The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is significantly bigger than the discontinued Santa Fe Sport, offering up to seven seats and substantially more cargo room.
Which Hyundai Santa Fe is bigger?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the larger model, offering up to seven seats and more cargo space than the Santa Fe Sport ever did.
Think of it this way: the Santa Fe’s third row isn’t just an afterthought. It’s genuinely useful for larger families, while the Santa Fe Sport never went beyond five seats. Even in Limited and Limited Ultimate trims—where the second row gets captain’s chairs and seating drops to six—the Santa Fe still feels roomier. Need maximum space? The Santa Fe wins by a landslide. Its longer wheelbase and beefier dimensions make it feel more planted on the road and far easier to load up for a family vacation.
Did Hyundai stop making the Santa Fe Sport?
Yes, Hyundai discontinued the Santa Fe Sport after the 2018 model year and replaced it with the 2019 Santa Fe.
After 2018, Hyundai said goodbye to the Santa Fe Sport for good. The brand shifted to a simpler lineup with two sizes: the regular Santa Fe (taking over where the Sport left off) and the stretched-out Santa Fe XL. No new Santa Fe Sport models have rolled off the line since then. You can still track down a used 2018 model, but as of 2026, fresh ones? Nonexistent.
What happened to Santa Fe Sport?
The Santa Fe Sport was discontinued after the 2018 model year and replaced by the 2019 Santa Fe, which adopted a similar footprint but with more modern styling and features.
Hyundai basically folded the Sport into the regular Santa Fe lineup. Now you get a choice between 5 or 7 seats depending on the trim. The long-wheelbase version that used to be called the Santa Fe? It got renamed Santa Fe XL. The whole move made the lineup cleaner and less confusing—no more overlapping models fighting for the same buyers.
How much bigger is the Santa Fe than the Santa Fe Sport?
The 2026 Santa Fe offers up to 80.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, compared to 71.5 cubic feet in the Santa Fe Sport.
That’s an extra 8.5 cubic feet when you fold the seats, which makes a noticeable difference on family road trips or when you’re hauling gear. The Santa Fe also sits on a longer wheelbase (113.8 inches vs. 108.0 inches), so it handles more confidently and has a roomier second row. Even for daily errands, the extra length means easier rear-seat entry and exit, plus more shoulder room all around.
Is the Palisade bigger than the Santa Fe?
Yes, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is larger than the Santa Fe, with up to eight seats and more overall interior volume.
If you need maximum passenger flexibility, the Palisade has three full rows and up to 86.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the first row—versus the Santa Fe’s 80.0. It’s also taller and commands more road presence. Looking for top-tier luxury features like available Nappa leather and a whisper-quiet cabin? The Palisade sits at the top of Hyundai’s three-row SUV lineup in 2026.
Is Hyundai Santa Fe better than Tucson?
The Santa Fe is better than the Tucson for buyers needing more space, power, and comfort.
Here’s the thing: the Santa Fe is a midsize SUV, while the Tucson is compact. That difference shows—especially in rear legroom, cargo space, and available engine punch (up to 291 hp with the 2.5T turbo). The Tucson is great for tight city parking, but it’s not built for hauling five-plus people comfortably. If you regularly carry more passengers or need extra cargo room, the Santa Fe is the smarter pick.
Is Hyundai Santa Fe worth buying?
Yes, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is worth buying thanks to its strong reliability, long warranty, and competitive pricing.
It earns a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal and comes with Hyundai’s standout 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Modern tech like digital key, blind-spot monitoring, and an available 12.3-inch touchscreen keep it feeling fresh. Resale values are solid for a midsize SUV, and even base models deliver good value at under $35,000 MSRP. Honestly, this is one of the best values in the segment right now.
What SUV is comparable to Hyundai Santa Fe?
Top alternatives to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe include the 2026 Toyota RAV4, Honda Passport, Kia Sorento, and Mazda CX-5.
