The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe was a bold design change from its previous generation. The obvious change was Hyundai’s choice of a stronger box shape to it. The color selections are also a much appreciated bold range. During my week with the Santa Fe, I was showing off the Ecotronic Gray Matte color. My personal selection would need to be either Earthy Brass Matte or Terracotta Orange to match the unique lines. With this being the Calligraphy, I had 20-inch wheels that are exclusive to the trim. I loved the amount of Hs that were integrated into the design on the exterior and on the interior.

Getting into the Santa Fe, the gray interior will give a light airy feel. The seats were extremely comfortable with heating, venting, and driver relaxation option which slightly tilts the bottom to a relaxing position. The tech and user interface for modern Hyundai lineup has always been powerful, yet extremely easy to use. Should you choose to stay with your more familiar Apple or Android options, the wireless offerings will be please to enjoy the Bose Premium audio system.

Under the hood, the 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged hybrid engine is delivering 231 horsepower and 271lb.-ft. of torque. The power is handled by a 6-speed automatic and offered in HTRAC AWD or FWD options. Although it is a small engine, the MPG are large at 35 city, 34 highway, and 34 combined. You can also get the gas only option which will be $1,100 cheaper but that will quickly be offset roughly 36,000 miles of owning the more expensive hybrid. What is a shame is Hyundai doesn’t offer the hybrid drivetrain in the more adventurous XRT Pro.

Overall, I was impressed with what the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy had to offer. I’m hoping that Hyundai decides to offer the hybrid drivetrain in the XRT Pro, and I would highly consider this my next SUV purchase.