How Do the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Levels Compare?

September 23rd, 2026 by

The gas-powered 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe is available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. These models use a 277-horsepower 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Hyundai also offers the 2027 Santa Fe Hybrid in SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims with a 231-horsepower combined 1.6L turbocharged hybrid powertrain. The lineup ranges from seven-passenger SE and SEL models to the off-road-focused XRT, while Limited and Calligraphy add more premium comfort and technology features.

Selecting the right Santa Fe configuration depends on how you plan to balance passenger capacity, daily fuel efficiency, and towing capability. The entry-level SE trim comes with standard front-wheel drive and a generous 12.3-inch infotainment display. Step up to the SEL trim, which introduces H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and dual automatic temperature control. The XRT trim caters to outdoor enthusiasts by adding standard HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, an elevated suspension, and a boosted towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

Upper-tier trims focus on premium comfort and driver-assistance technology. The Limited trim features 20-inch alloy wheels, genuine leather seating, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. At the top of the lineup, the Calligraphy trim  adds standard second-row power captain’s chairs, Nappa leather upholstery, a 12-inch head-up display, and 21-inch dark alloy wheels. Hyundai also offers the 2027 Santa Fe Hybrid in SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims. Front-wheel-drive hybrid models are EPA-rated at 37 city / 36 highway / 36 combined MPG, while HTRAC all-wheel-drive versions are rated at 35 city / 34 highway / 35 combined MPG.

For shoppers exploring the full range of 2027 Santa Fe options, visiting our Concord showroom allows you to experience these seating arrangements and tech packages in person. You can also give our team a call at (704) 262-4408 to confirm current trim availability on the lot.

Table of Contents

What Engine Options and Performance Specs Drive the 2027 Santa Fe Lineup?

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered with either a conventional gas or hybrid powertrain, depending on the model selected. The gas Santa Fe uses a 277-horsepower 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the separately offered Santa Fe Hybrid combines a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 231 combined horsepower.

The standard gas powertrain consists of a 2.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 277 hp at 5,800 RPM and 311 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy models are EPA-rated at 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG, while HTRAC All-Wheel Drive versions are rated at 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG. These trims can tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes, while the HTRAC AWD-only XRT increases maximum towing capacity to 4,500 pounds with trailer brakes.

For drivers prioritizing fuel economy, the available 1.6L turbocharged hybrid engine pairs a turbo four-cylinder with a 44.2 kW electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery. This combined system produces 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, routed through a 6-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission. Hybrid models achieve an EPA-estimated 37 city / 36 hwy / 36 combined MPG in front-wheel drive and 35 city / 34 hwy / 35 combined MPG with all-wheel drive. Hybrid models feature a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

For local families driving across the gently rolling hills of Kannapolis toward nearby lakes on weekends, the hybrid powertrain provides a strong balance of everyday efficiency while maintaining enough pull for light utility trailers.

Whether you prefer the raw passing power of the 2.5L Turbo or the smooth efficiency of the hybrid setup, you can explore our selection of new Hyundai vehicles or review our selection of pre-owned vehicles to compare performance specs in detail.

What Key Features and Seating Upgrades Differ Between Santa Fe SE, SEL, and Calligraphy Trims?

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe SE, SEL, and Calligraphy trims each offer progressively enhanced seating and interior features tailored to diverse driver needs. While every trim shares the same boxy, spacious exterior architecture, interior materials, seating capacity, and digital displays evolve significantly from base to top-tier models.

The foundational SE trim sets a high bar for standard technology, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a hands-free smart liftgate, Bluelink+ connected services, and stain-resistant cloth seating for seven passengers. The SEL trim upgrades cabin comfort by adding H-Tex synthetic leatherette seating, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver seat, dual automatic climate control, and a wireless device charging pad.

Moving into the upper trims introduces high-end luxury equipment and seating flexibilities:

  • Limited Trim: Adds genuine leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, dual wireless phone charging pads, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Available with a second-row bench (7 passengers) or second-row captain’s chairs (6 passengers).
  • Calligraphy Trim: Features premium Nappa leather upholstery, a driver seat with a one-touch relaxation function, a 12-inch head-up display, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, suede microfiber headliner, and standard second-row power captain’s chairs for a 6-passenger setup.

To prepare for your upgrade, you can begin by valuing your trade-in online before testing out the different cabin setups. Maintaining your vehicle’s seating hardware and electronic features down the road is simple when scheduling a service appointment online with our certified technicians.

How Does the Off-Road-Ready 2027 Santa Fe XRT Compare to the 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport?

