The Affordable Three Row SUV: See How Much You Can Get in a Hyundai SANTA FE
The Affordable Three Row SUV: See How Much You Can Get in a Hyundai SANTA FE
The average price of a new vehicle in the U.S. is now over $50,000, and three-row SUVs can get expensive quickly, but the 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE keeps a long list of equipment within reach of the $45,000 mark. Every trim comes with three rows of seating, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a suite of driver-assistance technology. Even the adventure-ready XRT trim starts below $45,000.
Here's what each trim under that ceiling gets you.
Standard on Every SANTA FE, at a Glance
CategoryStandard equipment on every 2027 SANTA FE | |
|---|---|
Seating & practicality | Three rows with seating for seven (SE through XRT); 50/50 folding third row; power-release second row; hands-free power liftgate[1]; underfloor cargo tray |
Technology | 12.3-inch touchscreen; wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™[2]; Bluelink connected services; over-the-air update capability; front fast-charging USB ports and rear USB ports |
Safety | Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction-Turning Detection[3], Blind-Spot Collision Warning[4], Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist[5], Safe Exit Assist[6], Lane Keeping Assist[7], Lane Following Assist[8], Driver Attention Warning[9], Rear Occupant Alert[10], and Forward and Reverse Parking Distance Warning[11] |
Capability | 277-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine; eight-speed automatic; 3,500-pound towing capacity with trailer brakes[12]; Trailer Sway Control; factory trailer pre-wiring |
Category
Seating & practicality
Standard equipment on every 2027 SANTA FE
Three rows with seating for seven (SE through XRT); 50/50 folding third row; power-release second row; hands-free power liftgate[1]; underfloor cargo tray
Category
Technology
Standard equipment on every 2027 SANTA FE
12.3-inch touchscreen; wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™[2]; Bluelink connected services; over-the-air update capability; front fast-charging USB ports and rear USB ports
Category
Safety
Standard equipment on every 2027 SANTA FE
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction-Turning Detection[3], Blind-Spot Collision Warning[4], Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist[5], Safe Exit Assist[6], Lane Keeping Assist[7], Lane Following Assist[8], Driver Attention Warning[9], Rear Occupant Alert[10], and Forward and Reverse Parking Distance Warning[11]
Category
Capability
Standard equipment on every 2027 SANTA FE
277-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine; eight-speed automatic; 3,500-pound towing capacity with trailer brakes[12]; Trailer Sway Control; factory trailer pre-wiring
Three Rows Come Standard from the Base Trim
Every SANTA FE model from the SE trim with a $35,300 MSRP[13] through the XRT trim seats seven, with a power-release quick-folding second row bench seat and a 50/50 split-folding third row. On the SANTA FE, the third row is already built into the entry price rather than sold as an upgrade, like the Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Behind the third row, there's 14.6 cubic feet for the everyday grocery run, opening up to 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet with both rows folded, plus an underfloor storage tray beneath the cargo floor. Every trim also gets a hands-free power liftgate that opens automatically when you stand behind it with the key in your pocket.
Safety That Earned the Top Award
With the SANTA FE, that lower price point doesn’t mean trading off safety either. The 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE earned a 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award[14] from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the organization's highest honor, and a 5-star overall safety rating[15] from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
A long list of driver-assistance equipment is standard on the $35,300 SE trim:
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning: alerts the driver if it detects an imminent side collision risk
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: lets the driver know if the sensors detect a vehicle approaching from the left or right when the driver's going in reverse. It can apply the brakes automatically if needed
- Park Distance Warning: uses ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers that help detect nearby objects
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: warns the driver if the system detects a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist in the driver's path. The system can apply the brakes automatically if the driver doesn't begin stopping in time
- Safe Exit Assist: warns the driver when the vehicle is parked, and its radar detects a vehicle approaching from behind. If necessary, it can activate the Child Safety Lock until it's safe for the child to open the door
- Rear Occupant Alert: uses a visual warning in the instrument cluster to remind drivers to check the rear seats before exiting
- Lane Keeping Assist: warns the driver through audio and visual cues if it detects the vehicle drifting out of its lane without signaling. It can also apply corrective steering assistance to keep the vehicle in its lane
- Driver Attention Warning: monitors driving patterns to detect drowsy or inattentive driving. If detected, it alerts the driver with a sound cue and a warning message in the instrument cluster
- Lane Following Assist: uses the front-view camera to detect lane markers on the road and assists the driver's steering to help keep the vehicle centered inside the lane
The Trim Walk: Three Ways to Stay Under $45k
SANTA FE SE: From $35,300
The SE trim runs a 277-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, is rated to tow 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes, and comes with Trailer Sway Control and trailer pre-wiring included from the factory, on top of the safety suite and third row.
Inside, the SE trim has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluelink connected services with over-the-air update capability, remote engine start, proximity key with push-button start, stain-resistant cloth seats, a 60/40 split fold-flat second-row with a recline function, rear-seat quiet mode, front fast-charging USB ports, and rear USB charge ports.
