Hyundai Santa Fe trim comparison
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Hybrid vs XRT
The Santa Fe SE Hybrid starts at $36,400 while the XRT is $42,040. That $5,640 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The XRT gets the 2.5L I4 Turbo and AWD, so the $5,640 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The SE Hybrid is enough if the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo with FWD already fits your routine; the XRT only earns the jump when the 2.5L I4 Turbo and AWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $99/month more over 60 months, or roughly $5,940 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
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
The SE Hybrid and XRT are mechanically identical where it counts: the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $5,640 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $940 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 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SE Hybrid | XRT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,400 | $42,040 |
| 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 shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 37 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 36 | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 36 | 21 |
| 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 | 67.7" | 69.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 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.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 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 2026 Santa Fe XRT cost than the SE Hybrid?
The XRT starts at $42,040 compared to $36,400 for the SE Hybrid. That is a $5,640 difference, or approximately $99/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Hybrid and XRT have the same engine?
No. The SE 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 2026 Santa Fe SE Hybrid come with AWD?
No. The SE Hybrid comes standard with FWD while the XRT has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2026 Santa Fe SE Hybrid or XRT safer?
Both share the same Hyundai Santa Fe platform with an overall 5-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 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe come with?
All 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe trims, including both the SE 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 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT worth $5,640 more than the SE Hybrid?
The XRT changes both the engine and drivetrain for $5,640 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe trim gets better fuel economy, the SE Hybrid or the XRT?
The SE Hybrid is the more efficient of the two at 36 combined MPG, versus 21 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.
Is the Santa Fe XRT Worth $5,640 More?
Spending $5,640 more on the Santa Fe XRT buys the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+46 hp) and AWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the SE Hybrid has the 1.6L I4 hybrid Turbo, the XRT the 2.5L I4 Turbo. That means 46 more horsepower and 40 more lb-ft of torque. Enough to notice on highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. In return, expect about 15 fewer combined MPG. AWD on the XRT means better grip in bad weather. If you live somewhere with mild winters, the SE Hybrid's FWD may be fine.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Santa Fe SE Hybrid gets 15 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $833 per year or $4,165 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
The Santa Fe XRT costs $5,640 more than the SE Hybrid (about $99/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $940 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
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 SE Hybrid
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SE 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 2026 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.