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT adds off-road-oriented equipment including standard HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, all-terrain tires and additional ground clearance. Shoppers may also compare it with the 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport, which features standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates and the TrailWatch camera system.

Under the hood, the 2027 Santa Fe XRT uses a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. The 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport uses a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 RPM. That gives the Santa Fe XRT 49 lb-ft more peak torque, while the Pilot TrailSport produces 8 more horsepower. Both models have 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Hyundai states that the XRT’s all-terrain tire and suspension setup provides 1.3 inches of additional ground clearance compared with other Santa Fe trims.

Off-road equipment highlights between the two models show clear operational differences:

  • Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: Features standard HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, 18-inch dark alloy wheels wrapped in 245/60R18 all-terrain tires, black anodized exterior badging, a 4,500-pound maximum towing capacity with trailer brakes, and a dual wireless phone charger.
  • Honda Pilot TrailSport: Includes steel skid plates, the TrailWatch camera system, all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

For outdoor enthusiasts navigating the unpaved back access roads and park trails in Cabarrus, the Santa Fe XRT’s standard all-terrain tires and elevated ride height provide extra confidence over rutted soil and mud.

Shoppers interested in taking the XRT on their next mountain trip can streamline their purchase by submitting an online financing application prior to their test drive.

Is the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Smaller Than the Kia Telluride?

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe is smaller on the outside than the Kia Telluride, making it easier to maneuver through tight suburban streets and parking garages while preserving competitive interior passenger space. Specifically, the Santa Fe measures 190.2 inches in total length compared to the Telluride’s 199.2 inches, giving the Santa Fe a 9-inch shorter overall footprint.

Width measurements further distinguish the two SUVs. The 2027 Santa Fe measures 74.8 inches wide without mirrors, compared with 78.3 inches for the 2027 Telluride. Santa Fe height varies by trim: the SE measures 67.7 inches tall, while SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy models measure 69.7 inches. Telluride height also varies by trim and configuration. The Santa Fe has a 37.9-foot curb-to-curb turning diameter, while most 2027 Telluride trims have a 39.2-foot turning circle.

Despite its more compact exterior dimensions, the Santa Fe optimizes cabin dimensions for passenger comfort. Up front, the Santa Fe offers 44.4 inches of front legroom, which actually exceeds the Telluride’s 41.4 inches by 3.0 inches. Rear legroom remains spacious at 42.3 inches in the second row. For cargo storage, the Santa Fe provides 14.6 cubic feet of volume behind the third row, 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 79.6 cubic feet behind the front seats when the rear seating areas are folded.

If you plan to customize your SUV with roof racks, cargo organizers, or tow hitches to maximize utility, our dedicated Hyundai parts center can supply genuine OEM accessories tailored to your trim level.

Quick Answers to Common Questions About 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims

Q: What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The maximum towing capacity reaches 4,500 pounds on the off-road-focused XRT trim when properly equipped with trailer brakes. Standard gas trims equipped with the 2.5L turbocharged engine offer a 3,500-pound towing capacity, while hybrid models are rated for up to 2,000 pounds.

Q: Does every 2027 Santa Fe trim offer all-wheel drive?

HTRAC All-Wheel Drive is available as an option on the SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims across both gas and hybrid powertrains. The adventure-focused XRT trim comes standard with HTRAC All-Wheel Drive.

Q: What is the main difference between second-row seating options on the Santa Fe?

The SE, SEL, and XRT trims come standard with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat that accommodates seven passengers total. The top-tier Calligraphy trim features power-reclining second-row captain’s chairs for a six-passenger layout, while the Limited trim offers buyers the choice between a second-row bench or captain’s chairs.

Q: How much cargo space is available in the 2027 Santa Fe?

The 2027 Santa Fe provides 14.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row, 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 79.6 cubic feet behind the front seats when the rear seating areas are folded.

Explore 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims at Modern Hyundai of Concord

Finding the ideal 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe trim comes down to matching your household’s seating requirements, efficiency goals, and weekend plans with the right combination of features and powertrain. From the efficient SE Hybrid to the trail-ready XRT and the luxurious Calligraphy, our dealership carries the complete 2027 lineup for local buyers to compare side by side.

Our sales staff is ready to walk you through the feature differences, demonstrate the power-fold seat mechanisms, and set you up on a comprehensive test drive route.

To get started today, you can get directions to our Concord showroom located just minutes from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, or reach out directly by calling our team at (704) 262-4408.

© 2026 Modern Hyundai of Concord. All rights reserved.

Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.

Posted in Hyundai Santa Fe