It also gets 18-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights with LED accents, LED daytime running lights and taillights, heated side mirrors, and that hands-free power liftgate.
HTRAC[16] All Wheel Drive with a dedicated Snow mode is a $1,800 option.
SANTA FE SEL: From $37,840
For $2,540 more than the SE trim, the SEL trim adds H-Tex® leatherette seating, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual automatic climate control, dedicated third-row vents, and third-row USB ports.
A wireless phone charger, raised roof rails ready for cross bars and cargo boxes, side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, and Forward Attention Warning that monitors driver attentiveness using a front-facing camera round out the trim.
With HTRAC All Wheel Drive, the SEL trim lands at $39,640.
SANTA FE XRT: From $42,290
The XRT trim is the adventure-oriented trim, and it comes with HTRAC All Wheel Drive as standard and unlocks Snow, Mud, and Sand terrain modes[17]. Ground clearance rises by 1.3 inches to 8.3 inches, while Continental all-terrain tires wrap the 18-inch black alloy wheels to provide added grip when the pavement ends. Towing capacity climbs to 4,500 pounds with trailer brakes, which is 1,000 pounds more than the rest of the lineup.
The tech list grows too: its 12.3-inch display adds navigation, and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium[18] lets a compatible smartphone function as the vehicle key. It also gets additional comforts like a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, dual wireless phone charging, Highway Driving Assist[19], a sunroof, and a 115-volt power outlet for camp or tailgate gear.
Advanced Rear Occupant Alert[20] is also standard, which can notify the driver if someone is left in the back seat with the horn, flashing lights, and smartphone alerts.
At $42,290, it's the most capable SANTA FE you can buy while staying under the $45,000 threshold.
What About the SANTA FE Limited?
One trim sits right at the edge of the $45,000 ceiling: the leather-trimmed SANTA FE Limited trim. It opens at $44,850 with front-wheel drive, but if AWD is a must, you’ll tip over to $46,650.
The Limited trim includes a power driver's seat with lumbar adjustments, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, memory settings for the driver, second-row captain's chairs, heated second-row seats, a Bose® premium audio system[21] with 12 speakers, a Surround View Monitor[22], Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Side Park Distance Warning, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
The Case for the SANTA FE Hybrid
In addition to the SANTA FE gas trims outlined above, Hyundai also offers a hybrid version of this popular three-row SUV. To learn more about the SANTA FE Hybrid, visit our full guide: Is the Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid Worth It? The Fuel and Cost Case, Explained
What Does the Hyundai SANTA FE Warranty Cover?
Every SANTA FE is backed by Hyundai's warranty program, headlined by 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage:
CoverageTermWhat it covers | ||
|---|---|---|
Powertrain Limited Warranty | 10 years / 100,000 miles | Engine, transmission, and drivetrain components, including the turbocharger |
New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | Most other vehicle components, bumper to bumper |
Roadside Assistance | 5 years / unlimited miles | Towing, jump-starts, flat-tire changes, and lockout help |
Coverage
Powertrain Limited Warranty
Term
10 years / 100,000 miles
What it covers
Engine, transmission, and drivetrain components, including the turbocharger
Coverage
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Term
5 years / 60,000 miles
What it covers
Most other vehicle components, bumper to bumper
Coverage
Roadside Assistance
Term
5 years / unlimited miles
What it covers
Towing, jump-starts, flat-tire changes, and lockout help
In practice, the components that could potentially cost the most to repair—the engine, the transmission, and the drivetrain—are covered for a decade for the family that buys new and keeps the car. The warranty can span the child safety seat era all the way up to travel ball and carpooling.
Ready to learn more?
The Family Math Under $45k
As your family grows, getting a great value on your transportation becomes even more important. Feature-per-dollar is where the SANTA FE makes its case. At $35,300 MSRP, the SE trim FWD is a seven-seat SUV with its full safety suite, a turbocharged engine, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen already on board. At $39,640 MSRP, the SEL AWD trim adds comfort features. And at $42,290, the XRT trim adds the option for adventure with a stronger tow rating and terrain modes.
Frequently asked questions
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[1] The smart liftgate will open when the smart key is within 40 inches of the detection area for at least 3 seconds. Radio transmitters and other vehicle smart keys may interfere in normal operation of the feature. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations. Make sure you close the liftgate before driving.
[2] Apple CarPlay is compatible with certain Apple devices. For a full list of compatible devices, please visit apple.com/ios/carplay. CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Android Auto is compatible with Android phones running Android 6.0 or higher. Android Auto may not be available on all devices and is not available in all countries or regions. Additional apps may be required. Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC.