Each brings something different to the table. The RAV4 shines for hybrid options and off-road capability; the Passport delivers V6 power and upscale styling; the Sorento offers a third-row option at a lower price point; and the CX-5 impresses with sporty handling and premium interiors. All compete closely on price, tech, and warranty, so the best move? Test drive a few and see which one fits your lifestyle.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe a reliable car?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe earns a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal, placing it 2nd out of 26 midsize SUVs.
Owners report an average annual repair cost of just $515—well below the segment average. Hyundai’s improved build quality and parts sourcing have cut down on early failures that plagued older models. Stick to the maintenance schedule: change the oil every 7,500 miles with full synthetic oil, and keep up with brake service. Do that, and this SUV will run smoothly for years.
What goes wrong with Hyundai Santa Fe?
Common issues reported on 2020–2023 models include engine noise, unexpected stalling, and occasional electrical gremlins in infotainment and sensors.
Some owners hear a rough idle or ticking from the 2.5L engine—often caused by carbon buildup on the injectors. Others report sudden stalling, sometimes tied to software glitches or sensor faults. The good news? Most of these problems are covered under warranty. If you’re buying used, check service records and consider a pre-purchase inspection—especially if the odometer’s over 50,000 miles.
How long will a Hyundai Santa Fe last?
A well-maintained 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe can reliably reach 200,000 to 250,000 miles, translating to 13–17 years at 15,000 annual miles.
Consistent maintenance is key. Stick to 7,500-mile oil changes using full synthetic 5W-30 oil to prevent premature wear. Watch the suspension—plan to replace shocks and struts around 100,000 miles. Rotate tires and align the wheels every 7,500 miles to extend tire life and keep the ride smooth. With proper care, many Santa Fes become daily drivers that last well into the 200,000-mile range.
How much should I pay for a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe?
As of 2026, expect to pay $20,000 to $28,000 for a well-equipped 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe with 40,000–70,000 miles.
Here’s a quick rundown of 2020 trim pricing based on current market data:
| Trim | Approx. Price (2026) | Key Features |
| SE FWD | $20,000–$24,000 | 1.6T engine, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
| SEL FWD | $23,000–$27,000 | Blind-spot monitoring, 10.25-inch digital cluster, heated front seats |
| Limited FWD | $26,000–$30,000 | Leather seats, panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, adaptive cruise |
| Calligraphy AWD | $30,000–$35,000 | 291 hp turbo engine, Nappa leather, 19-inch wheels, ventilated seats |
Always check for open recalls using your VIN at
NHTSA.gov and get a pre-purchase inspection before you buy.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe XL being discontinued?
No, the Hyundai Santa Fe XL is still in production as of 2026, though it’s positioned as a long-wheelbase alternative to the standard Santa Fe.
The XL hasn’t been put out to pasture. It’s still in the lineup for buyers who need maximum cargo room and third-row seating. Think of it as the practical sibling to the Palisade and Highlander. While it doesn’t get the same flashy updates as the Palisade, it delivers excellent value and space for growing families. Expect the XL to stick around with updates through at least 2028.
Is there a recall on Hyundai Santa Fe engines?
As of 2026, there are no active major recalls affecting the engine in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Hyundai already addressed past engine issues—like the 2.5L turbo problems in 2021 models—through recalls and software updates. All affected vehicles have been repaired. Still, it never hurts to double-check your VIN on Hyundai’s recall site. Modern Santa Fes come with improved cooling systems and updated software to keep stalling at bay.
Which Hyundai Santa Fe is being recalled?
The last major recall affecting a Santa Fe model was the 2021 Santa Fe with the 2.5L turbo engine, now resolved through software updates and dealer service.
Before that, certain 2013–2015 Santa Fe Sport SUVs (151,205 units) were recalled due to a leaking ABS module that could lead to an engine compartment fire. If you own one of those older models, confirm the repairs were done and check for any open recalls using your VIN at NHTSA.gov.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.