Hyundai has revealed interior details of its 2026 Santa Fe XRT, the brand's most aggressive variant of its three-row midsize SUV. The XRT trim pairs a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive, positioning itself as the performance-focused option in the Santa Fe lineup.
The XRT cabin showcases Hyundai's push upmarket. Photographers captured the cockpit from multiple angles, revealing a modern dashboard layout with a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. The interior design emphasizes horizontal lines and clean surfaces typical of current Hyundai design language. Seats appear to offer substantial bolstering, consistent with the XRT's performance positioning.
The 2.5T turbo engine produces 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, a meaningful jump over the standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated base engine found in lower trims. That power bump and the standard AWD system target buyers seeking more capability without stepping up to the three-row performance SUV segment occupied by rivals like the Dodge Durango and higher-trim Ford Explorers.
Hyundai's strategy here reflects broader industry trends. Midsize three-row SUVs remain volume sellers, but manufacturers increasingly carve out performance-adjacent variants to justify higher price points and capture buyers upgrading from entry-level models. The Santa Fe XRT competes directly with the Kia Sorento Hybrid EX, which offers efficiency rather than power, and the Honda Pilot TrailSport, which emphasizes off-road capability.
The 2026 refresh keeps Hyundai's Santa Fe competitive in a crowded segment where families demand both practicality and some driving engagement. The XRT's turbocharged powertrain and