The 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE has received some big updates, tackling reliability issues while packing in more comfort features and tech. We'll break down everything new in this three-row family hauler, from major transmission changes to cool tech upgrades, so you know what makes this practical SUV even better this year for driving around Texas.
Design and Exterior Updates for 2026
Hyundai's unapologetically bold and boxy design ensures the SANTA FE doesn't get lost in a sea of curved, soft SUVs that all look the same. The new Hyundai design is even more angular, with sharper edges compared to the 2025 model's gentler curves and narrower headlights. Those H-shaped LED lights sit in a squared-off dark chrome grille that you'll recognize from miles away.
The upright tailgate opens wide to reveal plenty of cargo space, and all those straight lines create more interior room. You've got 11 exterior colors to choose from, including a vibrant Terracotta Orange and a sleek Hampton Gray.
Interior Enhancements and Comfort Features
You'll find some smart updates focused on family comfort inside the cabin. Limited models now come standard with second-row captain's chairs, though you can still get a bench if you need an extra seat. The top Calligraphy trim adds a new Pecan Brown nappa leather option. These small touches make the interior feel more luxurious than the price suggests.
Seating up to seven people, there's a generous amount of space across all three rows. Front passengers get 44.4 inches of legroom, rear passengers get 42.3 inches, and even the third row provides 30 inches. Loading gear is easier thanks to the wider tailgate and flatter-folding rear seats. Behind the third row, you get 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space, but you can fold everything down for 79.6 cubic feet of space.
Advanced Technology and Infotainment Upgrades
Tech takes center stage with dual 12.3-inch screens that cover more than half the dashboard. You'll appreciate that Hyundai kept the physical controls for climate and volume, which are easier to use than digging through touch menus while driving down I-35. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard. If you love music, you can upgrade to the available Bose system with 12 speakers that fill every corner of the cabin.
Charging options have improved dramatically from last year. The Limited and XRT trims now include dual wireless phone chargers as standard. Plus, every row gets USB-C ports with 110-watt capability, so everyone's devices stay powered on long road trips. Hyundai even added third-row USB ports on SEL and higher trims. Other useful features include a UV-C sanitizing compartment in the glovebox for cleaning phones and small items, and an optional head-up display that projects speed and navigation information right on the windshield. These tech features make the all-new Hyundai SANTA FE feel current and competitive with SUVs costing thousands more.
Powertrain and Performance Improvements
The biggest change for 2026 is that Hyundai swapped its problematic dual-clutch automatic for a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission. This addresses the reliability issues that affected over 12,000 2024 SANTA FEs, each one needing a complete transmission replacement. The new transmission should eliminate the jerky, unpredictable shifting that frustrated so many owners.
The 2026 SANTA FE keeps the same turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty of power for highway merging and passing. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and brakes from 70 to 0 mph in 167 feet. The regular gas model tows 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes, while the XRT bumps that to 4,500 pounds for bigger boats or campers. The XRT also adds terrain modes for mud, snow, or sand and standard all-wheel drive with 1.3 inches of extra ground clearance.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology
Every 2026 SANTA FE comes packed with safety tech. Depending on the model, you get adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts. These systems work together to prevent crashes and reduce driver fatigue on long trips. All this safety equipment helped earn the 2025 SANTA FE an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award with Good scores in most categories.
You can also add impressive optional features. Remote smart parking assist lets you move the SUV while standing outside. Super helpful in tight parking spots. Driver attention warning catches drowsy drivers before they drift off, while the 360-degree camera system provides higher-resolution feeds that make navigating tight spaces less stressful. Highway driving assist adds semi-autonomous lane changing for easier highway driving, taking some stress out of daily commutes and family road trips.
Hyundai backs everything with one of the industry's best warranty packages. The five-year/60,000-mile basic coverage beats most competitors and gives your family peace of mind for years. That long-term protection matters when you're planning to keep your SUV for a decade or more. As a bonus, the SANTA FE is assembled right here in the United States.
Experience the 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE at Huffines Hyundai Plano
The 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE changes fix previous issues while adding premium touches without the matching price tag. Starting at $34,800 for the SE trim, the SANTA FE hits that sweet spot between utility and comfort that busy families need, whether you're navigating Dallas traffic or heading to the lake.
If you're ready to see these improvements firsthand, visit Huffines Hyundai Plano. Our team can show you every new feature and help determine if the 2026 SANTA FE matches what your family needs.
