FWD? AWD? Hybrid? Gas-only? There are just so many options for the Santa Fe.
That said, it's interesting that Hyundai offers matte paints for many of its vehicles because they require slightly different care and feeding.
Can I just reuse some of my notes from our first encounter with the current Hyundai Santa Fe because, let’s be honest, they still hold up? Good, here’s what I wrote to myself after driving a Santa Fe Hybrid back in late 2022:
- Omg these seats
- They’re perfect
- Supportive
- Nicely bolstered
- As good as anything from Germany
Update for 2026: Still love those seats. Drive this thing across the U.S.? Sure, let’s go.
Back in 2022, though, I wasn’t a fan of the buttons for the shifter. Now, though, you get a column shifter similar to the one in the Ioniq 5. I’m happy with the upgrade.
I wrote some notes about the soft touch surfaces found throughout the vehicle, and they still hold water. The steering wheel reminds me of Roberto from Futurama. Sadly, though, I couldn’t find Fry and Bender.
Still comfortable and quiet. Easy to park. Easy to get in and out of.
Still a fan of the exterior looks, too. It’s tough and distinctive. Love the matte finish. It’s what you’d expect from Range Rover but, here, without the pain.
And without the price. The Santa Fe starts at $35k. Our loaded hybrid came in at $50,250. You can easily spend double that on a Range Rover, and our last one broke–more than once. I’ll take the Hyundai.
FWD? AWD? Hybrid? Gas-only? There are just so many options for the Santa Fe.
That said, it's interesting that Hyundai offers matte paints for many of its vehicles because they require slightly different care and feeding.
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