2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: Now Hybrid Only
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Hyundai had bold plans for the new Santa Fe, both inside and out. The company opted for a “lifestyle-based design,” but took an unconventional approach. Basically, designers worked the other way around, starting in the back and then moving forward, as they put more emphasis on cargo space and access. And don’t be fooled by the boxy shape: this Santa Fe is particularly aerodynamic—more so than its predecessor, as evidenced by the drag coefficient of 0.29.
Whether you like or hate it, you have to admit there are few other midsize SUVs like this one. For 2026, which marks the third year of the current generation, Hyundai has made a few revisions but nothing major. Except for one thing: the optional 2.5-litre turbo engine is not returning in Canada, creating a hybrid-only lineup that expands with the addition of two new models.
- Also: The Best Hybrid Cars, SUVs and Trucks to Consider
- Also: Fire Risk Prompts Recall on 2024-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Just how fuel-efficient is the Santa Fe Hybrid? We found out while driving a top-line Ultimate Calligraphy model (all-inclusive price starting at $59,916) for more than 1,200 km to attend in the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) TestFest earlier this fall.
Classy With Plenty of Technology
Polarizing looks aside, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is likely to win everyone over with its user-friendly cabin design. Notable standard features include a heated steering wheel, heated seats and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that basically has no learning curve. A power sunroof and wireless charging are available as options.
New for 2026, the Luxury ($56,566) and Ultimate Calligraphy models receive additional features and amenities such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The head-up display and 12-speaker Bose audio system are exclusive to the Ultimate Calligraphy.
Overall, the Santa Fe boasts an interior that’s big on technology in addition to being ergonomically designed. The physical buttons allowing control of the HVAC system and audio are greatly appreciated, although there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with the touch-sensitive panel.
What’s more, all models come standard with a wide array of advanced safety technologies that operate in a most seamless way. The U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) confirms this, as the Santa Fe earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ award in 2025.
Efficient and Comfortable
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid pairs a 178-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a 59-horsepower electric motor. Together, they produce a combined 231 horsepower along with 271 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is limited to 2,000 lbs, whereas models equipped with the 2.5-litre turbo engine used to tow up to 3,500 lbs.
Given the vehicle’s size and weight (2,075 kg), the combination of performance and fuel economy is fantastic. The transmission makes good use of the available power, although the gas engine can be noisy under load. Our test drive, which almost exclusively took place on the highway, ended with a score of 7.3 L/100 km. Last year, during the AJAC’s EcoRun, the Santa Fe Hybrid did even better with 6.3 L/100 km. Heck, another journalist at the event managed to drop that figure to just 5.7 L/100 km in mixed driving. How impressive is that?
The cheaper of Hyundai’s two midsize SUVs is particularly well-suited for long road trips with seats that provide excellent comfort. The second row can accommodate three people in three of the four models including Preferred ($46,816), Preferred with the Trend package and Luxury. Only the Ultimate Calligraphy model offers captain's chairs. There’s ample headroom and shoulder room in the third row, but legroom is limited.
On the technology front, we relied a lot on adaptive cruise control throughout our test drive. The system performed adequately, with progressive braking manoeuvres and lively acceleration. However, the lane keeping system tended to overcorrect, especially when cornering, and steering movements lacked smoothness. When a turn signal is activated, the Santa Fe will automatically change lanes, which is nice, but there’s still room for improvement. You see, the system will aggressively push the vehicle towards the outer part of the lane and then correct itself by bringing it back in.
A Sensible Choice
As far as we’re concerned, Hyundai has made the right decision to eliminate gasoline-powered models in Canada. The 2.5-litre turbo engine was less efficient, no that much more powerful (277 hp), and handicapped by a poorly matched dual-clutch transmission (now replaced by a conventional autobox in the U.S.). The only real advantage over the hybrid powertrain was superior towing capacity. If you still want one, you should hurry because those 2025 models are running out.
When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the best buys you can make for 2026, along with the Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-70. Versatility, technology and a remarkably efficient hybrid system help it stand out from rivals. Furthermore, no major reliability issues have surfaced so far, and Hyundai offers a competitive 5-year/100,000km vehicle warranty. So, if you don’t mind the exterior design, the Santa Fe is an SUV that we highly recommend for families as well as those seeking a spacious, practical and technologically advanced environment.
