The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe in a Nutshell
If there’s one thing we can say about the Hyundai Santa Fe, it’s that each generation is a huge departure from its respective predecessor. Okay, the third and fourth generations looked closely related, but when it comes to redesigns, you can bet on Hyundai to make sure that each is very different from the others.
The fifth-generation Santa Fe went all boxy after two successive curvy models. Call it a Korean Land Rover, you can’t fault Hyundai for trying to make its bread-and-butter midsize crossover look different from the competition. Like it or loathe it, we say the company made the right call as everyone is doing a boxy crossover these days.
There are nine trims to choose from with two drivetrain choices and one powertrain option. The 2026 Santa Fe also gets a major hardware change, but more on that later. Prices range from $34,800 to $47,350.
Hyundai
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Lease Deals for November
The good news here is that all 2026 Santa Fe trims have a special lease promo this month, available through Hyundai’s official website. You can check out the full list by clicking on the manufacturer’s site, but we’re here to tell you a couple of highlights.
November lease specials start at $349 for 36 months for the SE FWD. Go for the SEL AWD, and that goes for $419 per month. The off-road-oriented XRT can be leased for $449 during the lease term, while the fully-equipped and plusher Calligraphy AWD is at $529 per month.
But regardless of trim, all have a due at signing price of $3,999. There is an excess mileage charge of $.20 per mile over 10,000 miles/year, and this offer is valid until December 1, 2025. We would like to point out that we’re focusing on the ICE-powered Santa Fe for this lease deal, not the hybrid variant, which has its own set of lease deals.
Hyundai
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights
So, what’s the major change for the 2026 Santa Fe? You won’t find it on the outside, for sure, but it should hugely improve its driveability. Hyundai has ditched the troublesome dual-clutch transmission and replaced it with an eight-speed automatic. That should give it a smoother driving experience and greater peace of mind for prospective buyers.
Save for the XRT, all Santa Fe trims can be specified with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It starts with the SE, followed by the SEL, with the XRT sitting right in the middle of the range. For those who want a little more luxury, as well as extra surprise and delight features, there’s the choice between Limited and Calligraphy.
All trims come with a 2.5-liter turbo engine that complements the 1.6-liter hybrid turbo. The pure ICE mill is good for 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Go for the hybrid, and that one makes 231 hp and 271 lb-ft.
Hyundai
Final Thoughts
Like or loathe the boxy shape, the Santa Fe’s design makes it a hugely practical proposition. The new transmission is a welcome update and should help attract more buyers who were previously apprehensive about the midsize crossover. But what’s good about it is that there is substance behind the polarizing design, making it a smart choice in its class.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.
About the author
Anton Andres
News Editor