Hyundai of Kirkland outlines 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe trim hierarchy

Navigating the evolving landscape of midsize SUVs requires looking closely at how automakers structure their lineups between everyday utility and high-end luxury. Hyundai of Kirkland has outlined the full trim hierarchy for the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe, detailing a lineup that spans five distinct gas-powered configurations and four hybrid models built to balance efficiency, cargo room, and tech integration.

Gas Engines Offer Power While Hybrids Prioritize Fuel Economy

Car buyers shopping across the Pacific Northwest are met with a fundamental choice right at the starting line. Gas-powered models rely on a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine cranking out 277 horsepower, delivering strong acceleration for freeway merges around the Seattle and Bellevue corridors. Meanwhile, the hybrid variants dial back the raw output to 231 combined horsepower, prioritizing fuel economy with an EPA rating of up to 36 MPG combined when paired with front-wheel drive.

Those performance figures establish the baseline across the roster, but the real divergence happens when you step inside the cabin and look at how features are distributed across trims.

Trim Level	Powertrain Options	Horsepower	Key Differentiator
SE	Gas or Hybrid	277 (Gas) / 231 (Hybrid)	12.3-inch touchscreen, hands-free smart liftgate
SEL	Gas or Hybrid	277 (Gas) / 231 (Hybrid)	H-Tex leatherette seats, heated front row, wireless charger
XRT	Gas Only	277	Standard HTRAC AWD, 1.3 inches extra ground clearance, 4,500-lb towing
Limited	Gas or Hybrid	277 (Gas) / 231 (Hybrid)	Remote Smart Parking Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor
Calligraphy	Gas or Hybrid	277 (Gas) / 231 (Hybrid)	Nappa leather, driver relaxation seat, 21-inch wheels (Gas)

From Essential Utility to Rugged Capability

The entry-level SE keeps things functional with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluelink+ connectivity, and a hands-free smart liftgate. Stepping up to the SEL introduces everyday comforts like H-Tex leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a wireless phone charger designed to eliminate cabin clutter.

For drivers facing unpaved logging roads or slick winter weather in Washington, the XRT carves out a distinct niche. It stands apart as a gas-only model featuring standard HTRAC all-wheel drive, 18-inch dark alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber, and an additional 1.3 inches of ground clearance. It also bumps towing capacity up to 4,500 pounds, making it the choice for hauling recreational gear.

Limited and Calligraphy Trims Add High-End Tech and Materials

At the upper end of the lineup, the Limited trim introduces sophisticated driver aids. It equips the SUV with Remote Smart Parking Assist—allowing operators to maneuver the vehicle into tight spaces from outside using a key fob—alongside a Blind-Spot View Monitor that projects live camera feeds directly into the digital instrument cluster.

Topping the hierarchy, the Calligraphy trim leans heavily into premium materials. It outfits the interior with Nappa leather seating, a specialized driver’s seat relaxation function, and massive 21-inch alloy wheels on gas variants, or 20-inch wheels on hybrid configurations.

Every single Santa Fe model rolls off the assembly line with a core suite of advanced safety features, including Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Safe Exit Assist.

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