2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT AWD
Table of Contents
New 8 Speed Automatic, Real World Performance, Space and Practicality
When Hyundai launched the Santa Fe in the US in 2001, it was the brand’s first SUV. Back then, Hyundai needed a turnaround product. The Santa Fe helped rebuild trust after a rough 1990s phase.
Fast forward 25 years. The Santa Fe is now Hyundai’s third best selling model in America, sitting behind the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Elantra.
The fifth generation arrived with a radical redesign for 2024. Boxy shape. Upright stance. Defender vibes. For 2026, the design stays the same. The big change sits under the hood and inside the transmission tunnel.
This is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT. The more rugged looking one.
The real question is simple. If you need a midsize three row SUV for your family, is this still competitive in 2026?
Let’s break it down properly.
What’s New for 2026
The headline update is the transmission.
Hyundai replaced the previous wet 8 speed dual clutch automatic with a traditional 8 speed torque converter automatic. That is a major shift.
Why it matters:
The old dual clutch had smoothness issues in low speed driving
Some early units experienced failures
Buyers in this segment prefer smooth and predictable behavior
This change alone improves everyday drivability. It should also improve long term reliability.
Hyundai also added:
New terrain drive modes for the XRT
Dual wireless charging pads instead of one
Slight pricing changes
A new base SE Hybrid trim
No exterior styling changes for 2026.
Engine and Performance
The XRT only comes with the standard turbo engine. No hybrid here.
2.5 Liter Turbocharged Four Cylinder
277 horsepower
311 lb ft of torque
Regular fuel
17.7 gallon fuel tank
This engine became standard with the fifth generation Santa Fe. Hyundai removed the older naturally aspirated base engine.
Compared to the turbo version of the Subaru Outback, the Santa Fe offers more power on paper.
0 to 60 MPH Testing
With the new 8 speed automatic:
Best run: 6.46 seconds
Average runs: 6.7 to 6.9 seconds
That is slightly quicker than the previous dual clutch version in real world testing. The torque converter allows better launches and smoother shifts.
For context, the hybrid does around 7.2 seconds.
Top speed is roughly 120 mph.
Towing
The XRT now tows up to 4500 pounds thanks to improved cooling.
Curb weight sits just under 4500 pounds.
Fuel Economy
Because of:
All terrain tires
1 inch suspension lift
Added weight
Fuel economy drops slightly.
EPA Ratings
19 city
25 highway
21 combined
Real world average during testing: 22 MPG.
If you want efficiency, the hybrid makes more sense. The hybrid Santa Fe can return around 34 MPG combined.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The fifth generation Santa Fe looks nothing like the previous model.
It has:
110.8 inch wheelbase
Just over 190 inches in length
Just under 75 inches wide
Nearly 70 inches tall
It sits between compact and traditional midsize SUVs.
The XRT adds:
18 inch gloss black wheels
245 60 R18 Continental all terrain tires
1 inch suspension lift
8.3 inches of ground clearance
Black exterior trim
XRT badging
Ground clearance matches something like the Honda Passport, though the Subaru Outback Wilderness offers more.
The front features full LED headlights with H shaped lighting signatures. The rear tail lights remain low mounted and controversial. Some people love them. Others do not.
Paint shown here is Rockwood Green. It looks deep metallic green in sunlight and more grayish in shade. Hyundai does not charge extra for it.
Cargo Space and Practicality
One reason the Santa Fe sells well is space.
Cargo Volume
14.6 cubic feet behind third row
40.8 cubic feet with third row folded
79.7 cubic feet with second and third rows folded
That is more space than many compact SUVs. It approaches larger midsize territory, though the Hyundai Palisade still offers more.
There is:
Deep underfloor storage
Spare tire
Hands free power liftgate
One touch second row folding from cargo area
For families, this layout works.
Interior Overview
The XRT interior is functional but not luxurious.
What You Get
Black Hex synthetic leather seats
8 way power driver seat
12.3 inch infotainment screen
Built in navigation
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Dual wireless charging pads
Three zone climate control
HTRAC all wheel drive with terrain modes
What You Do Not Get
360 degree camera
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated seats
Bose premium audio
Full digital 12.3 inch gauge cluster
You need the Limited or Calligraphy trims for those features.
Material quality feels solid. No major rattles during testing. Some minor panel alignment issues were visible but did not affect driving.
Second Row and Third Row Space
The XRT comes standard with a second row bench. Seating capacity is seven.
Second Row
Around 42 inches of legroom
USB C ports
Good headroom even with sunroof
Solid comfort for adults
This is one of the roomiest second rows in this class.
Third Row
Hyundai claims around 30 inches of legroom.
It is tight for tall adults but usable for average height passengers on shorter trips. Headroom remains decent because of the boxy shape.
For occasional use, it works. If you regularly carry adults in the third row, the Palisade remains the better choice.
Driving Impressions
The biggest improvement is smoothness.
The new 8 speed automatic:
Shifts smoother
Feels more natural in traffic
Launches harder when brake torqued
Makes daily driving easier
The steering is light and direct. Not sporty. But stable.
Ride quality is comfortable. The thicker tire sidewalls help absorb bumps. Road noise remains low despite the all terrain tires.
