Hyundai Santa Fe trim comparison
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Hybrid vs XRT
The Santa Fe SEL Hybrid starts at $36,950 while the XRT is $40,600. That $3,650 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The XRT gets the 2.5L I4 Turbo and AWD, so the $3,650 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the SEL Hybrid if the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo with FWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the XRT only when the 2.5L I4 Turbo and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The XRT adds about $64/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $3,840 more overall with interest. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the SEL Hybrid and XRT share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $3,650 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $608 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SEL Hybrid | XRT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,950 | $40,600 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 231 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 36 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 35 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 36 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,200/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,431 lbs | 4,486 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 110.8" |
| Length | 190.2" | 190.2" |
| Width | 74.8" | 74.8" |
| Height | 69.7" | 69.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Hybrid vs XRT Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Hyundai Santa Fe lineup, the Hyundai brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Santa Fe XRT cost than the SEL Hybrid?
The XRT starts at $40,600 compared to $36,950 for the SEL Hybrid. That is a $3,650 difference, or approximately $64/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Hybrid and XRT have the same engine?
No. The SEL Hybrid uses a 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo (231 hp, 271 lb-ft), while the XRT has the 2.5L I4 Turbo (277 hp, 311 lb-ft). That is 46 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 6-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2024 Santa Fe SEL Hybrid come with AWD?
No. The SEL Hybrid comes standard with FWD while the XRT has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2024 Santa Fe SEL Hybrid or XRT safer?
Both share the same Hyundai Santa Fe platform with an overall 4-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe come with?
All 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe trims, including both the SEL Hybrid and XRT, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT worth $3,650 more than the SEL Hybrid?
The XRT changes both the engine and drivetrain for $3,650 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe trim gets better fuel economy, the SEL Hybrid or the XRT?
The SEL Hybrid is the more efficient of the two at 36 combined MPG, versus 22 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $3,650 Gap
The XRT earns its premium. For $3,650 more, you get the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+46 hp) and AWD, making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Santa Fe lineup.
How the SEL Hybrid and XRT Feel Different
Moving from the SEL Hybrid to the XRT means a different engine entirely. That means 46 more horsepower and 40 more lb-ft of torque. Enough to notice on highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 14 fewer combined MPG. The XRT includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Santa Fe SEL Hybrid gets 14 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $742 per year or $3,710 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
$3,650 more for the Santa Fe XRT gets you 6 real differences. At $64/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Hybrid
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SEL Hybrid best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai Santa Fe XRT
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the XRT when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.