2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Calligraphy Review

The CUV/SUV market is full of great vehicles offered by every manufacturer in Canada and the United States. The CUV is the most popular form of transportation in Canada, that’s why every car maker makes sure to have a variety of offerings. The Hyundai Santa Fe is one such option, first introduced in 2001, with the current fifth generation going on sale in 2023.

Overview of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Calligraphy

The 5th generation of the Santa Fe is quite a departure from the average CUVs you see at the malls. The bold, boxy shape just looks different from everything else in the parking lot. Sharp lines and a wide stance give it a ready-for-anything vibe. The Calligraphy trim adds shiny chrome accents, big 20-inch wheels, and a grille you’ll spot from a block away.

Step inside and you’ll feel the difference. Soft Nappa leather seats wrap around you, and the materials feel solid.

This isn’t just about looks. Hyundai packed this SUV with smart technology that actually makes your life easier. It fits up to seven people depending on your seat configuration, so there’s room for friends, family, and all their gear.

The cargo area is practical. I’ve tossed groceries, gym bags, and camping equipment back there without breaking a sweat.

The hybrid engine is where things get interesting. It combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (making 178 horsepower on its own) with a 44.2 kW electric motor. Together, they deliver 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic. You get better fuel mileage without losing fun or strength behind the wheel.

The Santa Fe HEV Calligraphy is where style meets everyday practicality, bringing together luxury details and solid performance.

Canadian Pricing and Trims

In Canada, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered as a gasoline-only and a hybrid model. The Santa Fe Hybrid is the one we reviewed, so the prices here are for that model only. The hybrid is offered in three trims, Preferred, Luxury Hybrid, and Ultimate Calligraphy. The Santa Fe Preferred has a starting price of $43,799 (this trim can also be equipped with the “Trend Package” for $4,000), the Luxury Hybrid starts at $53,549, and the Santa Fe Ultimate Calligraphy Hybrid has a starting price of $56,899.

The above prices do not include $2,100 for Delivery & Destination, Dealer Admin Fee of $799, and $126 for AC and Tire levy.

Our review car was the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Calligraphy Hybrid AWD, with a before tax price of $60,499.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV sits a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an electric motor. This setup pushes out a combined 231 horsepowerat 5,600 rpm and 271 pound-feet of torque between 1,000 – 5,100 rpm. All trims of the Santa Fe hybrid come with AWD in Canada, in the United States, AWD is optional.

It’s quick off the line but not wild like some sports cars. Edmunds tested it and recorded a zero-to-sixty run in 8.3 seconds. That trails behind the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which does it in 8.4 seconds, but it feels adequate for daily driving.

The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. It keeps things calm even during rush hour sprints or stop-and-go traffic jams.

Sound insulation blocks most road noise. I can actually hear my music over the engine hum on longer drives, which is something I appreciate.

Whether I’m stuck in city traffic or cruising country roads, ride quality stays comfortable. The handling is sharp for such a big vehicle, and steering response feels tight. It doesn’t wallow around corners despite being such a large vehicle.

Related: Hyundai Palisade Review

Fuel Economy and Real-World Consumption

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV shines when it comes to fuel economy numbers. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates it at 6.9 L/100 km in city, 7.0 L/100 km on highway, and 6.9 L/100 km combined. During my weeklong review, the onboard computer showed an average consumption of 7.1 liters/100 kilometers, with about 60/40 city/highway driving.

These are pretty impressive fuel consumption numbers for a mid-size SUV. The consumption should increase if you’re hauling or towing stuff.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Like the exterior, the Santa Fe’s interior also features a lot of boxy designs, making it look like a tough off-roader. The layout is simple and pretty easy to understand right away. There is a seperate section for the climate control, making life much easier as you don’t have to go through the main touchscreen to get to the important stuff.

On the Calligraphy trim, the seats are covered with soft Nappa leather. The first-row legroom gives a limo vibe at 44.4 inches. Even second-row passengers get a generous 41.5 inches to stretch out. The third row is tight for grown men, I won’t lie. But kids or teens can pile in without complaints, thanks to cupholders, vents, and USB ports back there. There’s even an actual household outlet for gadgets that need juice fast.

Storage makes life easier. Hyundai tucked clever spots everywhere.

Dual glove compartments up front swallow all my mess. The center console lets folks in the back sneak snacks from their secret stash.

With all three rows upright, cargo capacity sits at 14.6 cubic feet. That’s good enough for groceries after work or gym bags tossed in last minute. Once you drop those rear seats down using remote releases near the liftgate, space jumps to a monster 40.5 cubic feet behind row two. Or it nearly opens up like a truck bed with 79.6 cubic feet behind row one.

That’s a lifesaver when I haul fishing gear on weekends or make impulsive hardware store runs that always seem bigger than planned. An underfloor tray hides random stuff so nothing rolls around while cornering hard through city streets or winding roads to the lake house.

Related: Hyundai Tucson XRT Review

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 12.3-inch touchscreen sits front and center in every Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Calligraphy. It pairs with a digital driver display, also measuring 12.3 inches, that gives all the car’s key info without distraction.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come ready to roll on every model. No messy cords needed. Four USB ports keep everyone’s devices charged from start to finish.

Higher trims bring dual wireless phone chargers for added convenience. The pads deliver 15 watts of juice, so phones charge faster than in most other vehicles. You just have to watch out for your phone getting hot on a sunny day because the pads lie flat.

The base model has six speakers, but stepping up brings twelve Bose speakers that fill the cabin with rich sound. It feels like I’m at a concert instead of stuck in traffic.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Calligraphy packs a punch with car safety gear. This ride scored Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2025 models built after November 2024, according to the IIHS official site.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it four stars overall. It earned four out of five for crash protection up front and during rollovers.

Automatic emergency braking comes standard, which eases my mind if someone stops short ahead. Lane-keeping assist tugs me back if I drift too close to paint lines after a long day or late night drive.

Adaptive cruise control makes highway trips feel less like work. Front and rear parking sensors save my bumpers during tight city moves.

Automatic headlights flick on when things get dim. Automatic high beams handle darkness so I’m not stuck fiddling around mid-drive.

For guys who want reassurance from their SUV, these features pull their weight every single mile without fussing about fancy words or empty promises.

Pros and Cons

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Calligraphy stands out for its looks and value, but it’s not perfect.

Good features meet a few letdowns. Here’s my take for guys checking out this hybrid SUV.

1. The interior design feels premium with lots of soft materials and sharp details.
2. Tech fans will love the standard head-up display, wide twin screens, dual wireless chargers, and other high-end features that don’t cost extra on the Calligraphy trim.
3. Real-world fuel economy impresses.
4. The ride stays smooth even on rough roads due to a well-tuned suspension.
5. Blocky rear styling works great. It gives a larger cargo opening. Loading up gear or groceries becomes quick business without squeezing stuff in.
6. Despite all the flash, acceleration feels slow, especially with a full cabin.
7. Road noise enters the cabin at higher speeds. My buddies have noticed it too compared to quieter rides found in some competitors.
8. Third-row seats lack space for adults. Kids fit fine, but taller friends won’t want that spot for very long drives.
9. Safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking check big boxes. Solid scores from the IIHS give peace of mind.

Wrapping Up

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV Calligraphy pulls ahead with strong fuel economy, sharp styling, and plenty of cargo capacity.

Luxury touches set it apart from the base model. With driver-assist features that grab top marks from IIHS and a quiet ride, this hybrid SUV keeps both comfort and tech in check. Families will find a lot to like here. This one just makes sense for anyone wanting style without losing practicality.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Calligraphy HEV Review Photo Gallery

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