2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 vs 2024: Key Differences
The Hyundai Santa Fe remains a top choice for families seeking a spacious three-row SUV with excellent value and reliability. Comparing the model years will help you understand what’s new and improved. While these three generations share the same solid foundation, there are meaningful differences in powertrain options, technology, and features. Let’s explore what sets each year apart.
Engine Options and Performance
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
This Santa Fe offered two distinct powertrain options:
2.5L Turbocharged Gasoline Engine:
Horsepower: 277
Torque: 311 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel economy: approximately 10.6 L/100 km city, 8.5 L/100 km highway
2.0L Turbocharged Hybrid Engine:
Combined horsepower: 226
Combined torque: 258 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel economy: approximately 6.9 L/100 km combined
All models came standard with all-wheel drive (HTRAC system).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
This model year maintained the same two powertrain options with refinements:
2.5L Turbocharged Gasoline Engine:
Horsepower: 277
Torque: 311 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel economy: approximately 10.6 L/100 km city, 8.5 L/100 km highway
2.0L Turbocharged Hybrid Engine:
Combined horsepower: 226
Combined torque: 258 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel economy: approximately 6.9 L/100 km combined
Key change: This model introduced Digital Key technology on most trims, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and remote features.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The model year brings a significant powertrain change:
2.0L Turbocharged Hybrid Engine (Only Option):
Combined horsepower: 226
Combined torque: 258 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel economy: approximately 6.7 L/100 km combined (improved)
Important Change: Hyundai has discontinued the 2.5L turbocharged gasoline engine for the new model year in the Canadian market. The hybrid powertrain is now the only option available, representing a major shift toward electrification.
Trim Level Options
2024 Santa Fe Trims
Essential
Preferred
Luxury
Ultimate Calligraphy
2025 Santa Fe Trims
XRT (new adventure-focused trim)
Luxury
Ultimate Calligraphy
2026 Santa Fe Trims
Preferred Hybrid
Luxury Hybrid
Ultimate Calligraphy Hybrid
The latest model year restructures the trim lineup to emphasize the hybrid powertrain across all options.
Technology and Infotainment
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
8-inch touchscreen standard on base models
10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Hyundai Bluelink connected services
Standard Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Basic driver information display
Standard Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
Standard Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
8-inch touchscreen standard on base models
10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Hyundai Bluelink with enhanced features
Digital Key technology (most trims except base)
Standard Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Standard Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
Standard Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
Available Surround View Monitor on Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy
Available Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
10.25-inch touchscreen standard across lineup
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
Enhanced Hyundai Bluelink with improved connectivity
Digital Key technology on select trims
Standard Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Standard Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
Standard Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
Improved user interface and navigation
More intuitive controls
The new model brings wireless smartphone connectivity as a major upgrade, eliminating the need for cables when connecting devices.
Interior Features and Comfort
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Spacious three-row seating for up to seven passengers
Standard heated front seats
Available ventilated front seats on higher trims
Available Captain’s chairs (six-passenger configuration)
Cloth seats on base models
Available leather upholstery on premium trims
Available 64-colour ambient lighting
Available BOSE premium audio with 12 speakers
Cargo space: 1,170 litres (41.3 cubic feet) behind third row
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Three-row seating for up to seven passengers
Standard heated front seats
Available ventilated front seats
Available Captain’s chairs option
Enhanced interior materials
Available leather and premium upholstery
Available 64-colour ambient lighting
Available BOSE premium audio with 12 speakers
Available heated rear seats
Available manual rear sunshades
Available driver’s seat integrated memory system
Cargo space: 1,170 litres (41.3 cubic feet) behind third row
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Three-row seating for up to seven passengers
Standard heated front seats
Available ventilated front seats
Available Captain’s chairs configuration
Premium interior materials on higher trims
Available leather seating options
Available ambient lighting
Available premium audio systems
Available heated rear seats
Improved soundproofing and cabin refinement
Cargo space: 1,170 litres (41.3 cubic feet) behind third row
Exterior Design and Styling
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Distinctive parametric grille design
LED headlights and taillights on most trims
Rugged, boxy exterior styling
Multiple wheel options from 18 to 20 inches
Available roof rails
Integrated turn signal mirrors
Standard all-terrain tires on select trims
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Refined parametric grille with trim-specific variations
Enhanced LED lighting elements
Updated exterior styling
New wheel designs and options
Improved paint quality
XRT trim with standard all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance
Gloss black grille finish on XRT model
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Carries over refined exterior styling
Updated grille design on new trims
Enhanced LED lighting systems
New wheel designs for updated trims
Improved paint options
Maintains modern, sophisticated appearance
Rugged stance continues across lineup
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
Standard Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
Standard Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
Standard Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
Available Blind Spot Monitor
Available Parking Distance Warning
Available Surround View Monitor
Multiple airbags (eight standard)
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with enhanced detection
Standard Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
Standard Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
Standard Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
Available Blind Spot Monitor
Available Parking Distance Warning
Available Surround View Monitor on Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy
Available Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert
Multiple airbags (eight standard)
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
All 2025 safety features carried over
Continued emphasis on collision avoidance
Enhanced camera systems
Standard safety package across all trims
Available advanced driver monitoring
Improved pedestrian detection systems
Dimensions and Cargo Space
All three model years maintain nearly identical dimensions:
Overall Dimensions:
Length: 4,770 mm (187.8 inches)
Width: 1,900 mm (74.8 inches)
Height: 1,700 mm (66.9 inches)
Wheelbase: 2,830 mm (111.4 inches)
Cargo Space:
Behind third row: 1,170 litres (41.3 cubic feet)
With third row folded: 2,383 litres (84.1 cubic feet)
With all seats folded: 2,383 litres (84.1 cubic feet)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
All models: 71 litres (approximately 18.8 gallons)
Towing Capacity
2024 Santa Fe
With 2.5L turbocharged engine: up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs)
With hybrid engine: up to 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)
2025 Santa Fe
With 2.5L turbocharged engine: up to 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) on XRT trim
With 2.5L turbocharged engine: up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) on other trims
With hybrid engine: up to 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)
2026 Santa Fe
With hybrid engine: up to 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
Choose the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe if:
You want a gasoline engine option for maximum power
You prefer a proven platform with established reliability
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are acceptable
You want the widest range of powertrain choices
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe if:
Digital Key technology appeals to you
You want the adventure-focused XRT trim with all-terrain capabilities
You prefer the balance of proven technology and new features
You want the option of either gasoline or hybrid powertrains
Enhanced towing capacity on the XRT model is important
Choose the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe if:
Wireless smartphone connectivity is a priority
You prefer hybrid powertrain efficiency
You want the latest model year with current features
Improved fuel economy is important to you
You want the most refined interior and exterior styling
Environmental consciousness guides your vehicle choice
Which Hyundai Santa Fe is for You?
The Hyundai Santa Fe continues to deliver excellent value and practicality across all three model years. The first model represents the classic Santa Fe experience with both gasoline and hybrid options. The next version brought meaningful improvements, including Digital Key technology and the adventure-focused XRT trim. The new model year marks a significant shift toward electrification, with the hybrid powertrain becoming the only option and wireless connectivity becoming standard.
The most notable change is the exclusive focus on hybrid power, making it the best choice if you prioritize fuel efficiency and modern technology. For those seeking traditional gasoline power, the older models remain excellent choices. The XRT trim offers unique adventure-focused features that appeal to those seeking off-road capability. Test drive multiple years to experience the technology and comfort improvements firsthand. Your ideal choice depends on your powertrain preference, desired features, and budget considerations.
*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*