The XRT looks rugged but remains a unibody SUV with independent suspension. It handles dirt roads and snow confidently. It is not designed for hardcore off roading. No skid plates here.
Sales and Market Position
Hyundai sold over 142000 Santa Fe units last year in the US. Sales increased roughly 20 percent year over year.
That makes it one of Hyundai’s strongest nameplates.
The Santa Fe competes in a niche area. It offers three rows in a footprint smaller than many traditional midsize SUVs. That gives it a unique balance of space and maneuverability.
Pricing
2026 Pricing Overview
SE FWD starts just over 35000 dollars
New SE Hybrid starts around 36400 dollars
XRT starts around 42000 dollars
Tested example around 43600 dollars
The Limited with AWD pushes near 48000 dollars.
The XRT sits in an interesting position. It gives you standard AWD and rugged styling without reaching luxury pricing.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT fixes its biggest weakness.
The new 8 speed automatic transmission transforms the driving experience. It feels smoother, more natural, and even slightly quicker in real world testing.
You still get:
Strong turbo power
Spacious second row
Usable third row
Excellent cargo flexibility
Competitive pricing
Fuel economy is average. Interior features could be richer at this price. A 360 camera and heated steering wheel should have been standard on this trim.
Even so, the Santa Fe remains one of the most practical and well rounded three row SUVs in its size class.
If you want better efficiency, choose the hybrid.
If you want rugged looks and confident traction with real turbo power, the XRT makes a strong case in 2026.
Sources and reference
Official Specs & Features
Hyundai USA – 2026 Santa Fe Main Page
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-fe
Official 2026 Santa Fe overview including powertrain, MPG, available trims, and core features.Hyundai USA – 2026 Santa Fe XRT Trim Details
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-fe/xrt
Detailed 2026 Santa Fe XRT specs, including EPA fuel economy, engine info, pricing, and standard features.Hyundai USA – 2026 Santa Fe Comparison Specs
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-fe/compare-specs
Official 2026 Santa Fe specs overview showing dimensions, fuel capacity, and drivetrain info.
Fuel Economy Data
Edmunds – 2026 Santa Fe Specifications & MPG
https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/santa-fe/2026/st-402075576/features-specs/
Third-party source confirming EPA MPG estimates, engine size, and basic powertrain data.Kelley Blue Book – Santa Fe Fuel Economy Summary
https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/santa-fe/
Shows combined MPG figures for the 2026 Santa Fe, including AWD and XRT variants.
Sales & Market Data
Hyundai Motor America Sales Report (Nov 2025)
https://www.hyundainews.com/releases/4638
Official sales release showing Hyundai sales performance, which contributes to Santa Fe’s strong sales trend.Car and Driver – U.S. Auto Sales Winners & Losers Q4 2025
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/g69925257/auto-sales-q4-2025-winners-and-losers/
Industry source noting Santa Fe sales growth and comparing performance to competitors.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT FAQs
What is new in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT?
The biggest update for 2026 is the replacement of the previous 8 speed dual clutch transmission with a traditional 8 speed torque converter automatic. This change improves smoothness and should improve long term reliability. The XRT also gains a new terrain mode with Snow, Mud, and Sand settings, along with dual wireless phone chargers.
What engine does the Santa Fe XRT use?
The XRT comes only with a 2.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb ft of torque. Hyundai made this turbo engine standard for the fifth generation model, replacing the older non turbo base engine.
Is the 2026 Santa Fe XRT available as a hybrid?
No. The XRT trim is offered only with the 2.5 liter turbo gasoline engine. If you want a hybrid, you will need to choose another trim such as the SE Hybrid, SEL Hybrid, Limited Hybrid, or Calligraphy Hybrid.
How fast is the 2026 Santa Fe XRT from 0 to 60 mph?
In real world testing, the XRT with the new 8 speed automatic runs from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.4 to 6.9 seconds depending on launch conditions. That is similar to or slightly quicker than the previous dual clutch version.
What is the fuel economy of the Santa Fe XRT?
The EPA rating is approximately 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. In mixed real world driving, owners can expect around 22 mpg. The hybrid version of the Santa Fe can deliver around 34 mpg combined.
How much can the 2026 Santa Fe XRT tow?
The XRT can tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped. Hyundai improved cooling for the radiator and transmission to support this higher towing capacity.
How much cargo space does the Santa Fe offer?
The Santa Fe provides 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and nearly 80 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. This makes it more spacious than many compact SUVs and competitive within the midsize segment.
Is the third row usable for adults?
The third row offers around 30 inches of legroom. It works for average sized adults on shorter trips and for children on longer drives. If you regularly need more space, Hyundai offers the larger Palisade.
What makes the XRT trim different from other trims?
The XRT includes standard HTRAC all wheel drive, a 1 inch suspension lift, 18 inch gloss black wheels, 30 inch all terrain tires, black exterior accents, unique badging, and terrain drive modes. It focuses more on light off road capability and rugged styling.
How much does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT cost?
The Santa Fe XRT starts at around 42,000 dollars including destination. A well equipped model typically comes in around 43,000 to 44,000 dollars. The base front wheel drive SE starts just above 35,000 dollars, while higher trims like the Limited can approach 48,000 dollars with all wheel drive.
