2027 Hyundai Santa Fe Review in Pharr, TX

Three-Row Hyundai SUV: 2027 Santa Fe Review

Some days call for extra passengers. Others call for folded seats and room for everything that would not fit in the trunk. The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe is built around that changing balance, combining three-row seating with a versatile cargo area and distinctive, squared-off styling. This Hyundai midsize SUV offers six- or seven-passenger configurations, depending on trim and seating arrangement.

The gasoline lineup includes SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy models. Each uses the same 277-horsepower turbocharged engine, so choosing a trim is largely about passenger layout, comfort, technology, and recreational capability. The XRT adds an outdoors-oriented equipment package, while the Limited and Calligraphy emphasize cabin amenities.

For shoppers exploring the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe in Pharr, TX, Charlie Clark Hyundai of Pharr is a starting point for comparing those choices. This guide focuses on the gasoline models; the Santa Fe Hybrid offers a separate powertrain alternative.

Interior Flexibility for People and Changing Plans

Start with how many seats you need. The SE, SEL, and XRT seat seven with a second-row bench. The Limited includes second-row captain’s chairs for six-passenger seating, with a seven-passenger bench configuration available. The Calligraphy seats six with captain’s chairs. That distinction matters if an additional seat is more useful to your household than individual second-row seating.

Gasoline models provide 44.4 inches of front legroom, 42.3 inches in the second row, and 30.0 inches in the third row. Bring your regular passengers when comparing layouts, particularly if the third row will see frequent use.

Cargo capacity changes with the seating arrangement in use:

• Behind the third row: 14.6 cubic feet with all three rows upright
• Behind the second row: 40.5 cubic feet with the third row folded
• Behind the front seats: Up to 79.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded

Every trim includes a 50/50 folding third row, underfloor cargo storage, and remote releases for folding the second-row seats. A two-level center console with bidirectional opening gives the shared cabin another practical storage point. LATCH lower anchors and upper tether anchors are standard for compatible child-seat installation.

Materials progress from YES Essentials® stain-resistant cloth in the SE to H-Tex® trimmed seats in the SEL and XRT, leather-trimmed seats in the Limited, and Nappa leather-trimmed seats in the Calligraphy. Heated front seats and an eight-way power driver’s seat start with the SEL. The Limited and Calligraphy add ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, driver-seat memory, and a heated steering wheel. The Calligraphy also includes a Driver Relaxation Seat with a one-touch setting.

For Pharr routines, compare climate equipment as carefully as upholstery. Second-row air vents are standard, while third-row vents and dual automatic temperature control start with the SEL on gasoline models. The Limited and Calligraphy add rear side-window sunshades.

Exterior Design That Pairs Presence with Practicality

The Santa Fe’s upright profile gives it a distinct appearance, but everyday details matter just as much as its shape. Every trim includes LED projector headlights with LED accents, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, LED taillights, and heated outside mirrors. A hands-free Smart Liftgate with automatic opening and an adjustable height setting is also standard throughout the lineup.

The body measures 190.2 inches long and 74.8 inches wide, with a 110.8-inch wheelbase. Use those figures when comparing parking space and garage fit, leaving additional room for door access and the open liftgate.

Wheel and roof equipment help separate the trims. The SE and SEL use 18-inch alloy wheels. The XRT pairs its own 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, the Limited moves to 20-inch alloys, and the gasoline Calligraphy has 21-inch alloys. Black roof rails start with the SEL. The XRT includes a conventional sunroof, while the Limited and Calligraphy feature a dual-pane sunroof.

The XRT also adopts gloss-black outside mirrors and darker exterior detailing. On the Limited and Calligraphy, power-folding mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers add convenience. Acoustic laminated glass at the windshield and front side windows comes on every trim to help limit outside noise.

Turbocharged Performance with an XRT Alternative

Every gasoline Santa Fe uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission, shift-by-wire controls, and SHIFTRONIC® paddle shifters are standard. Regular unleaded gasoline is recommended.

Front-wheel drive is standard on the SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy, with HTRAC AWD available. The XRT is AWD only. All models use a MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent multilink rear suspension, along with standard hillstart assist and downhill brake control.

The XRT is worth a closer look when your plans include gravel access roads or recreational equipment. It provides 8.3 inches of minimum ground clearance, compared with 7.0 inches on the other gasoline trims, and adds Sand and Mud terrain settings. Its all-terrain tires and additional clearance support a different set of priorities without making it a specialized off-road vehicle.

Towing limits depend on configuration and equipment:

• SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy gasoline models: Up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with trailer brakes
• XRT: Up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped with trailer brakes
• Without trailer brakes: Maximum trailer weight is 1,650 pounds

Trailer pre-wiring and Trailer Sway Control are standard, but they do not replace the required towing equipment or load checks. Match the specific vehicle, trailer, passengers, and cargo to all applicable limits before towing.

Technology That Connects All Three Rows

Every Santa Fe includes a 12.3-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. The SE and SEL use a display-audio system, while the XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy add onboard navigation. Four USB charging ports come on the SE; the SEL and higher trims add two third-row ports for six total.

Five notable technology features highlight the available choices:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster: Included on the Limited and Calligraphy alongside the center touchscreen
• Wireless phone charging: A single charger comes on the SEL; dual chargers come on the XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy for supported devices
• Bose® premium audio: A 12-speaker system is included on the Limited and Calligraphy
• Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium: Included on the XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy; confirm compatible-device requirements
• Head-up display: Included on the Calligraphy, placing selected information in the driver’s forward view

Bluelink® Connected Car System and over-the-air updating capability are standard throughout the lineup. Review activation and service requirements when comparing connected features. Proximity key entry, push-button start, and remote engine start also come standard, so basic daily convenience does not depend on choosing an upper trim.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Santa Fe provides a broad standard foundation of driver-assistance equipment. Every trim includes Lane Following Assist 2, Driver Attention Warning, a rearview monitor with parking guidance, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. The XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy use a navigation-based version of Smart Cruise Control.

Five notable standard safety and driver-assistance features are:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Includes pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection
• Blind-spot collision warning: Provides warning support across the lineup; the Calligraphy also includes Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: Adds assistance in certain reversing situations involving crossing traffic
• Lane Keeping Assist: Provides steering assistance under certain conditions near lane boundaries.
• Safe Exit Assist: Offers assistance during the transition from driving to leaving the vehicle

Rear Occupant Alert is door-logic based on the SE and SEL. The XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy use Advanced Rear Occupant Alert with radar sensing and Bluelink integration. Always check the rear seats yourself before leaving the vehicle.

For additional maneuvering support, the Limited and Calligraphy include a Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Their Parking Distance Warning covers the front, sides, and rear; the SE, SEL, and XRT have front and reverse coverage. Highway Driving Assist comes on the XRT and Limited, while the Calligraphy includes Highway Driving Assist 2.

Find Your 2027 Santa Fe Fit in Pharr, TX

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe offers more than one approach to three-row travel. Choose seven-passenger flexibility in the SE, SEL, or XRT, compare the Limited’s seating configurations, or consider the Calligraphy’s six-passenger cabin and additional amenities. The XRT adds a separate reason to compare trims through its AWD equipment, ground clearance, and properly equipped towing capability.

Contact Charlie Clark Hyundai of Pharr to explore the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe in Pharr, TX. Ask about current availability, compare seating layouts with your regular passengers, and review the equipment that matters most to your commute and weekend plans. Arrange a test drive to bring the specifications into focus.

*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.