The 2026 gasoline Santa Fe uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai rates it at 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers identify the powertrain; a drive in the vehicle will tell you more about whether its response suits your everyday route.
Hyundai lists 277 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine-speed figures matter: the published ratings describe output at those speeds, not a promise that the same output is available at every point on the tachometer. They also do not establish a particular acceleration time, fuel bill or towing limit.
For shopping, start by matching the listing to the 2026 gasoline model. This guide does not apply these specifications to the Santa Fe Hybrid or an earlier model year.
02
Use the 2026 transmission specification
The US 2026 gasoline Santa Fe specification table lists an eight-speed automatic. That is the specification to use when comparing a 2026 listing. Do not substitute a transmission description from a different model year.
The number of gears is only one part of the experience. During a normal test drive, pay attention to how the vehicle moves away from a stop, changes gears as traffic speeds up, and responds when you ask for more speed. Those are observations to make in the vehicle, not road-test results claimed here.
03
Give the test drive a familiar job
Choose a route similar to the driving you actually do, within the dealer’s test-drive arrangements and local traffic rules. If your commute includes frequent stops, include ordinary stop-and-go driving. If it includes a faster road, assess acceleration at a safe opportunity and legal speed.
Notice whether accelerator response feels easy to judge and whether gear changes suit your preference. Set the seat and mirrors before moving, and have a passenger handle notes. A specification table cannot decide these preferences for you.
04
Keep the rest of the vehicle in the decision
Engine output does not answer every family-SUV question. Check the drivetrain and fitted equipment on the specific listing, then try the seats and loading space you expect to use. The cargo guide covers the Santa Fe’s published cargo volumes; the dimensions guide explains the difference between body width and the room needed around the mirrors and doors.
The inventory link below opens Elgin Hyundai’s filtered 2026 Santa Fe results. Use it to select a vehicle for a closer look, then confirm its availability and configuration before visiting.
A few more answers
Your questions, answered
What engine does the 2026 gasoline Santa Fe use?
A 2.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder, rated at 277 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
What transmission is listed for the 2026 gasoline Santa Fe?
Hyundai lists an eight-speed automatic. Use the specification for the correct model year when comparing a vehicle listing.
Do these numbers tell me how quick the vehicle will feel?
They identify the engine’s published output, but this guide does not report an acceleration test. Assess response in the actual vehicle during normal driving at legal speeds.
