The Santa Fe mid-size SUV underwent a radical transformation with its 2024 redesign, switching from conventional, slightly swoopy SUV styling to an aggressively boxy shape that was polarizing but also functional — it opened up enough interior room for a decently spacious (and newly standard) third row within its relatively tidy exterior footprint.
The Santa Fe’s biggest change for 2026 is a switch from an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to a conventional eight-speed automatic on conventional gas-powered models. This should be a welcome update — dual-clutch automatic gearboxes can sometimes feel clunky and sluggish at low speeds in everyday driving, so the new automatic is likely to provide at least a slight improvement in powertrain smoothness and refinement.
The Santa Fe Hybrid’s powertrain is unchanged for ‘26. We would not be surprised to see Hyundai introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the SUV, like the previous-generation version offered for 2022 and 2023, but so far the company has not announced one.
Other than the new transmission, the Santa Fe’s updates are limited to minor changes to trim and standard equipment. The off-road-look XRT gets a Terrain Mode feature that includes Mud, Snow and Sand settings, and its grille switches from a dark-chrome finish to gloss black. The Limited trim now comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, with a bench seat available as an option, and select trims get standard USB ports for the third row and dual wireless charging pads.
*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.
