2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai threw out the Santa Fe's playbook for 2026, replacing the previous model's soft curves with a boxy, Land Rover-inspired design that screams outdoor adventure. It's a polarizing choice — some buyers love the rugged new look, others find it jarring. Either way, it's distinctive, and in a segment full of anonymous crossovers, that counts for something. The hybrid at 231 hp and 34 MPG combined is the rational choice. The 2.5-liter turbo provides more punch at 277 hp but drinks notably more fuel. An available third row adds family flexibility, though calling it adult-sized would be generous. Inside, the Santa Fe has clever touches — storage bins throughout, a flat-folding passenger seat for long items, and a cargo area that's genuinely practical. The infotainment system is responsive and well-organized, a area where Hyundai has improved significantly in recent years. The Santa Fe competes in a brutal segment against the Highlander, Pilot, and its corporate cousin the Kia Telluride. It wins on design distinctiveness and hybrid efficiency. It loses to the Highlander on fuel economy (36 vs 34 MPG hybrid), to the Pilot on third-row space, and to the Telluride on premium feel. But at its price, with that warranty, the Santa Fe makes a strong case.