2027 Hyundai Santa FeMotorTrendUseful interior layoutSmart, spacious packagingGood valueBoring to driveAnnoying touch-sensitive controlsCould get refreshed soonDrivers looking for a three-row Hyundai shouldn't default to the Palisade, even though that's a great SUV. The Santa Fe could be a worthy alternative. Although the Santa Fe is smaller than the Palisade, it's still versatile, spacious, and capable.This generation of Satna Fe arrived for 2024. It has seats for up to seven occupants and is also available with a hybrid powertrain, which is our preference. Rivals include the Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-70, and Honda Passport.AdvertisementAdvertisementImage shown is last year model. This page will be updated with photos as information becomes availableWhat's NewHyundai applies a few trivial feature changes to the Santa Fe for 2027, such as the removal of the B-pillar grip handle from the SEL Convenience trim. Fingerprint recognition technology is no longer available. The rear-seat occupant detection system changes from sensor-based to door-logic-based. Phone-as-key functionality is now standard on the XRT trim and above.What We ThinkSuch boxy styling might not be to everyone's taste, but the Santa Fe makes the most of that shape. Its cabin feels airy and upscale with useful space in all three rows of seats. Storage space abounds; Hyundai seems to have put a cubby or cupholder everywhere it could.With standard turbocharged power, the Santa Fe has no trouble keeping things moving. The torque-converter automatic transmission added for 2026 cured the old dual-clutch gearbox's clumsy behavior.AdvertisementAdvertisementStill, driving enjoyment is nearly nonexistent. Steering is light and numb, the brake pedal is soft, and throttle response is relaxed. At least the ride quality is mostly comfortable.Maybe Hyundai never meant to make the Santa Fe's behind-the-wheel experience a selling point. Rather, the SUV stands out as a practical, well-equipped three-row with a premium feel and strong value. For getting people and their things around, the Santa Fe excels, although the hybrid powertrain is the way to go.Top-Ranked Competitors:Subaru OutbackHonda PassportMazda CX-70Toyota bZ WoodlandMotorTrend TestedThe Santa Fe's standard engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4 that produces 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. From 2026 on, that engine has been paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission rather than the clumsy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic it originally used.AdvertisementAdvertisementStandard FWD can be replaced by AWD; the XRT trim has standard AWD. In MotorTrend testing, a Santa Fe XRT accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.MPGs and RangeWith FWD, fuel economy for the Santa Fe is rated at 20/29 mpg city/highway. With AWD, it gets 20/28 mpg, except for the XRT model, which gets 19/25 mpg.Driving range on a full tank of gas is approximately 420 miles with FWD, 400 miles with AWD, and 370 miles for the XRT.Safety Ratings and FeaturesIn its most recent safety testing for 2026, the Santa Fe earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status and a five-star overall score from NHTSA, each the best possible result.Standard FeaturesEvery 2027 Santa Fe comes equipped with front and rear automatic emergency braking, side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.Available FeaturesOn the XRT trim and above, the Santa Fe gains enhanced adaptive cruise control. The Limited and Calligraphy trims have turn signal-activated blind-spot-view cameras.Santa Fe vs. Palisade: How Much Smaller?The Palisade is Hyundai's biggest SUV, but the Santa Fe isn't much smaller. Although the Palisade ultimately provides more interior capacity, the Santa Fe is close—or exceeds it slightly—in most measures.Towing CapacityThe Santa Fe is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, although the XRT model tops out at 4,500 pounds thanks to improved engine cooling hardware.TechnologyInfotainmentAll Santa Fe models have a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Most trims have a 4.2-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster display. The first and second rows have USB charge ports.Sound SystemAbove the base audio system, the Limited and Calligraphy models get a 12-speaker Bose premium setup.Available UpgradesAbove the base trim, USB ports are added for the third-row seats, along with a wireless charging pad in the front row; the XRT and up have dual wireless chargers. Built-in navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot are added on the XRT and up. The Limited and Calligraphy trims get a 360-degree camera. A head-up display is exclusive to the Calligraphy.ValueStandard FeaturesIn base SE FWD trim, the Santa Fe starts at just below $37,000. Standard exterior features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, heated side mirrors, and a power-operated tailgate.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, it has cloth seat upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and USB ports in the front two rows. Keyless entry with push-button start adds convenience.Recommended TrimThe Santa Fe Limited gets kitted out with added niceties for about $47,000. Upgrades include 20-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, Bose audio, a 12.3-inch driver's display, dual wireless charging pads, and integrated rear sunshades.Updated Santa Fe Coming Soon?Although the Santa Fe is mostly unchanged for 2027, big updates might arrive for 2028. MotorTrend editors have spotted prototypes driving around, with camouflaged bumpers hiding exterior design changes. One prototype was even plugged into a DC fast charger, indicating a new PHEV powertrain could be in the works. Watch for news on a refreshed Hyundai Santa Fe in the coming months.