1 / 4Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Boxy, roomy, and surprisingly upscale family SUV
Hyundai Santa Fe review
Hyundai threw out the curvy old Santa Fe and replaced it with a square, Land Rover-ish box that prioritizes space over style. The fifth-generation midsize SUV stretches its wheelbase to free up a genuinely usable third row, adds a huge tailgate opening, and pairs rugged looks with a cabin full of screens and clever storage. Buyers choose between a punchy turbo gas engine or a thriftier hybrid, both offered with front- or all-wheel drive.
The redesigned Santa Fe is one of the most practical things in its class. The upright roofline and long wheelbase translate into real headroom in all three rows, and the second row slides and reclines generously. The third row remains best for kids or short trips, but it exists and is easy to reach through that wide rear door. Cargo room behind the second row is excellent, and Hyundai scattered useful cubbies, twin wireless chargers, and a UV-C sanitizing compartment throughout the cabin.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbo four making 277 horsepower, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. It moves the Santa Fe with confidence and even tows up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped, though the dual-clutch can feel slightly hesitant in stop-and-go crawling. The hybrid trades some urgency for meaningfully better fuel economy and smoother low-speed manners. Neither powertrain is thrilling, but both are quiet and refined enough for daily duty.
On the road the Santa Fe rides comfortably and isolates wind and road noise well, prioritizing calm over corner-carving. The dual 12.3-inch curved display looks expensive, and higher Calligraphy trims genuinely feel near-luxury inside with quilted leather and open-pore-style trim. Downsides are modest: the gas engine's combined economy is merely average, the touch-sensitive climate controls divide opinion, and a fully loaded Calligraphy AWD pushes close to $50,000.
Value remains a Hyundai strength. Even mid-grade trims pack a long list of standard safety and tech, and Hyundai's lengthy powertrain warranty adds peace of mind that several rivals can't match.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Hugely spacious, flexible cabin
- Genuinely usable third row
- Strong standard tech and safety
- Excellent warranty coverage
- Available efficient hybrid
What could be better
- Average gas fuel economy
- Dual-clutch hesitant at low speed
- Touch climate controls frustrate some
- Loaded Calligraphy gets pricey
Hyundai Santa Fe price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| SE Best value | Gasoline8-speed DCT | $34,300 |
| SEL | Gasoline8-speed DCT | $37,000 |
| XRT | Gasoline8-speed DCT | $41,000 |
| Limited | Gasoline8-speed DCT | $45,000 |
| Calligraphy | Gasoline8-speed DCT | $47,000 |
| Calligraphy Hybrid AWD | Hybrid6-speed automatic | $49,000 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Hyundai Santa Fe colours
Serenity White PearlExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
Space for days
We cross-shopped the Highlander and Pilot and the Santa Fe just felt roomier for the money. The third row actually works for my two teens and the rear opening is enormous for loading sports gear. Wish the gas mileage was a little better on the highway.
Great value hybrid
The hybrid easily returns mid-30s mpg in my mixed commute, which is fantastic for a vehicle this big. Interior feels far more expensive than the price suggests. My only gripe is the climate touch panel, which takes some getting used to.
Near-luxury for less
Bought the Calligraphy and honestly it shames some German SUVs costing twice as much. The curved screens and quilted seats are gorgeous. The dual-clutch can be a touch jerky in traffic, but otherwise I have zero complaints.
Alternatives to the Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Palisade
4.4$37,000 – $54,000Starting MSRP
Rivian R2
4.3$45,000 – $68,000Starting MSRP
Audi Q5
4.2$45,000 – $58,000Starting MSRP
BMW X3
4.4$50,000 – $65,000Starting MSRP
Hyundai Santa Fe — frequently asked questions
Does the Santa Fe come as a hybrid?
Yes. Alongside the 277-hp 2.5-liter turbo gas engine, Hyundai offers a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid that returns roughly 35 MPG combined, available on several trims with front- or all-wheel drive.
How many people can it seat?
Most trims seat seven across three rows. Some higher trims can be configured with second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to six.
How much can the Santa Fe tow?
When properly equipped, the turbocharged gas model can tow up to about 4,500 pounds, enough for a small camper, boat, or utility trailer.
Is all-wheel drive available?
Yes. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, and HTRAC all-wheel drive is optional across the lineup and standard on the rugged XRT.
What warranty does it come with?
Hyundai backs the Santa Fe with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, among the best coverage in the segment.
Is the third row adult-friendly?
The third row is easy to access and fine for short adult trips, but legroom is best suited to children or occasional use. The wide tailgate and long wheelbase make it more usable than many rivals.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.