2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Review

The 2026 Santa Fe offers two distinct powertrain options, giving Phoenix drivers the choice between maximum fuel efficiency and robust towing power. Understanding these options helps you select the perfect setup for your Arizona lifestyle.

With the Santa Fe Hybrid, Hyundai engineers combine a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor to produce 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This fuel-efficient SUV delivers an impressive 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, making it ideal for Phoenix's stop-and-go traffic and long desert commutes. The hybrid system provides smooth, quiet operation that's particularly noticeable during city driving.

For those who prioritize towing capacity and maximum power, the gas-only turbocharged 2.5-liter engine generates 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. While fuel economy is slightly lower, this powertrain offers superior towing capability – essential for hauling boats to Lake Pleasant or camping trailers to Flagstaff.

Hyundai sweetens the Santa Fe price with the longest warranty available today. Shoppers drive away with a 5-year, 60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It’s all part of Hyundai’s Owner Assurance.

Phoenix residents who love exploring Arizona's outdoor treasures will appreciate the 2026 Santa Fe's adventure-ready capabilities. The available Santa Fe XRT trim transforms this family SUV into a trail-worthy companion with enhanced ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and rugged styling elements.

Standard Santa Fe models offer 7 inches of ground clearance and protective skid plates, sufficient for most gravel roads and mild off-road situations. Santa Fe XRT trims increase ground clearance to 8.3 inches, providing confidence when navigating rocky desert trails or accessing remote camping spots throughout Arizona.

The HTRAC all-wheel drive system actively distributes torque between wheels to maintain traction on sand, gravel, and uneven surfaces. Multiple drive modes allow you to optimize performance for different conditions, whether you're cruising on pavement or tackling the trails around McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Adventure-focused features include roof rails for carrying kayaks or camping gear, a hands-free power liftgate for easy loading when your hands are full, and durable interior materials that can handle sandy boots and muddy equipment. The 2026 Santa Fe in Scottsdale proves that a 3-row SUV can be both family-friendly and adventure-ready.

The 2026 Santa Fe in Scottsdale demonstrates impressive versatility when it comes to hauling cargo and recreational equipment around Arizona. Towing capacity varies between the hybrid and gas powertrains, allowing you to choose the right balance of efficiency and capability.

The Santa Fe Hybrid offers a 2,000-pound towing capacity, perfect for small trailers, jet skis, or lightweight camping setups. This makes it an excellent choice for families who occasionally need to tow but prioritize fuel economy for daily driving around Phoenix and Scottsdale.

The gas-powered Santa Fe provides significantly higher towing capacity, ranging from 3,500 to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped. This capability handles larger boats, travel trailers, and utility trailers with confidence. Standard features include trailer pre-wiring and electronic sway control for enhanced towing safety.

Both powertrains deliver smooth acceleration and confident highway performance. The hybrid's electric motor provides instant low-end torque that's particularly useful for towing, while the gas engine's higher peak output excels during sustained highway driving with heavy loads. Phoenix drivers will appreciate the responsive power delivery whether merging onto Loop 101 or climbing elevation changes throughout Arizona.

The 2026 Santa Fe comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive suite of safety technologies designed to enhance protection during Phoenix's unique driving challenges. From intense sun glare to sudden dust storms, these systems provide extra confidence in Arizona conditions.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning helps protect against accidents at Phoenix's busy intersections. Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection is particularly valuable in areas like Old Town Scottsdale where foot traffic is common. Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist proves essential when navigating wide Arizona highways with multiple lanes.

Highway Driving Assist combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance, reducing fatigue during long desert drives to destinations like Sedona or Tucson. The system maintains safe following distances and helps keep you centered in your lane, even during extended highway cruising.

Parking assistance features include Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist for backing out of busy parking lots, and available Surround View Monitor that provides a bird's-eye view of your surroundings. Safe Exit Warning alerts passengers when traffic approaches before opening doors – particularly useful in crowded shopping areas across the Valley.  The Hyundai 3-row SUV has earned a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2026 Santa Fe's design reflects both modern sophistication and practical Arizona functionality. The bold exterior styling features sharp lines and a distinctive grille that commands attention, while functional elements help combat the desert environment.

Solar windshield and front door glass help reduce cabin heat buildup during Phoenix's intense summer months, while acoustic glass minimizes road noise for a more serene driving experience. These features prove particularly valuable during Arizona's extreme temperatures when comfort becomes a priority.

Inside, the refined cabin showcases premium materials and thoughtful design elements that enhance both style and functionality. The available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system provides seamless connectivity and easy access to navigation, entertainment, and climate controls – essential for staying comfortable in desert conditions.

Practical comfort features include Rear Quiet Mode for keeping sleeping children comfortable during family trips, stain-resistant upholstery that handles Arizona's dusty conditions, and multiple USB charging ports to keep devices powered during long desert drives. An available UV sanitizer in the glove box adds an extra layer of cleanliness that Phoenix families appreciate.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe awaits your exploration at Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale. Whether you're interested in the fuel-efficient hybrid SUV for daily commuting or the adventure-ready XRT for weekend exploring, our team is ready to help you discover which Santa Fe trim level best fits your Phoenix lifestyle.

Visit our Scottsdale showroom to experience both powertrain options firsthand and learn about the advanced features that make the Santa Fe perfect for Arizona driving. From hybrid efficiency to off-road capability, the 2026 Santa Fe offers the versatility that Phoenix families demand. Schedule your test drive today and discover why this 3-row SUV is quickly becoming the preferred choice for discerning Arizona drivers.