[3] Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction-Turning (FCA-JT) is intended to be a supplement to safe driving practices. The system is not designed to detect certain stationary objects such as trees or poles, and may not detect all vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists under certain conditions. The system's Junction-Turning function operates when the vehicle's left turn signal is activated, the vehicle is traveling between approximately 6-19 mph and the oncoming vehicle's speed is between approximately 19-44 mph. The system is a driver assistance system and is not a substitute for safe driving. The driver is responsible for being attentive and maintaining control of the vehicle, and should not wait for the system's alerts before braking as there may not be sufficient time to brake safely. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[4] Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) assists the driver by warning of other cars in the blind spot region. It senses the rear side territory of the vehicle when it is traveling over 25 mph. There are limitations to the function, range, detection and clarity of the system. It will not detect all vehicles or objects in the blind spot. Its operation depends on the size, distance, angle and relative speed difference between your car and other cars. BCW may not operate if sensors are obscured in any way. Do not rely exclusively on BCW. BCW is a supplemental system and the driver must still be attentive and exercise caution when driving. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[5] Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) can alert the driver of a potential collision by providing an audible warning and/or applying braking. RCCA is active when the vehicle is in reverse and operating at low speeds. Never rely exclusively on RCCA. RCCA cannot prevent all collisions and may not provide alerts or braking in all conditions. Always look over your shoulder and use your mirrors to confirm rear clearance. There are limitations to the function, detection, range and clarity of the system. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[6] When the vehicle is parked, Safe Exit Assist (SEA) can alert the driver when a vehicle is approaching from behind. When Child Locks are active, SEA prevents initial disabling of the child safety locks if a vehicle approaching from behind is detected. SEA does not work in all situations and is not a substitute for driver or passenger attentiveness. Always be aware of your surroundings and attentive of approaching vehicles. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[7] Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) will not work under all circumstances. It operates above 40 mph and only when it is able to detect painted lane markings. It cannot function if the lane markings cannot be seen clearly. If the lines cannot be seen clearly due to poor road conditions, weather, or lighting conditions, it may not function. It also may not function on very rough roads, when walls, curbs or concrete barriers are close by, or if following another car too closely. Since it “sees” the lane markings using a camera in the upper windshield area, it is imperative this area be clear and free of blockage such as stickers, dirt, snow, tinting material, markings and labels. LKA is not a substitute for safe driving practices, but is a supplemental assist only. The driver is responsible for always maintaining command and control of the vehicle and must keep hands on the wheel at all times. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[8] Lane Following Assist (LFA) helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road. LFA will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. LFA is a supplemental assist, and does not replace the need for extreme care and attention by the driver. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[9] Driver Attention Warning (DAW) is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect and provide an alert in every situation. It is the driver's responsibility to remain alert at all times. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[10] Upon turning the engine off, Rear Occupant Alert will provide a visual alert on the instrument cluster. Rear Occupant Alert is not a substitute for driver attentiveness. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[11] Do not rely exclusively on Parking Distance Warning. Parking Distance Warning is a supplemental system and the driver must still be attentive and exercise caution when parking. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[12] Towing capability varies by configuration. 4,500-lb. maximum towing capacity requires a trailer equipped with trailer brakes. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.
[13] MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost. Accessory items shown may vary according to model and illustration.
[14] To qualify for 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+, vehicles need good ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front and side tests as well as acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels. In addition, winners need standard front crash prevention systems that earn a good rating in the pedestrian test and an acceptable or good rating in the vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 test. If optional front crash prevention systems are offered, they must also meet those criteria. www.iihs.org
[15] Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.nhtsa.gov).
[16] HTRAC AWD available on SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims, and standard on XRT trim.
[17] XRT trim equipped with standard HTRAC AWD features Terrain Modes (Snow, Mud, and Sand). Terrain Modes are designed to help optimize vehicle settings for certain driving conditions. Always drive according to road and weather conditions.
[18] Digital smartphone key requires a compatible smartphone and an appropriately equipped Hyundai vehicle. Not all smartphones are compatible. Hyundai vehicle must be equipped with smart key with push button start, wireless device charging, and Audio Video Navigation System 5.0 (or newer) or Display Audio 2.0. Tap to lock/unlock function works on front doors only. Requires MyHyundai with Bluelink app and active Bluelink account. Please visit www.MyHyundai.com for information on compatible devices. Features and specifications subject to change. See your Owner's Manual for additional details and limitations.
[19] Highway Driving Assist (HDA), is for highway use only and can help keep the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. HDA will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[20] When the vehicle is parked and the engine has been turned off, the Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (AROA) can help to alert the driver if it detects movement from a child or pet. Upon exiting and locking the vehicle, AROA may provide visual, audible, and/or Bluelink alerts if the interior overhead sensor detects movement. AROA is not a substitute for driver attentiveness. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle. Bluelink notification requires a Bluelink-equipped vehicle with an active Bluelink account. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[21] Bose® is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation.
[22] Surround View Monitor (SVM) is a parking support system. SVM cannot completely eliminate blind spots, may not detect every object and does not warn of moving objects. Always check surroundings before moving vehicle. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[23] 2027 SANTA FE Hybrid SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy FWD: 37 City/36 Highway/36 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
[24] 2027 SANTA FE Hybrid SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy AWD: 35 City/34 Highway/35 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
