6 Eco-Friendly Features of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

SUVs are more than just big cars in 2026. These hybrid vehicles are the future, the smart hubs we never thought we needed. And, with the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid balancing efficiency, power, and safety, Hyundai continues to lead in hybrid technology.

The Santa Fe Hybrid is a great family SUV. Apart from those three factors, Hyundai also has a strong reputation for winning the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ awards. It is a versatile hybrid that fits perfectly into family life in San Diego without compromising on being eco-conscious.

Let’s see the specific features that make the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid at Dalton Hyundai National City an eco-friendly choice.

1. Lightweight High-Strength Steel Body

Many people recognize the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid for its ruggedness, boldness, and modern exterior. With its clean lines and floating roof design, this hybrid SUV looks larger.

Even at its 69.7-inch height and 74.8-inch width (excluding mirrors), the hybrid Santa Fe isn’t bulky. It can perfectly navigate through tight city parking spaces. Even with uneven roads or curbs, the hybrid SUV can easily handle them with its 7.0-inch ground clearance.

But what makes the Santa Fe hybrid a stand-out is the use of high-strength steel for its body. Though it is strong enough to protect its passengers inside, it is light enough to easily move across San Diego.

2. Hybrid Turbocharged Powertrain

Under the hood of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a 2.5L Turbocharged GDI/MPI 4-cylinder engine. It combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to power the car during low-speed situations (stop-and-go traffic). But if you need more power, the gasoline engine can provide 277 horsepower.

Aside from its fuel-friendly engine setup, the Santa Fe 2026 has an available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This feature keeps the SUV steady even on wet, slippery, or uneven roads by sending the power to the wheels that need it the most.

As to the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid MPG, it offers a strong performance without sacrificing fuel savings. With its EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined score on Front-Wheel Drive, you can travel farther with each gallon of gas.

All these allow you to save more on your fuel while having more to take you further.

3. Regenerative Braking

Apart from its hybrid engine, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid features regenerative braking. What it does is capture the energy normally lost as heat to recharge its battery, increasing the SUV’s fuel efficiency. Having a “built-in generator” within the car feels like a great advantage.

This way, not only does it reduce emissions, but you also increase your savings on fuel.

4. Drive Mode Select with Eco Mode

A standard feature in all trims of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is its Drive Mode Select with Eco Mode. What it does is help your SUV respond to your driving style and the terrain. But to truly make Santa Fe eco-friendly, Eco mode is to the rescue.

With Eco mode, it lessens the throttle response or the responsiveness of the SUV when you press on its gas pedal. The result is a gentler acceleration that leads to less fuel used.

Apart from throttle response, Eco mode also optimizes gear changes to make them smoother. A smoother transition leads to lower engine speeds, saving more on gas.

For more power, you can always switch out of Eco mode.

5. Idle Stop & Go

Another standard feature on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe that contributes to its eco-friendliness is Idle Stop & Go. This helps save more gas by a combination of turning off certain features while at a complete stop.

For instance, when you’re stuck in heavy traffic, the SUV automatically turns off its engine. This is to stop fuel usage. But the sooner you lift your foot from the brake pedal, the engine restarts smoothly without any jerking. The best part is that music, lights, and air conditioning still run despite stopping the engine.

The system will not turn off the engine if it finds that the engine conditions are not ideal. This includes situations like a low battery charge or a running air conditioner at full blast. This makes sure that you have the power you need when it’s time to go.

6. Eco-Friendly Interior Materials

What most don’t realize about the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is its use of eco-friendly interior materials. Apart from an engine that reduces emissions, Hyundai made its interior eco-friendly through the use of recycled plastics.

Here are some examples of where Hyundai used recycled materials:

• Seat backs: Part of the seat backs of the Santa Fe Hybrid are made from recycled plastics.
• Floor mats: The fibers used for the floor mats also come from recycled plastics or fibers coming from landfills.
• Headliner: The fabric for the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid’s ceiling liner comes from reclaimed textiles or plastic bottles.

This way, Hyundai has minimized waste and reduced the demand for producing new resources to create the SUV. Not only are they durable and high-quality, but they’re also comfortable and stylish.

2026 Hyundai Hybrid Santa Fe Trim Levels: An Overview

At Dalton Hyundai, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid also has several trim levels just like its gas-powered counterparts. This way, it can fit into different lifestyles, preferences, and budgets of the drivers in San Diego.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what each 2026 Santa Fe hybrid trim can offer:

Hyundai Santa Fe SE Hybrid — Base Hybrid Trim

This trim serves as the entry-level model of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and includes essential features. This is for those who want the benefits of owning a hybrid vehicle without the luxury price tag.

Features you can expect in the SE Hybrid include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 2.5-L turbocharged GDI/MPI 4-cylinder engine
• HTRAC All Wheel Drive (available)
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• EPA-estimated 20 MPG City/28 MPG Highway/ 23 MPG Combined (HTRAC AWD)
• 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Bluelink+
• Hands-free smart liftgate with auto open
• YES Essentials® Stain-Resistant Cloth-covered seats

Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Hybrid — SE Step Up

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SEL is for families or daily commuters who want nicer features without a hefty price tag. It focuses on giving drivers and their passengers the extra comfort and convenience they need from an SUV.

Features you can expect in the SEL Hybrid include those from the SE Hybrid and:

• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium
• Wireless charging
• Dual automatic temperature control
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• H-Tex® seating surfaces

Hyundai Limited Hybrid — Premium Trim

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Limited is best for drivers who want everything that spells “premium” in an SUV. It perfectly combines more advanced tech and strong comfort features to satisfy every driver and passenger’s creature comforts.

Building on the features of the SEL Hybrid, you can expect the following in Limited:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
• 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
• 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Bose® Premium Audio
• Integrated Memory System (IMS)
• Ventilated front seats
• 2nd-row captain’s chairs
• Heated front and 2nd-row seating
• Dual pane sunroof
• Ambient lighting
• Leather-trimmed seating surfaces
• Optional 7-passenger seating

Hyundai Calligraphy Hybrid — Luxury Trim

The Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid Calligraphy best fits drivers who want everything luxurious in their SUV. Think of it as a no-holds-barred, fully-loaded version of the Santa Fe Hybrid.

You can expect to see the following features in the Hyundai Calligraphy Hybrid:

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Driver seat with relaxation function
• Full display rearview mirror
• Dual wireless device charging
• 12-inch head-up display (HUD), windshield type
• Dark chrome C-Pillar assist handle
• Nappa leather-trimmed seating surfaces

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: A Smarter Choice for San Diego Drivers

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid combines eco-friendly features with family-friendly safety. This makes this hybrid SUV is the top choice for 2026. With its fuel efficiency and advanced safety features, you can drive confidently. Your family and the planet are safe.

Ready to take this innovative hybrid three-row SUV for a test drive? Stop by Dalton Hyundai National City and see this hybrid in action. Our expert team is ready to help you find your perfect match. We can assist you with a new or certified used Hyundai vehicle that fits your driving needs.

Take the first step to a greener and safer drive today!

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