Each year, The Drive's editorial team evaluates dozens of vehicles across categories to identify the best of the best. For 2026, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid earned the publication's Best Hybrid award.

This isn't a spec-sheet competition. The Drive's editors assess real-world driving experience, value, design and how well a vehicle fits into everyday life. The Santa Fe Hybrid stood out against strong competition from established rivals — a significant endorsement of Hyundai's hybrid engineering.

For shoppers at Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale, this kind of independent, third-party recognition is worth paying attention to. It's not marketing — it's automotive journalists doing what they do best and putting the Santa Fe Hybrid at the top.

Key Features That Set the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid Apart

The current-generation Santa Fe Hybrid is a major step forward for Hyundai in design, technology and overall capability. Here's what stands out.

Powertrain

The 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The combined system produces approximately 231 horsepower, delivering confident acceleration for highway on-ramps and daily driving around the North Scottsdale area.

Interior and Space

The Santa Fe has always been one of the roomier choices in the midsize SUV segment. The 2026 Hybrid offers generous rear legroom and a cargo area that measures approximately 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded . Inside, you'll find a clean, modern dashboard layout with dual screens, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. You can see how it compares to its sibling in this review: Santa Fe vs. Tucson.

Exterior and Design

This generation of Santa Fe introduced a bold, boxy silhouette that stands apart from the competition. Inspired by outdoor adventure, the design features clean lines, a wider stance and a look that's both rugged and refined. It turns heads whether you're parked at Kierland Commons or pulling into a trailhead near the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Safety

Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite comes standard, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. Highway Driving Assist is also included on most trims.

Fuel Economy and Hybrid Performance

Fuel economy is one of the biggest draws of any hybrid — and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid delivers strong numbers for its size.

EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are approximately:

• Front-wheel drive: 37 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 37 mpg combined
• All-wheel drive: 35 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 34 mpg combined

How does it stack up against the competition?

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 41 mpg city / 38 mpg highway / 39 mpg combined
• Honda CR-V Hybrid: 43 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined
• Kia Sportage Hybrid: 44 mpg city / 41 mpg highway / 42 mpg combined

Some competitors may edge the Santa Fe Hybrid slightly in raw MPG, but the Santa Fe is a larger vehicle with more interior and cargo space. You're getting more room without giving up much at the pump.

For North Scottsdale commuters, the Santa Fe Hybrid's fuel efficiency could save you about $700 a year compared to a conventional gas-powered midsize SUV (24 mpg combined). Whether you're commuting to downtown Phoenix on the 101 or heading up to Sedona for the weekend, fewer fuel stops are welcome. In fact, the Santa Fe Hybrid can go up to 637 miles between fill-ups.

2026 Santa Fe Hybrid Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is available in several trims, each offering excellent features at a competitive price.

• Hybrid SE: Starting MSRP $36,400. Standard features include the 12.3-inch dual-screen setup, Yes Essentials stain-resistant cloth seats, reclining second-row seats, hands-free liftgate and the full SmartSense safety suite.


• Hybrid SEL: Starting MSRP $38,650. This package adds more standards, including H-Tex upholstery, Digital Key 2 Premium, a wireless charger, forward attention warning, and more.


• Hybrid Limited: Starting MSRP $45,700. This trim level adds leather seating, ventilated front seats, 2nd-row captain’s chairs, and a blind-spot monitor.


• Hybrid Calligraphy: Starting MSRP $48,700. The flagship trim includes a premium Bose sound system, head-up display, Nappa leather seats, a driver memory system and Highway Driving Assist 2.

Arizona shoppers, take note: Ventilated front seats — available on the Limited and above — are a must-have during Arizona's intense summers. Plus, every trim comes backed by Hyundai's comprehensive warranty, including a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Test-Drive the Award-Winning Santa Fe Hybrid at Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale

The experts have spoken — and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is the best hybrid you can buy. Now it's your turn to see why.

Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale makes it easy with a No Bull approach to car buying — straightforward pricing, a knowledgeable team and a pressure-free experience. Stop by and experience the award-winning Santa Fe Hybrid for yourself.

Schedule a test drive of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid at Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale today. You can also browse current Santa Fe Hybrid inventory online to find the trim and color that fits your lifestyle.

When a vehicle wins The Drive's Best Hybrid award, it deserves a closer look. When it's available right here in North Scottsdale at Earnhardt Hyundai — it's worth a visit.