2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2026 Honda Passport

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe wins this head-to-head comparison over the 2026 Honda Passport by offering standard three-row seating for six, higher engine torque, superior available hybrid fuel economy reaching 36 MPG combined, and an industry-leading 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. While the Passport provides strong towing and rear cargo volume, the Santa Fe Calligraphy delivers a more versatile, tech-forward, and cost-effective daily driving experience for suburban families.

Which SUV Is the Best Fit for Dublin Families: 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe or 2026 Honda Passport?

Deciding on the right midsize crossover comes down to how your family uses space, technology, and efficiency on a daily basis. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2026 Honda Passport take distinctly different approaches to serving suburban drivers. The Santa Fe leans heavily into premium passenger accommodation, ultra-modern tech integration, and diverse powertrain choices—including ultra-efficient hybrid options. On the other hand, the Honda Passport sticks to a traditional two-row setup powered solely by a naturally aspirated V6.
For households managing school carpools and corporate commutes, passenger flexibility is often the top priority. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with a 2+2+2 seating configuration, providing dedicated third-row seating that allows you to carry up to 6 passengers. The 2026 Honda Passport maxes out at 5 passengers across two rows. That single difference transforms how parents handle multi-generational outings or sports team carpools.
Under the hood, Hyundai gives you modern forced-induction and electrified options. The standard Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5 model features a Smartstream 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. If maximum efficiency is your goal, the Calligraphy Hybrid utilizes a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with a 60 hp electric motor to generate a combined 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque while achieving up to 37 city / 36 highway MPG. The Passport relies on a 3.5L V6 pushing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which offers slightly more horsepower but noticeably less low-end pulling power and lower overall fuel economy.
When evaluating long-term value, Hyundai’s comprehensive ownership package gives buyers distinct confidence. Before visiting our showroom, local shoppers can easily value your trade-in online to see how much equity you can apply toward a new Santa Fe.

How Pricing and Trim Options Match Family Budgets

Matching vehicle capabilities to a household budget requires examining both standard features and trim pricing structures. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy lineup starts at $47,600 MSRP for the front-wheel drive 2.5L model, with a $1,600 destination charge bringing the total base retail price to $49,200. Upgrading to all-wheel drive on the Calligraphy 2.5 AWD sets the starting MSRP at $49,400 ($51,000 with destination). For buyers seeking eco-friendly efficiency without sacrificing luxury, the Calligraphy Hybrid begins at $48,700 MSRP ($50,300 with destination), while the flagship Calligraphy Hybrid AWD sits at $50,500 MSRP ($52,100 with destination).
The 2026 Honda Passport lineup focuses on two-row, four-wheel-drive configurations. The Passport 3.5 RTL 4WD Auto starts at $44,950 MSRP, the RTL Towing 4WD Auto comes in at $45,650 MSRP, and the RTL Blackout 4WD Auto tops the range at $46,150 MSRP. While the Passport’s initial sticker prices appear slightly lower, they reflect a two-row vehicle lacking the Santa Fe Calligraphy’s standard third-row seating, Nappa leather upholstery, dual wireless device charging, and advanced semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
For families cross-shopping values, the Santa Fe standard equipment list delivers premium luxury features right out of the box. Every Calligraphy trim includes 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays, a 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system, a glass sunroof, and 9 standard airbags. The Santa Fe delivers far more equipment per dollar than a comparably priced two-row alternative.
Budget-conscious shoppers exploring diverse purchasing routes can easily browse our inventory of quality pre-owned vehicles or streamline their acquisition by completing a secure online finance application ahead of time.

Pricing

Manufacturer-listed pricing per trim, across compared vehicles.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim

MSRP

2026 Honda Passport Trim

MSRP

Calligraphy 2.5

$47,600

3.5 RTL 4WD Auto

$44,950

Calligraphy Hybrid

$48,700

3.5 RTL Towing 4WD Auto

$45,650

Calligraphy 2.5 AWD

$49,400

3.5 RTL Blackout 4WD Auto

$46,150

Calligraphy Hybrid AWD

$50,500

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Room and Versatility School Runs and Weekend Gear

