2026 vs 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe: Exploring the Differences

If you’re shopping for a three-row SUV in Columbia, SC, the 2026 vs 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe question comes down to a few small equipment changes. The 2027 Santa Fe is largely a carry-over, so your choice mostly depends on which trim and powertrain you want and what’s on the lot. We can help you compare Santa Fe models side by side at our dealership.

2026 vs 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe: Quick Verdict

The 2027 Santa Fe, in both gas and hybrid form, is a carry-over with a small set of equipment changes. The powertrains are unchanged. It’s a mild update rather than a redesign, and we have no confirmed exterior changes to report.

Here’s how the years sort out by buyer:

• Families needing third-row flexibility can go with either year, since seating is unchanged. Choose the one with the trim and layout you like.

• Hybrid commuters get the same hybrid system in both years, and the 2027 AWD hybrid gains 1 combined MPG. Digital Key 2 Premium is limited to Limited and Calligraphy on the 2027 hybrid.

• XRT buyers wanting off-road capability can pick either year. The 2027 XRT keeps Sand/Mud mode and AWD Lock.

Key Differences at a Glance

Figures vary by trim and configuration. Here is how the two model years line up.

What Carries Over From the 2026 Santa Fe

Nearly everything. The 2027 Santa Fe keeps the gas and hybrid powertrains, FWD or HTRAC AWD, and the same trim ladder. It also keeps the 110.8-inch wheelbase, 190.2-inch length, and 50/50 sinking and folding third row. Cargo space is listed at 14.6 cu ft behind the third row and 40.5 cu ft behind the second row. Ground clearance stays at 7.0 inches, or 8.3 inches on the XRT.

Confirmed Hyundai Santa Fe Changes for 2027

The confirmed Hyundai Santa Fe changes are modest and mostly about equipment.

Powertrains: Gas and Hybrid Differences

There are no powertrain changes. The gas Santa Fe keeps its Smartstream 2.5L turbo four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic. The hybrid keeps its 1.6L turbo four-cylinder, electric motor, and six-speed automatic. Neither year offers a plug-in hybrid.

The 2027 hybrid is rated at 36 combined MPG with FWD and 35 with AWD, up from 34 with AWD in 2026, for an estimated range of 637 miles with FWD and 620 miles with AWD. Gas models stay at 24 combined with FWD and 23 with AWD (21 on the XRT). Towing is unchanged: the gas model tows 3,500 lbs with trailer brakes, or 4,500 lbs on XRT, and the hybrid tows 2,000 lbs. Both tow 1,650 lbs without brakes.

Seating, Tech, Safety, and Capability Updates

A few things did change for 2027:

• The B-pillar grip handle, offered on the 2026 SEL Convenience gas model, is dropped.

• Fingerprint recognition is dropped on Limited and Calligraphy, gas and hybrid.

• Advanced Rear Occupant Alert on SEL and SEL Hybrid moves from a sensor-based system to door logic.

• Digital Key 2 Premium moves to XRT and above on gas, and to Limited and Calligraphy on hybrid.

• Calligraphy’s Eco-Suede headliner becomes microfiber.

Advanced Rear Occupant Alert is sensor and Bluelink integrated on XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Door logic on SEL and SEL Hybrid reminds you based on door use, so it’s still smart to check the back seats yourself.

The rest of the tech list carries over. Every trim has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, and Safe Exit Assist, plus Lane Following Assist 2. Highway Driving Assist I is on XRT and Limited, and Highway Driving Assist 2 is on Calligraphy. These are driver aids, so you still need to stay attentive.

Santa Fe Trims: What to Expect From Each Model Year

The Santa Fe trims are the same in both years. Gas comes in SE, SEL, XRT, Limited and Calligraphy. Hybrid comes in SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. The 2026 model year introduced the SE Hybrid, standard second-row captain’s chairs on Limited (bench optional), and third-row USB ports. The 2026 gas XRT gained Terrain Mode with mud, snow, and sand settings.

In both years, SE and SEL get a 12.3-inch Display Audio screen, with wireless charging on SEL. XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy add a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and dual wireless charging. Limited and Calligraphy also have a 12.3-inch digital cluster and Bose 12-speaker audio, and Calligraphy adds a head-up display. Seat materials step up by trim: YES Essentials cloth on SE, H-Tex on SEL and XRT, leather on Limited, and Nappa leather on Calligraphy.

Ready to see them in person? Contact our team to schedule a test drive.

Should You Buy a 2026 or Wait for the 2027 Santa Fe?

Both model years are available now, and the 2027 changes are small, so there’s no reason to wait. If you’re looking at an SEL, the 2026 gives you more: it includes Digital Key 2 Premium and the sensor-based Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, which the 2027 SEL drops. The 2026 is also your option for fingerprint recognition on a Limited or Calligraphy. If you want the AWD hybrid, the 2027’s extra combined MPG gives it a slight edge. Either way, any 2026 incentives are worth asking about, and driving both years back to back is the easiest way to decide.

Compare Santa Fe Models at Stivers Hyundai

With the same powertrains, seating, and space in both years, the right Santa Fe comes down to the trim, the features you’ll use, and the price on the window sticker. At Stivers Hyundai in Columbia, SC, we have 2026 and 2027 Santa Fe models in gas and hybrid, so you can compare trims side by side and test-drive both years in one visit. When you’ve found your fit, our team can walk you through financing options.

View our new vehicles or contact us to set up a test drive, or stop by 9950 Farrow Rd, Columbia, SC 29203. Our sales team is at 803-788-6800 and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also browse our certified pre-owned and used vehicles.

FAQs

Is the 2027 Santa Fe a redesign? No. Hyundai lists the gas and hybrid models as carry-overs with a small set of equipment changes.

Did the engines or transmissions change? No. The gas and hybrid powertrains and transmissions are unchanged.

How many people does it seat? Seating is unchanged. SE, SEL, and XRT seat 7, Limited seats 6 or 7, and Calligraphy seats 6.

Is AWD available on the hybrid? Yes. Both gas and hybrid offer FWD or HTRAC AWD.

What tech change matters most by trim? Digital Key 2 Premium. It moves to XRT and above on gas and to Limited and Calligraphy on hybrid for 2027.

Images by Hyundai.