Driven. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Hybrid
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
Hyundai’s Santa Fe has been a hit amongst the motoring media over the years. It’s no surprise then, that it’s been just as popular amongst buyers looking for a mid-to-large SUV for the family.
The Calligraphy is the top of the food chain for the nameplate, and it comes packed to the brim with luxury and features.
Outside, the metallic Ocado Green highlights the various lines and angles that make up the design of the Santa Fe. It's best observed in the sun, where the dark hue takes on a far more vibrant pop, almost like an olive green. It’s up against gloss black highlights everywhere including the 20-inch wheels.
Green really seems to be in fashion currently, but if it’s not your thing, there are another 6 options to choose from.
I’ve always felt the Santa Fe’s design to be a little busy – it doesn’t really speak to cohesion in my eyes.
The issue isn’t up front, where an upright grille and LED-headlight arrangement is neatly organised, almost handsome even. The boxiness continues down the side, with slabbed side and enormous glasshouse.
It’s up the back where things get well, interesting. I’m not sure if it’s the overly low position of the taillights, or the extra panel work between them and the windshield; but the rear end of this vehicle just feels, weird.
Stepping inside reveals a spacious interior. It's finished in “Black Ink”, the most conservative of 3 colour schemes available. Quilted Nappa leather covers the drivers' chair which has a myriad of electric adjustment along with heating and ventilation.
Up ahead, the chunky steering wheel is nice to hold, with a range of easily manipulable buttons. Behind it sits a 12.3-inch screen for driver vitals, which is supplemented by a large colour Head Up Display.
A second 12.3-inch infotainment screen extends from the driver unit, forming a large, curved ensemble. Clear and vibrant, it really becomes the centrepiece of the dashboard. The operating system is easy to use, with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. Tunes are through a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
Overall, it’s a relatively spartan and futuristic cockpit, but a range of functional buttons remain for the main functions such as air-conditioning.
Being a 7-seat arrangement brings two rows behind the driver and passenger seats. It’s spacious enough for two adults in the second row, or three at a pinch, but the third row is a child-only affair.
Back there you get your own sunroof, which is a novel way to allow more light in, with the benefit of keeping it closed if you have a child trying to sleep.
Whilst in that second row, you get a separate air-conditioning zone, along with charging in the form of a couple of USBC ports.
It’s a pleasant space to be, with amply light and great visibility through the large glasshouse.
Storage is also a strong point, with various cubbies and pockets, along with multiple cup holders – a moot point until you realise each back door has two!
Rounding things out is 413 litres of luggage space accessed through the electric tailgate. That can be extended out to 628 litres with the third row down.
It’s when you first lift that tailgate that the external design goes from madness to method. That’s because the boot floor lines up with the taillights of the Santa Fe Calligraphy, making for a very low and easy floor to access.
This is a tremendous benefit for loading up. My mind went back about 10 years when loading prams and various newborn-related ancilliaries was a thing in our household.
It’s also an unoffensive thing to drive. That is of course once you get used to the fact that the gear selector is on the lower right of the steering column. A glance at the traditional spot for a gear selector reveals twin wireless charging pads, weird.
Propulsion is provided by a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol, which is mated to a 47.7Kw electric motor that feeds from a 1.42Kw battery pack. I must admit, I needed to read those details twice; I simply couldn’t believe the displacement of the petrol engine deployed.
The scepticism stemmed from the fact that this hybrid combination moves the Santa Fe’s 1990 kilo chassis far too easily. To be clear, you’re not winning any traffic light races, nor is it going to excite in any capacity. Despite the fact, it just goes about its business with minimal fuss.
The instant power from the electric motor becomes a duet with the engine is called upon. It’s not a particularly enjoyable song unfortunately, but you rarely need to push if you’re driving within the intention of the vehicle.
It’s in these conditions where the Santa Fe Calligraphy is quiet and refined. Drive is provided through a 6-speed convertor box, which on paper felt archaic.
Ultimately though, the ratios are well stacked, and shifts are both decisive and imperceivable.
A week of urban driving saw fuel economy land at a commendable 6.5L/100km. That’s shy of Hyundai’s claimed 5.6L/100km, but still allows for just under 800km of crusing range.
The ride is a prudent blend of control and comfort; able to provide response and sharpness, or stay as smooth as possible if thats the preference.
So, what does this Nappa leather lined, dual pane sunroofed, Bose sound system playing, phone sterilising 7-seat SUV cost?
This is where the lack of any real driving enjoyment becomes palatable; because you could have the 7-seat 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy hybrid for $80,990 drive away.
Some will baulk at the idea of a Hyundai with such a sticker price. Frankly, I’m still reeling from the Palisade Calligraphy’s entry fee.
But just as I concluded with that model, the Santa Fe Calligraphy provides a lot for the coin.
Don’t mistake that for a “bargain basement” type analogy, because it’s well engineered and built, with a healthy dollop of luxury to boot.
I guess I’ve figured out why it’s had so much praise over the years.
Like – Feature list, Comfort level inside
Dislike – polarising rear end design, soulless to drive, that gear selector!
Car Guy Rating – 7.5
Ultimately, the Santa Fe is a fantastic family car. I would have absolutely no issue recommending it to anyone looking for a well-built, frugal and feature packed mid-to-large SUV. Where this car fell over for me was the lack of soul. I’ve learnt that hybrids can be fun. This one wasn’t, nor is it meant to be. Would Not Buy
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