View looking back at second-row captain's chairs, third row, and panoramic sunroof in a white leather SUV interior.
Rear view of a white Hyundai Santa Fe set up for camping with a rooftop tent and camping table at sunset.
Cabin layout and storage flexibility determine how easily an SUV copes with morning rush hours and weekend sports tournaments. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers an interior volume of 4,304 liters (152 cu ft) wrapped in a boxy, modern body design optimized for occupant comfort. With 44.4 inches of front legroom, 42.3 inches of second-row legroom, and 30 inches of third-row legroom, passengers across all three rows enjoy generous personal space. The standard second-row captain's chairs recline electrically, giving second-row passengers limousine-like comfort on longer highway trips.
Cargo management is where the two crossover designs diverge significantly. With all three seating rows active, the Santa Fe holds about 15 cu ft of cargo behind the rearmost seats—perfect for groceries, backpacks, or stroller storage. Folding the rear seats flat expands total cargo capacity to a massive about 80 cu ft. The two-row Honda Passport focuses purely on two-row storage, offering about 44 cu ft behind its second row. However, the Passport completely lacks the ability to carry a sixth passenger when extra family members or friends tag along.
The Santa Fe’s interior features smart storage touches like a bi-directional center console that opens from both the front and second rows, along with a total of six high-speed USB charging ports distributed across all three rows (2 front, 2 rear, and 2 third-row). To customize your SUV's load-carrying setup for bikes or roof boxes, our OEM parts department supplies genuine Hyundai accessories like cross rails and cargo organizers.

Performance and Handling Tailored to Rolling Terrain and Weather

A family crossover must handle everything from wet autumn leaves to heavy winter snowstorms with equal composure. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5 delivers robust performance through its Smartstream 2.5L turbocharged engine, outputting 277 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Paired with a slick-shifting 8-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, this powertrain provides immediate throttle response when accelerating onto busy highways or passing slow-moving traffic.
For drivers prioritizing fuel economy on daily 20-mile commutes, the Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid pairs a 1.6L turbocharged engine with an integrated electric motor. This hybrid setup generates 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 37 city / 36 highway / 36 combined MPG, offering a calculated range of 637 miles on its 17.7-gallon fuel tank. Adding all-wheel drive adjusts efficiency to a still-impressive 35 city / 34 highway / 34 combined MPG and a 566-mile range. By comparison, the non-hybrid Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5 FWD achieves 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG (425-mile range), while the AWD variant gets 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG (407-mile range).
The Honda Passport relies on a traditional 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic. Pushing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Passport has a slight 8-hp edge over the turbo Santa Fe, but surrenders a substantial 49 lb-ft of torque to Hyundai’s 2.5L engine. The Passport offers a 5,000-lb towing capacity compared to the Santa Fe Calligraphy's 3,500-lb max trailer weight (2,000 lbs for Santa Fe Hybrid), but its lack of an available hybrid powertrain makes it significantly more expensive to run during daily driving.
Santa Fe models equipped with Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system feature active torque control, continuously monitoring traction to distribute power between the front and rear axles for unwavering stability on slippery roads.
Bronze 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV parked on an open road in a desert landscape at sunset.

Tech Features That Enhance Commutes and Family Connectivity

Modern SUV cabins serve as mobile command centers for busy families, making intuitive infotainment software essential. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy features a dramatic curved panoramic display integrating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display. This setup includes standard 3D navigation with 36 months of map updates, voice recognition, SiriusXM satellite radio (with a 3-month trial), and an embedded SIM card providing Wi-Fi hotspot capability (3 GB/3 months included).
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard across the Santa Fe lineup, eliminating messy cords on the center console. Front passengers benefit from a dual wireless charging pad setup, allowing two smartphones to charge simultaneously. Audio is handled by a standard 12-speaker Bose® premium sound system complete with a subwoofer and surround sound processing for crystal-clear music reproduction.
Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 technology uses ultra-wideband mobile phone connectivity to turn your compatible smartphone into a vehicle key. Drivers can lock, unlock, and start their vehicle without taking their phone out of their pocket, and even share digital keys securely with family members via text message. The Santa Fe Calligraphy also includes a Biometric Fingerprint Reader on the dashboard to load custom driver profiles and start the engine with a touch.
Remote vehicle management is powered by Hyundai Blue Link® telematics, offering 999 months (lifetime) of complimentary remote services. Through the smartphone app, owners can remotely start the engine, set cabin climate control temperatures, turn on seat heating or ventilation, check vehicle diagnostics, and set up geofencing or speed alerts for teen drivers. Over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities ensure the vehicle’s systems remain up to date without requiring dealer visits.
View from inside a modern car facing the dashboard, white steering wheel, digital displays, and windshield.
Driver seat view of a black Hyundai car interior featuring a touchscreen infotainment system and leather steering wheel.

