What Does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Trim Offer?

October 21st, 2026 by

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL provides a balanced blend of three-row utility, premium interior amenities, and advanced tech. Occupying the middle ground in the lineup, this trim is powered by a 277-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and includes standard seven-passenger seating with H-Tex synthetic leather, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and the Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance suite.

The 2027 Santa Fe SEL builds on the standard SE foundation by adding key everyday luxury features without requiring a jump to top-tier price brackets. Exterior enhancements include roof side rails, complementing standard SE features like LED headlights, heated side mirrors, and a hands-free power liftgate. Inside, driver and passenger comfort is elevated with H-Tex synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless phone charger, and dual automatic temperature control with rear vents to keep all seven occupants comfortable.

Technology highlights on the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL include a wireless phone charger, Hyundai Digital Key 2, Bluelink+ connected services, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto integration. For buyers evaluating family haulers across Cabarrus, the 2027 Santa Fe SEL hits the sweet spot between affordable entry pricing and luxury-level features.

To experience the cabin layout in person or review current inventory, stop by our showroom at 965 Concord Pkwy S or give our team a quick call. You can also drop a pin to our Concord dealership address for direct directions.

Table of Contents

What Engine Options and Towing Capabilities Power the 2027 Santa Fe SEL?

The gas-powered 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL comes standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available while providing enhanced traction across varied road surfaces.

This turbocharged engine gives the 2027 Santa Fe SEL responsive passing power and quick acceleration on highway ramps. Power is delivered smoothly through the eight-speed SHIFTRONIC transmission, which adapts shift points based on selected driving modes. For drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency alongside strong low-end torque, Hyundai also offers the 2027 Santa Fe SEL Hybrid, which combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain with an electric motor for a total output of 231 hp.

When properly equipped with trailer brakes, the gas-powered 2027 Santa Fe SEL achieves a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity (1,650 pounds without trailer brakes). This rating makes it easy to tow small recreational trailers, utility setups, or fishing boats for weekend trips toward Lake Norman from nearby Kannapolis. Shoppers who need more capability can step up to the Santa Fe XRT, which is rated to tow up to 4,500 pounds.

If you are exploring different powertrain options across new and pre-owned models, you can also browse our pre-owned inventory to compare late-model crossovers on our lot.

What Real-World Fuel Economy Ratings Does the 2027 Santa Fe SEL Gas Model Achieve?

The front-wheel-drive 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL gas model achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined. Equipping the vehicle with HTRAC All Wheel Drive adjusts the ratings slightly to 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.

These fuel efficiency numbers are supported by a 17.7-gallon fuel tank, giving the front-wheel-drive 2027 Santa Fe SEL an estimated driving range of about 425 miles on a full tank. An integrated Idle Stop & Go system helps conserve fuel during extended stops in suburban traffic by shutting off the engine automatically when idle and restarting seamlessly when the brake pedal is released.

For drivers seeking maximum fuel savings on lengthy commutes, the 2027 Santa Fe SEL Hybrid model delivers an EPA-estimated 37 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 36 mpg combined in front-wheel drive, or 35 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 35 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. Proper maintenance, including tire rotations and clean air filters, helps keep any powertrain operating at peak efficiency.

To view current gas and hybrid configurations, explore our new Hyundai inventory, or use our online portal to schedule vehicle service for your current vehicle.

What Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology Is Standard on the 2027 SEL?

Every 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL comes standard with the comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense active safety suite, which includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

The standard safety features on the 2027 Santa Fe SEL deliver active driver assistance in high-density traffic and on long highway stretches. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist monitors the road ahead for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, automatically applying the brakes if a collision is imminent. Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist use radar sensors to alert drivers to approaching vehicles when changing lanes or reversing out of parking spaces.

Additional standard safety equipment on the 2027 Santa Fe SEL includes Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Safe Exit Assist. The Santa Fe has earned strong marks in independent safety testing.

Passive structural safety is reinforced by a high-strength steel unibody frame, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags covering all three seating rows.

To explore options for bringing home a safety-equipped crossover, you can apply for financing online before visiting our showroom.

​

What Standard Interior Amenities and Technology Upgrades Come on the SEL Trim?

The interior of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL features standard H-Tex synthetic leather seating, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver seat, dual automatic temperature control, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

Designed to balance luxury aesthetic touches with practical family functionality, the 2027 Santa Fe SEL seats up to seven across three rows. The second-row bench features a 60/40 split fold-flat design with recline functionality, while the third row offers a 50/50 split-folding layout that folds flat into the floor. Cargo capacity expands from about 15 cubic feet behind the third row to past 40 cubic feet with the third row folded and close to 80 cubic feet with all rear seats folded flat.

Convenience technologies on the 2027 Santa Fe SEL include a dedicated wireless device charger, high-power USB-C charging ports in all three rows, Hyundai Digital Key 2 (which allows compatible smartphones to unlock and start the vehicle), and Bluelink+ connected vehicle capabilities. Dual-zone climate control is supplemented by second-row and third-row air vents, ensuring even temperature distribution throughout the cabin.

Families comparing trims on our showroom floor often look at how quickly the second-row seats fold forward to access the third row, noting that the 2027 Santa Fe SEL handles cargo and passenger transitions without requiring tools or removing headrests.

If you are planning an upgrade, our finance team can help you value your vehicle trade-in. You can also order floor liners or utility accessories directly through our parts department.

How Does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Compare to the Honda Pilot EX-L?

Under the hood, the 2027 Santa Fe SEL features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the Honda Pilot EX-L relies on a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The 2027 Santa Fe SEL delivers 49 lb-ft more low-end torque, providing punchier acceleration during city merges and towing starts.

Technology integration also favors the Santa Fe. The 2027 Santa Fe SEL comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, whereas the Honda Pilot EX-L features a smaller 9-inch touchscreen display.

​

Common Questions About the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Trim

Q: Does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL come with a power sunroof?

A power sunroof is available on the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL through optional factory package upgrades. While the base SEL configuration focuses on core comfort features like heated front seats and H-Tex synthetic leather, buyers seeking open-air driving can select an upgraded SEL package or explore upper trim levels like the Limited and Calligraphy.

Q: Is a leather-wrapped steering wheel standard on the 2027 Santa Fe SEL?

Yes, a leather-wrapped steering wheel comes standard on the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL. The steering wheel features integrated controls for audio, Bluetooth phone functions, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, giving the driver direct access to key infotainment and safety settings without taking their hands off the wheel.

Q: What audio system comes standard on the 2027 Santa Fe SEL trim?

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL includes a standard 6-speaker audio system paired with HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. Buyers interested in the 12-speaker Bose premium audio system can upgrade to the Limited or Calligraphy trims.

Q: Does the 2027 Santa Fe SEL support digital key functionality?

Yes, the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL comes equipped with Hyundai Digital Key 2. This feature enables owners to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle using a compatible smartphone or smartwatch, and permits digital key sharing with family members via Apple Wallet or Samsung Wallet.

​

Finding Your 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL at Modern Hyundai

Finding the ideal 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL is simple at Modern Hyundai of Concord. Our team is ready to walk you through available color options, demonstrate Hyundai SmartSense safety features, and set up a personalized test drive.

To take the next step toward driving home in a 2027 Santa Fe SEL, visit our showroom located at 965 Concord Pkwy S or give our team a quick call today. You can also get step-by-step driving route instructions to our Concord dealership location online and schedule your visit at your convenience.

© 2026 Modern Hyundai of Concord. All rights reserved.

Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.

Posted in Hyundai Santa Fe