A six-hour road trip is one of the best ways to understand what a family SUV is really made of.
Short press drives can highlight design and technology. Real ownership experiences happen on long highway stretches, packed cargo areas, and hours spent sitting in the same seat.
Last week, I took the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT AWD south from Atlanta to New Orleans for my daughter's spring break trip.
Daryl Killian
Anyone who has raised a teenager knows that packing discipline disappears the moment you drive instead of flying.
Normally, we travel by plane and limit ourselves to carry-on luggage. When a road trip comes along, we suddenly remember everything we wish we could have packed.
Clothes. Extra shoes. Camera gear. Snacks. More snacks.
Daryl Killian
Fortunately, the Santa Fe handled it without complaint.
With the third row folded flat into the floor, the cargo area becomes surprisingly large for a midsize SUV. Even with our overpacking tendencies, the luggage area swallowed everything easily.
Daryl Killian
Daryl Killian
Daryl Killian
Santa Fe Space and Interior Practicality
The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was designed with family practicality in mind.
When Hyundai told me this would be my road trip vehicle, I was secretly hoping for the Calligraphy Hybrid AWD trim, which I had previously tested.
That version blends luxury features with family versatility.
You can read that full review here: Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid AWD Review: A Luxury SUV for the Modern Family
The XRT trim takes a slightly different approach.
It keeps the same spacious architecture and bold design but trades some luxury features for a more rugged personality.
Daryl Killian
Daryl Killian
The Santa Fe XRT still delivers excellent passenger room and cargo space, which is why it was recently named Cars.com Best Family Car of 2026.
Long Distance Comfort on a Six-Hour Drive
After six hours behind the wheel, the firm seats became noticeable.
Daryl Killian
Daryl Killian
They provide solid support but lack the plush feel found in higher trims like the Limited or Calligraphy.
Second row passengers will also notice fewer comfort features.
Daryl Killian
Daryl Killian
My daughter quickly pointed out the absence of power reclining seats and footrests, which are available in the Calligraphy trim.
Hyundai still does a great job with family-friendly convenience features, though.
Storage space is everywhere.
Daryl Killian
Daryl Killian
Multiple cup holders make long drives easier.
Daryl Killian
USB charging ports are located throughout the cabin.
Dual wireless charging pads up front are particularly useful.
Daryl Killian
Daryl Killian
One surprisingly useful feature is the open dashboard shelf on the passenger side, perfect for sunglasses, phones, and road trip essentials.
Daryl Killian
Performance and Fuel Economy
Power in the Santa Fe XRT comes from Hyundai's Smartstream 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Daryl Killian
For a midsize SUV, the engine delivers strong performance and confident passing power on the highway.
However, that power comes with a fuel economy trade-off.
During our road trip, the Santa Fe averaged a low 20 MPG, which my highway speed may have been influenced.
EPA estimates for the Santa Fe XRT are:
• 21 MPG combined
• 19 MPG city
• 25 MPG highway
Daryl Killian
Annual fuel costs are estimated at $2,350 based on 15,000 miles per year.
Buyers looking for better efficiency should consider the Santa Fe Hybrid, which can achieve up to 36 MPG highway.
Bold New Design and Matte Paint
The redesigned Santa Fe stands out with its boxy, upright design and wide stance.
Daryl Killian
Daryl Killian
It is one of Hyundai's boldest SUV designs in years.
The tall tailgate opening also makes loading cargo significantly easier than previous generations.
This particular XRT featured a matte paint finish, which looks striking but requires extra care to maintain.
Daryl Killian
Matte paint can show wear more easily if washed incorrectly, so long-term owners should be prepared to use specialized cleaning products.
Why the Santa Fe Won Best Family Car of 2026
Cars.com named the Hyundai Santa Fe Best Family Car of 2026 because it hits a sweet spot between size, usability, and technology.
Key reasons include:
• Spacious three-row interior
• Flexible cargo space
• Family-friendly storage features
• Advanced safety technology
• Confidence-inspiring driving dynamics
The Santa Fe also earns strong safety marks, including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick Plus recognition.
Daryl Killian
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Levels
SE
• Entry-level trim
• Front Wheel Drive standard
• 12.3-inch infotainment display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Full Hyundai SmartSense safety suite
Best for buyers seeking the most affordable three-row SUV option.
SEL
Adds convenience upgrades, including:
• Power liftgate
• Heated front seats
• Dual zone climate control
• Larger digital driver display
A strong value choice for most families.
XRT (the trim tested in this review)
Adds rugged styling and adventure-themed design elements, including:
• Unique wheels and exterior trim
• Off-road-inspired appearance package
• Higher ride height
Best suited for buyers who want a tougher look and an outdoor personality.
Limited
Adds premium comfort and technology, including:
• Leather seating
• Panoramic sunroof
• Surround view camera
• Advanced driver assistance features
Ideal balance of luxury and practicality.
Calligraphy
The top trim.
Adds luxury features such as:
• Nappa leather interior
• Second row relaxation seats with footrests
• Premium interior materials
• Panoramic curved display
Closest thing to a luxury SUV experience without luxury brand pricing.
Competitors to Consider
Buyers shopping the midsize three-row SUV segment should also look at:
• Kia Telluride
• Toyota Grand Highlander
• Honda Pilot
• Mazda CX 90
Each offers slightly different strengths, ranging from hybrid fuel economy to upscale interior design.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe remains one of the smartest family SUVs on the market.
The XRT trim delivers the same excellent space and versatility as higher trims but without some of the comfort features that make long road trips easier.
For buyers who want rugged styling and family practicality, the Santa Fe XRT is a solid choice.
For long-distance comfort, the Limited or Calligraphy trims may be the better investment.
After six hours behind the wheel heading to New Orleans, one thing became clear.
The Santa Fe does exactly what a family SUV should do.
It carries everything.
It carries everyone.
And it does it without feeling oversized or difficult to live with.
Daryl Killian