Safety Systems Designed for Busy Streets and Outdoor Adventures

Protecting your loved ones is paramount, and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe sets high standards for active driver-assist technology and crashworthiness. Standard safety equipment includes 9 airbags: dual front airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and full-length side curtain airbags extending protection across all three seating rows. The Santa Fe earned top safety accolades, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and NHTSA 5-Star overall crash test ratings.
Hyundai’s SmartSense suite provides driver-assist features that actively intervene to prevent accidents. Standard systems include:
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning: Monitors vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists ahead, applying automatic emergency braking if a collision threat is detected while driving straight or making left turns at intersections.
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA): Scans adjacent lanes and can actively brake the outer wheels to pull the SUV back into its lane if you attempt to change lanes when a vehicle is hidden in your blind spot.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): Warns of approaching cross-traffic when backing out of parking spaces or driveways and automatically applies the brakes if necessary.
  • Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Active Lane Control: Provides gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered within lane markings on local streets and highways.
  • Surround View Monitor & Parking Distance Warning: Uses front, rear, and side cameras to generate a 360-degree top-down 3D view of the SUV, paired with front and rear parking sensors to make tight parking maneuvers stress-free.
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA): Allows the driver to park or extract the Santa Fe from narrow garage stalls or parking spaces remotely using the Proximity Key fob while standing outside the vehicle.
Additional standard peace-of-mind technologies include Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) with stop-and-go functionality, Highway Driving Assist 2 (Level 2 partial automation with automated lane-changing capability), Driver Attention Warning, and Car Exit Warning to prevent passengers from stepping out into approaching traffic.

Warranty, Maintenance, and Local Service Support

Long-term owner satisfaction depends heavily on manufacturer warranty backing and accessible routine service. Every 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe sold comes backed by America’s Best Warranty:
  • 10-Year / 100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty: Covers major engine, transmission, and transaxle components for the original owner.
  • 5-Year / 60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty: Comprehensive bumper-to-bumper protection against factory defects.
  • 5-Year / Unlimited-Mile Roadside Assistance: Includes 24/7 emergency roadside coverage for tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery, and towing to authorized service centers.
  • 10-Year / 100,000-Mile Hybrid Battery Warranty: Standard coverage on Calligraphy Hybrid models protecting high-voltage lithium-ion battery components.
By comparison, the 2026 Honda Passport includes a standard 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, offering significantly less coverage duration and mileage protection over time.
Keeping your Hyundai operating in peak condition is easy with factory-trained technicians using genuine OEM replacement parts. You can quickly schedule service appointments online through our online service scheduler. If you are exploring various vehicle options, shoppers can also check out our select inventory of certified pre-owned vehicles that undergo rigorous multi-point safety inspections.
If your vehicle ever encounters an unexpected roadside issue, Hyundai Roadside Assistance at (800) 243-7766 provides 24/7 manufacturer-backed emergency support to get you back on the road safely.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy and range by trim

Specification

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe

2026 Honda Passport

MPG

20 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined

19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined

Common Buyer Questions Comparing the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2026 Honda Passport

Q: Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe larger inside than the 2026 Honda Passport?

A: The Hyundai Santa Fe offers more total interior volume (152 cu ft / 4,304 liters) and includes standard three-row seating for six passengers across 3 rows, whereas the Honda Passport is strictly a two-row, five-passenger SUV. However, because the Passport omits a third row entirely, it offers more cargo volume behind its second row (about 44 cu ft vs the Santa Fe’s about 15 cu ft behind the third row). When the Santa Fe's rear rows are folded flat, cargo space expands to a generous about 80 cu ft.

Q: Which SUV gets better fuel economy for daily commuting?

A: The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid is vastly more fuel-efficient, achieving an EPA-estimated 37 city / 36 highway / 36 combined MPG in FWD (35/34/34 MPG in AWD), with a maximum cruising range of up to 637 miles on a single tank. The non-hybrid Santa Fe 2.5L turbo achieves 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG. The V6-powered Honda Passport delivers lower fuel economy numbers typical of non-hybrid naturally aspirated V6 engines, making the Santa Fe Hybrid the clear financial winner for daily commuting.

Q: Does the 2026 Honda Passport tow more than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe?

A: Yes, the 2026 Honda Passport has a higher maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5L turbo has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, while the Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid is rated for 2,000 lbs of towing. If your family regularly hauls heavy boats or travel trailers over 3,500 lbs, the Passport holds a capability advantage, though the Santa Fe easily handles light utility trailers, jet skis, and pop-up campers.

Q: How do the manufacturer warranties compare between Hyundai and Honda?

A: Hyundai offers significantly better warranty coverage. The Santa Fe comes standard with a 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, a 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and 5 Years of Unlimited-Mile Roadside Assistance. Honda provides a shorter 5-Year/60,000-Mile powertrain warranty and a 3-Year/36,000-Mile limited warranty. Hyundai’s coverage lasts nearly twice as long, giving long-term owners substantially better financial protection.

Q: Where can I test drive the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe near me?

A: You can test drive the full lineup of 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe models right here at Great Lakes Hyundai of Dublin. If you are driving over to see us, our showroom is located at 2441 Billingsley Rd, Columbus, OH 43235. You can easily view our current selection of new Hyundai Santa Fe inventory online or give our friendly sales team (614) 782-1029 a quick call today to set up your personal test drive! At Great Lakes Hyundai of Dublin, the savings are SO good—visit us today and find your perfect family SUV!

Prices and MSRP referenced in this article are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell. See dealer for complete details. Fuel economy estimates shown may differ from official EPA ratings and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of actual vehicle performance.