2027 Santa Fe Model Review in Tuscaloosa, AL

2027 Hyundai Santa Fe: A Three-Row SUV for Tuscaloosa Drivers
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe combines a distinctive upright shape with a flexible cabin and turbocharged power. Positioned below the Palisade in Hyundai’s SUV lineup, this midsize model is built for everyday errands and longer trips.
For shoppers comparing a 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe in Tuscaloosa, AL, the first choice depends on how much seating, cargo room, and capability their routine requires.
Which 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Fits Your Routine?
The five gas-powered 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe trim levels are SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. Use the equipment differences above to decide which suits your priorities, whether that means passenger capacity, everyday comfort, weekend capability, or a more refined cabin.
A Flexible Interior for Passengers and Gear
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe interior is designed to adapt as plans change. The SE, SEL, and XRT seat seven with a second-row bench. The Limited offers six- or seven-passenger configurations, while the six-passenger Calligraphy has second-row captain’s chairs. A standard 50/50-split folding third row lets you balance passengers and cargo as needed. With every row in use, the Santa Fe provides 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Fold that row and the space grows to 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row; folding the rear seats opens up to 79.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. An underfloor storage tray keeps smaller items organized, and remote second-row seat releases make it easier to adjust the space from the cargo area.
The gas model provides 44.4 inches of front legroom, 42.3 inches in the second row, and 30 inches in the third. A two-level center armrest opens from either direction, giving front and rear occupants access to shared storage. Second-row air vents are standard, and the SEL and higher trims add third-row vents and dual automatic temperature control. Upholstery changes with the trim: The SE features YES Essentials® stain-resistant cloth, the SEL and XRT use H-Tex®-trimmed seating, the Limited has leather-trimmed seats, and the Calligraphy features Nappa leather-trimmed seats. Heated front seats are standard on the SEL and higher trims; the Limited and Calligraphy add ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats. Acoustic laminated windshield and front-side glass are standard throughout the lineup.
An Upright Exterior With Practical Details
The Santa Fe’s squared-off profile gives the SUV a recognizable appearance, with a broad rear opening that complements its cargo-carrying role. It measures 190.2 inches long and 74.8 inches wide, with a 110.8-inch wheelbase. LED projector headlights, LED taillights, and a hands-free smart liftgate with automatic opening and an adjustable height setting are standard.
The SE and SEL ride on 18-inch alloy wheels. The XRT uses its own 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a black grille, and dark exterior accents. The Limited has 20-inch wheels, and the gas-powered Calligraphy uses 21-inch wheels. Roof rails are standard on the SEL and higher trims; the XRT has a conventional sunroof, while the Limited and Calligraphy feature a dual-pane sunroof.
Paint color choices include:
- Phantom Black
- Shimmering Silver
- Serenity White
- Ecotronic Gray
- Hampton Gray
Turbocharged Power and Everyday Capability
Every gas-powered 2027 Santa Fe uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, giving the SUV a substantial power reserve for highway travel and loaded trips. Front-wheel drive is standard on the SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy, with HTRAC all-wheel drive available. The XRT comes exclusively with AWD. Drive Mode Select is standard, and AWD models include a Snow mode; the XRT also adds Sand and Mud modes for changing surfaces. Its 8.3 inches of ground clearance compares with 7.0 inches on the other gas trims, a useful distinction when reaching a gravel trailhead or a rough access road.
Towing limits depend on the vehicle and trailer. When properly equipped with trailer brakes, the gas-powered SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy can tow up to 3,500 pounds; the XRT can tow up to 4,500 pounds. The maximum for a trailer without brakes is 1,650 pounds. Check the specific vehicle’s equipment, loading, and trailer requirements before towing.
Technology That Makes Room for Everyone
A 12.3-inch touchscreen brings entertainment and smartphone connectivity into the driver’s view. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard, along with Bluelink® Connected Car System and over-the-air update capability. The XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy add onboard navigation, while the Limited and Calligraphy pair the touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Five features to consider when comparing trims include:
- Wireless phone charging: The SEL includes a charger for compatible devices; the XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy have dual chargers
- Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium: Standard on the XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy for compatible devices
- Bose® premium audio: The Limited and Calligraphy feature a 12-speaker system for listening throughout the cabin
- USB charging ports: All gas trims have two front and two rear charging ports; the SEL and higher trims add two ports in the third row
- Head-up display: Standard on the Calligraphy, it places selected information in the driver’s forward view
Connected features and smartphone functions may require compatible devices or services. Check the specific vehicle for equipment and service details.
Driver Assistance for the Road Ahead
The 2027 Santa Fe includes a range of standard driver-assistance features, with additional systems on higher trims. These technologies can provide alerts or assistance in certain situations, but they do not replace an attentive driver or eliminate the need to monitor traffic and surroundings.
Five standard features across the gas lineup include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Includes pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection to help respond to certain potential forward collisions
- Lane Keeping Assist: Can provide steering assistance when the vehicle approaches detected lane markings
- Lane Following Assist 2: Helps support lane positioning under appropriate conditions
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: Can help respond to detected cross traffic when reversing
- Safe Exit Assist: Helps alert occupants to approaching traffic when exiting
Rear Occupant Alert is standard on the SE and SEL; the XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy have Advanced Rear Occupant Alert. The Limited and Calligraphy also include Surround View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist. All trims include LATCH lower anchors and upper tether anchors, rear child safety locks, and front, side, and curtain airbags.
Explore the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe With Tuscaloosa Hyundai
Ready to see which Santa Fe configuration suits your routine? Contact us at Tuscaloosa Hyundai to ask about configurations, discuss financing, and arrange a test drive.
Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.