Surveying the Hyundai lineup, it’s clear the South Korean automaker has an affinity for SUVs.
The brand’s SUV ensemble includes Tucson, Santa Fe, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 9, Kona, Palisade and Venue. But there’s been no major rush to make them all hybrids, a common practice amongst its competitors. Only three of them – Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade – offer a hybrid version.
We spent a week with the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid and came away impressed. Like the majority of Hyundai vehicles, the midsize Santa Fee hybrid is reasonably priced, starting at roughly $36,500. It offers a sizable list of standard features, has excellent fuel economy and delivers a smooth ride that will especially be enjoyed on long trips.
It may come as a surprise to some, but the Hyundai Motor Group (it includes Kia) has grown tremendously in status since it was founded in 1967. Originally a brand that had was known for its poor quality and warranted little respect, Hyundai is now the third largest vehicle manufacturer in the world, trailing only Toyota and the Volkswagen Group.
Debuting in 2021, the hybrid version has become an integral part of the Santa Fe’s rise in esteem. The SUV has produced 12 straight years of 100,000 or more in sales, including 120,104 in 2026.
The Palisades could become the up-and-coming SUV standout in the Hyundai lineup, yet the Santa Fe continues to lead in sales. Also a three-row midsize SUV, the Palisades is larger in two areas than the Santa Fe – space in the third row and cargo area.
Two complaints regarding the Santa Fe are its tight third row and the limited amount of cargo space behind it. While kid-friendly, the third row is not a place any adult wants to reside. The cargo area is a smallish 14.6 cubic feet. However, it increases to 40.5 cubes with the second row down and expands to 79.6 when two rows are folded to the floor.
Despite those criticisms there are multiple reasons to applaud the Santa Fe interior makeup that can transport either six or seven passengers. It has a 12.3-inch touchscreen that features large icons and text that’s easy to read, and also has some handy physical buttons.
We liked the Santa Fe’s center console can be opened by both front and rear passengers. And unlike the third row, front and second row passengers have considerable room that will be appreciated on family trips.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID
- Performance: turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, 226 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 34-36 mpg
- Estimated price: $36,500 to $50,600
- Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; Drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; Roadside Assistance: 5 years/unlimited Corrosion: 7 years/unlimited
While the front-wheel drive Santa Fe hybrid doesn’t possess the quickness many people desire, it’s more than adequate regarding performance. It has a single electric motor that combines with a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder to produce 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque.
The hybrid travels 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds, roughly 1½ seconds slower than the gas-powered Santa Fe, which has 277 horsepower and 311 torque. Note that Hyundai has no current plans for a plug-in hybrid.
Expect a smooth and quiet ride from the Santa Fe. Adapted to various conditions, the hybrid offers some definite diversity with three driving modes (Eco, Smart, Sport).
Standard driver safety features include forward collision avoidance; blind spot collision warning; lane following and lane keeping assist; driver attention warning; rear cross traffic collision avoidance; rear occupant alert; and safe exit assist.
There are many fine midsize SUVs and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid is among them. It provides terrific fuel economy, a pleasing smooth ride and is offered at a judicious price.
Jeffrey Weidel is an award-winning journalist from the Sacramento region who has written automotive reviews for nearly three decades and now appear in Folsom Times. Weidel. Follow him on BlueSky at jeffweidel.bsky.social.
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