharged engine and a new 8-speed automatic transmission for 2026.
• The rugged XRT trim can tow up to 4,500 pounds, making it the best choice for weekend adventurers.

What Powers the 2026 Santa Fe?

Every gas-powered 2026 Santa Fe runs on the same 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. For 2026, Hyundai swapped in a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, which means smoother shifts across the board. Front-wheel drive comes standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive available for $1,800. Fuel economy sits at 20 mpg city and 29 highway for FWD models.

SE Trim Gets You Started

Priced around $36,400, the Santa Fe SE opens the lineup with solid standard equipment. You’re getting cloth seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting, and a hands-free power liftgate. Standard safety tech includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. That’s a pretty generous list for a base trim.

SEL Adds Comfort Where It Counts

Step up to the SEL and things get noticeably better. Synthetic leather replaces base cloth, heated front seats become standard, and the driver’s seat gains eight-way power adjustment. You’ll also get a wireless charger, Hyundai Digital Key 2, dual-zone climate control, and USB ports in the third row. Pricing lands around $39,000, making it a popular pick for families who want daily comfort without stretching the budget.

XRT Goes Off the Beaten Path

If you need capability beyond paved roads, the XRT trim deserves a closer look. Starting around $41,790, it comes with HTRAC all-wheel drive standard, plus an extra 1.3 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires. For 2026, Hyundai added Terrain Mode with settings for mud, snow, and sand. Maximum towing jumps to 4,500 pounds, up from 3,500 on other trims. Dual wireless chargers, a sunroof, and navigation round out the package.

Limited Brings the Luxury

With the Santa Fe Limited, the focus shifts to refined comfort. You’ll find 20-inch wheels, leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain’s chairs come standard for a six-passenger configuration. Tech upgrades include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Bose 12-speaker audio, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a panoramic sunroof.

Calligraphy Sits at the Top

Want everything Hyundai can pack into a three-row SUV? That’s the Calligraphy. Pricing approaches $49,000, but you’re getting 21-inch wheels, quilted Nappa leather with a new Pecan Brown option, a driver’s seat with relaxation function, and a digital rearview mirror. A 12-inch head-up display and Highway Driving Assist 2 for semi-autonomous highway driving complete the package.

Picking the Right Santa Fe for Your Driveway

Most buyers will land somewhere in the middle of the lineup. For daily family use, the SEL offers the best balance of features and price. Shoppers who need towing capacity or plan on venturing onto dirt roads should look hard at the XRT. And if your budget allows for leather seats and premium audio, the Limited adds meaningful upgrades without jumping to Calligraphy pricing.

Compare Santa Fe Trims at Ray Skillman Southside Hyundai

At Ray Skillman Southside Hyundai in Greenwood, we keep multiple Santa Fe trims on the lot so you can compare them side by side. Sit in an SE and then hop into a Calligraphy to feel the difference for yourself. Our team can answer questions about features, walk you through the tech, and help you figure out which trim fits your budget and driving needs. Schedule a test drive online or stop by when you’re ready to see the 2026 Santa Fe lineup in person.