Hyundai Santa Fe is One of the Cheapest Three-Row Hybrid SUVs to Lease this May

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid in a Nutshell

As crossovers began to gain traction, Hyundai entered the market with its Santa Fe. Introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, it started out as a compact model with just two rows of seats. It was larger than most of its competitors, but undercut a good chunk of them. The value-oriented package proved successful for Hyundai, and 25 years later, it's now one of the brand's biggest sellers.

The Santa Fe is now in its fifth generation, and true to tradition, it looks completely different from its predecessor. Making its world premiere in mid-2023, it adopts a boxy exterior that prioritizes function over form. It also moved further upmarket, but retains a strong value proposition. The hybrid version also received a host of improvements for even better efficiency. For 2026, it gets some equipment updates, although it's largely carried over from before.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Lease Deals for May

As always, Hyundai has lease deals for all trims of the Santa Fe Hybrid, so there's a model for every need and budget. All carry a due-at-signing price of $3,999, and rates start at just $379 for 36 months on the SE FWD. Go for the AWD model, and that's bumped up to $409 per month. SEL models are $419 per month, and FWD and AWD models are $ 449 per month.

Moving up to the Limited, the FWD can be leased for $529 per month, and the AWD is $559 per month. As for the top-spec Calligraphy, monthly rates are $569 for FWD and $599 for AWD. Mileage is limited to 10,000 per year, regardless of the trim chosen, and exceeding that limit incurs an additional $0.20 per mile. These offers are valid until June 1, 2026.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Highlights

There are four main trims available for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, all of which can be specified with FWD or AWD. These trims are SE (new for 2026), SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy, with prices ranging from $36,400 for the two-wheel-drive SE to $52,600 for the all-wheel-drive Calligraphy. All get advanced driver assists, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluelink+, an electronic gear selector, heated mirrors, a hands-free tailgate, and front and rear parking sensors.

SEL models add wireless charging, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium, leatherette seats, and front seat heaters. Limited versions get an upgraded digital driver's display, dual wireless charging pads, a Bose audio system, second-row captain's chairs, first- and second-row seat heaters, ventilated front seats, dual sunroofs, rear window shades, a surround-view monitor, and a blind-spot view monitor. Go for the Calligraphy, and that one gets quilted Nappa leather, heated steering wheel, relaxation mode, digital rear-view mirror, and more.

All Santa Fe Hybrid models use a 1.6-liter turbo mated to a single motor. Total output is rated at 231 hp and 271 lb-ft, and it's the same for both FWD and AWD versions.

Final Thoughts

You may not like the looks, but the value proposition is hard to ignore. As far as three-row crossovers go, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a solid choice. But the Hyundai offers more than just an attractive price tag. For starters, there is the excellent fuel economy that has actual benefit for the owners, along with its practicality and interior flexibility. Sure, the Palisade is bigger and more upmarket, but we say check out the Santa Fe Hybrid first. It might be the only three-row crossover you'll ever need.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.

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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 7:20 AM.