New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy

The new boxy design stands out. Rockwood Green turns heads, and the cabin feels clean and upscale. The infotainment system is excellent, responsive, well laid out, and easy to use. The digital driver display, on the other hand, is limited. You can’t get a map view or much customization, which feels like a missed opportunity. I originally wanted the black wheels and exterior styling of the Calligraphy trim, but it forced me into either black or white interior and second-row captain’s chairs. That didn’t work for me. With two idiot mastiffs and a kid to haul around, I needed the bench seat and a tan interior. The Limited was the only way to get a practical setup that fit my life, even if I had to give up some of the higher-end styling. Ride quality is firm but controlled. The hybrid powertrain handles highway driving and passing without struggle, even with the vehicle fully loaded. Visibility is great, and the cargo space is fantastic. The seats fold totally flat, and I’ve had no issue packing in dogs, golf clubs, and everything else. The third row is tight, but it works for short trips or smaller passengers. The stock audio system is weak. I had to add a sub to get anything approaching decent bass, which is disappointing for something with “Bose” audio. The biggest frustration is the cruise control. It will not function properly if you are wearing sunglasses in Colorado sun. It throws warnings and disables itself until you take them off. That makes it useless in exactly the conditions where I wanted it most. Fuel economy has also been underwhelming. It was advertised at 34 to 35 miles per gallon, but I have never hit 30. I average around 25 to 28 per tank. It is better than a traditional gas SUV, but it is nowhere near what Hyundai claimed. There is no spare tire. You get a flat repair kit, which is better than nothing, but not ideal in a family SUV designed for road trips.