The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is a three-row midsize SUV seating up to seven, powered by a
277-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. The headline change for 2026 is a new eight-speed automatic transmission in place of the previous dual-clutch. See current Santa Fe inventory at Jenkins Hyundai of Homosassa.
What changed on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The biggest change is under the hood. Gas-powered Santa Fe models move from an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to a conventional eight-speed torque-converter automatic.
That matters more day to day than it sounds. Dual-clutch transmissions are efficient, but they can hesitate or shift abruptly at parking-lot speeds. A torque-converter automatic creeps smoothly, pulls away from a stop without a pause, and generally feels calmer in stop-and-go traffic — which is most of what a family SUV actually does.
The engine itself carries over: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe Hybrid continues with its own powertrain and six-speed automatic.
Trim-level updates round out the year, including revised styling details on XRT and Calligraphy and expanded standard equipment on Limited.
How many people does the 2026 Santa Fe seat?
Up to seven, with a second-row bench and a third row that folds flat. Choosing available second-row captain's chairs drops capacity to six but opens a walk-through aisle to the back.
The Santa Fe's boxy roofline is the reason the third row works as well as it does. The upright rear glass and squared-off tailgate buy headroom where sloped-roof rivals lose it, and the wide-opening rear doors make loading a car seat far less of a contortion.
The third row is still best suited to kids or shorter adult trips. If you need adults back there regularly, look at the Hyundai Palisade instead.
How much cargo space does the Santa Fe have?
Enough to reconfigure around whatever the week throws at you. The second and third rows both fold flat, so the cargo floor scales from grocery-run to hauling-a-dresser without much effort.
The hands-free Smart Liftgate is the feature families notice most: stand behind the SUV with the key on you and the tailgate opens on its own, which is worth a great deal when both arms are full. Hidden underfloor storage keeps wet beach gear away from everything else.
Gas or hybrid: which 2026 Santa Fe fits your driving?
Choose the gas model if you tow or want the strongest acceleration; choose the hybrid if your miles are mostly commuting and fuel economy is the deciding factor. Both share the same cabin, cargo flexibility and safety technology.
You can shop both side by side: 2026 Santa Fe inventory and 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid inventory.
What technology comes on the 2026 Santa Fe?
A 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, along with a digital driver display and USB-C ports in both rows.
Higher trims add dual panoramic displays, navigation, a Bose premium audio system, a dual wireless charging pad and Hyundai Digital Key, which turns a compatible phone into your key. Connected services run through Bluelink, and over-the-air updates keep the system current between service visits.
What safety features are included?
Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance is standard across the lineup, with additional systems available as you move up the trims.
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Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Blind-Spot Collision Warning
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Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
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Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist
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Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
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Available Surround View Monitor and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
On US-19 and the two-lane roads around Citrus County, the blind-spot and cross-traffic systems earn their keep more than any spec sheet suggests.
Which Santa Fe trim is right for you?
SE
The value trim. Full SmartSense safety suite and the 12.3-inch touchscreen are already here.
SEL
The volume choice, adding heated front seats, H-Tex seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control.
XRT
Standard all-wheel drive, added ground clearance and rugged styling — the pick if boat ramps and unpaved trailheads are part of your weekend.
Limited
Leather seating, panoramic displays, ventilated front seats and expanded driver assistance.
Calligraphy
The flagship, with upscale materials and the full technology suite. Availability changes week to week, so the trims actually on the ground are listed in our new Hyundai inventory.
Why the Santa Fe suits life in Homosassa
The Nature Coast asks a family vehicle to do two jobs: handle the weekday routine and carry gear on the weekend. The Santa Fe is sized for both — three rows when you need them, a flat load floor when you don't, and a footprint small enough to park at the springs on a Saturday.
It fits the trips people here actually take: school runs and errands around Homosassa, a day at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, manatee season in Crystal River, boat-ramp mornings, and the drive down to the Gulf beaches or across the state for a long weekend.
Jenkins Hyundai of Homosassa serves drivers throughout Citrus County and the surrounding Nature Coast communities. Get directions if you would like to see one in person.
Things to weigh before you decide
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The third row is best for children or shorter trips. Adults riding back there regularly points you toward the Palisade.
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Towing capacity depends on drivetrain and equipment, so match the rating to what you actually pull.
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If your commute is long, the Santa Fe Hybrid will change your fuel budget more than any option package on the gas model.
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If you do not need three rows, the Hyundai Tucson covers similar ground in a smaller, less expensive package.
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Hyundai's America's Best Warranty coverage and complimentary maintenance program are worth counting in a long-term ownership comparison, not just the sticker.
How to see a 2026 Santa Fe in Homosassa
Start with our 2026 Santa Fe inventory to see which trims and colors are on the lot right now, along with current pricing. Anything currently attached to them shows up under New Vehicle Specials and Hyundai offers and incentives.
From there, value your trade online, get the paperwork started with our credit application, or book a Hyundai Flexible Test Drive. Our team at 937 S Suncoast Blvd can have a Santa Fe pulled up and waiting — call 352-364-8740 or send us a message. Already own a Hyundai? You can schedule service at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Gas-powered models replaced the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a conventional eight-speed automatic, which makes low-speed driving noticeably smoother. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine carries over at 277 horsepower, and the rest of the updates are trim-specific.
Does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe have third-row seating?
Yes. The Santa Fe seats up to seven with a second-row bench, or six with available second-row captain's chairs. Both the second and third rows fold flat for cargo.
How much can the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe tow?
Up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, which covers most small boats, utility trailers and lightweight campers. Ratings vary by drivetrain and equipment, so our team can confirm the number for the trim you are considering.
Is all-wheel drive available on the Santa Fe?
Yes. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims and HTRAC all-wheel drive is available across the lineup, coming standard on the XRT.
Where can I test drive a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe near Crystal River?
At Jenkins Hyundai of Homosassa, 937 S Suncoast Blvd in Homosassa, FL, about fifteen minutes south of Crystal River. Browse the Santa Fe inventory online first, then book a test drive for the trim you want to try.
