There are just a handful of mainstream large SUVs that really wow me at first sight - SUVs like the new Toyota Sequoia, the Mazda CX-90, and this week's review vehicle, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid. I've been a fan of its Land Rover-esque boxy redesign since the next-generation model launched in 2024. It's been just shy of a year since I last reviewed the Santa Fe gas-only version. This time I bring you the hybrid variant of this roomy, tech-forward and family-friendly SUV.
If you want to feel like a rock star parent in the carpool lane this is one way to do it. Wow did Hyundai designers nail it with the Ecotronic Gray Matte ($1,000) paint job on this model paired with the Calligraphy's exclusive 20-inch black alloy wheels. It looks absolutely amazing and expensive - far more expensive than it is.
The front end makes a statement with a unique-to-the-Calligraphy hot stamped grille that's flanked by Hyundai's dazzling H-shaped LED headlights and daytime running lights.
The top-trim is also distinguished by glossy black lower bumpers with dark metallic molding, dark metallic C-Pillar Garnish and a hyper silver skid plate. Black anodized badging completes the look.
I won't beat around the bush. The Santa Fe hybrid's powertrain is focused on efficiency not performance. Its 1.6 turbo hybrid engine mated to a 6-speed automatic delivers 231 horsepower and 217 pound feet of torque - compared to the non-hybrid's 277-hp and 311 lb.-ft. All this to say, I could do with more acceleration, which is why I would go with the gas only model myself if I had to choose between the two. I'd also go with the optional all-wheel drive as this model does.
Unlike the XRT model I reviewed last year, the hybrid comes with a tire mobility kit instead of an actual spare.
A spacious, open-feel three-row interior greets you when you open the driver's door. For 2026, Hyundai offers a new pecan brown leather option for this trim, but this model has a light gray interior.
The Calligraphy interior showcases the best the lineup has to offer. We're talking abundant soft-touch materials, wood trim, leather-trimmed seats, quality stitching, and a wonderful eco-suede headliner. Hyundai's done a great job with its use of quality switchgear and the cabin's overall user-friendly design right down to the assist grips for ease of entry.
Nappa leather-trimmed power front seats are on the larger side, and super comfortable. The 8-way power driver's seat even turns into a lounge chair when parked! It's called the Driver Relaxation Seat and what a treat! The perfect way to relax while I waited in the car for my mom during an appointment. The front seats are heated and ventilated. The two-tone heated steering wheel is where you find the gear shifter, which creates space on the center console.
Hyundai technology always impresses and includes a wonderful 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a blind spot monitor camera and a 12.3” touchscreen. The multimedia system itself is responsive and intuitive to use. It includes onboard Navigation & Traffic flow, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as features like Rear Seat Quiet Mode and Hyundai Pay. I did have a little trouble with voice command this go round. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system sounds great.
Climate controls are easy to operate via haptic touch and traditional knobs on the center stack - so no need to access the multimedia system in that regard.
A wide floating center console is home to not one, but two wireless charging pads. A terrific and thoughtful feature in a people hauler this size. As is the bi-directional console bin that opens up to two levels of storage.
Passengers are sure to feel at home in the 2nd-row captain's chairs though the armrests are on the slimmer side. Hyundai cleverly integrates USB-C ports into the seat backs.
The roomy third row can fit adults - though leg room is a bit limited. Third-row passengers enjoy cushiony headrests, their own rear A/C control, cupholders and USB-C ports, plus they get a great dual-pane sunroof view. The eco-suede headliner also stretches all the way to the back. Overall the third row is one of the overall best I've encountered.
Other standard Calligraphy features include interior ambient lighting, a 12-volt and 115-volt and USB-C ports in all three rows
The Santa Fe is above all else designed to be a family SUV - with plenty of room for cargo, especially with the 2nd-row down. The extra-wide opening it introduced in its 2024 redesign is also a wonderful feature. The cargo area also has an underfloor storage tray and a 2nd-row seat folding remote release.
The Santa Fe is a comfortable and smooth ride, and one my mom enjoyed along with myself. It's a fairly quiet ride, too, thanks to acoustic laminated windshield and front side glass.
It's also an easy-going SUV to drive and maneuver despite its size. Handling is ok for a large three-row SUV, even though it's not terribly exciting with steering on the looser side. Sport mode will be your friend for the most engaged response. Acceleration is ok, but can be a bit lackluster which isn't surprising considering the power specs for a 4,500 pound SUV.
I'm a big fan of Hyundai's driver assist technology. It's so intuitive and easy to enable. Standard features include Lane Following Assist 2, blind-spot collision-avoidance warning and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, Park Distance Warning – Forward / Reverse, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection, Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning, the Calligraphy adds Park Distance Warning – Side along with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) and advanced ultrasonic rear occupant alert.
The Calligraphy also benefits from Highway Driving Assist (HDA) 2 - the latest version of Hyundai's fantastic semi-autonomous driving system. Other goodies include Remote Smart Parking Assist, a Head Up Display and Surround View monitor.
Options include the Ecotronic Gray Matte paint ($1,000) and carpeted floor mats ($240). They bring the total MSRP to roughly $53,000.
If you are looking for a roomy 3-row family SUV that looks outstanding inside and out, has a ton of goodies, and gets great fuel economy, the Santa Fe hybrid is an excellent choice. If you are like me and like more "pep" in your powertrain, I'd recommend the more powerful gas-only model.
Manufacturer's website: Hyundai