Hyundai Santa Fe trim comparison
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs XRT
The Santa Fe SE starts at $35,050 while the XRT is $42,040. That $6,990 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.
The XRT adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $6,990 by itself. If not, the SE saves you the money.
The SE is the cleaner fit if FWD already covers the job. The XRT only earns the extra money when AWD is the reason you are shopping up.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The XRT adds about $123/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $7,380 more overall with interest. The real question is whether AWD changes your day-to-day use enough to justify paying above FWD.
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 extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
The SE and XRT are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $6,990 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,330 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. 4 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SE | XRT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $35,050 | $42,040 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 277 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,800/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,343 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 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?
The XRT starts at $42,040 compared to $35,050 for the SE. That is a $6,990 difference, or approximately $123/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and XRT have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.5L I4 Turbo producing 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2026 Santa Fe SE come with AWD?
No. The SE comes standard with FWD while the XRT has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2026 Santa Fe SE 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 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 $6,990 more than the SE?
The $6,990 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe trim gets better fuel economy, the SE or the XRT?
The SE is the more efficient of the two at 24 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.
Breaking Down the $6,990 Gap
At $6,990 more, the Santa Fe XRT adds AWD. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the SE delivers the same core Santa Fe experience for less.
How the SE and XRT Feel Different
AWD on the XRT means better grip in bad weather. If you live somewhere with mild winters, the SE's FWD may be fine.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Santa Fe SE gets 3 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $250 per year or $1,250 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the SE and XRT share engine and transmission, keeping the core Santa Fe experience consistent across trims.
The Short Version
The Santa Fe XRT costs $6,990 more than the SE (about $123/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 3 meaningful changes at $2,330 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
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SE 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.