2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Telluride: Three-Row SUV Comparison
Two of the most talked-about three-row SUVs come at family hauling from different angles. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder, a lower entry price, and a confirmed top-tier safety rating with a right-sized footprint. The Kia Telluride — now in its redesigned second generation — counters with more length, more towing, and an available eight-seat layout. Here’s how they compare on the specs that matter to families across Ontario, Fontana, Corona, Rancho Cucamonga, and Eastvale.
A note on model years: Kia did not produce a 2026 Telluride. The lineup moved from the 2025 model directly to the fully redesigned next generation, so the current Telluride a Santa Fe shopper cross-shops today is the new turbocharged model. The figures below reflect that current Telluride.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy
Both SUVs now run turbocharged four-cylinders, but they’re tuned differently. For 2026, Hyundai replaced the Santa Fe’s previous dual-clutch automatic with a conventional torque-converter eight-speed, which smooths out low-speed shifts in stop-and-go driving. Front-wheel drive is standard, with HTRAC all-wheel drive available on most trims and standard on the off-road XRT.
The current Telluride pairs its turbo engine with all-wheel drive standard on its upper trims. Where it pulls clearly ahead of the Santa Fe is hybrid output: its available turbo-hybrid steps well beyond what the Santa Fe Hybrid delivers. The table below lays out the figures.
Engine & Drivetrain
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Engine | 2.5L Turbo I4 | 2.5L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower / Torque | 277 hp / 311 lb-ft | 274 hp / 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Hybrid Option | 1.6L Turbo Hybrid, 231 hp | 2.5L Turbo Hybrid, 329 hp |
| Standard Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available; standard on XRT) | FWD (AWD available; standard on SX-Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro) |
On efficiency, the gas Santa Fe holds an edge over the gas Telluride. The Telluride answers back with its hybrid, which leads on combined fuel economy. The off-road Santa Fe XRT trades some efficiency for its all-terrain hardware.
Fuel Economy
| Configuration | 2026 Santa Fe (EPA-Estimated) | Kia Telluride (EPA-Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Gas, FWD | 20 / 29 / 24 MPG | 20 / 26 / 22 MPG |
| Gas, AWD | 20 / 28 / 23 MPG | 18 / 24 / 20 MPG |
| Off-Road Trim | 19 / 25 / 21 MPG (XRT) | 18 / 24 / 20 MPG (X-Pro, AWD) |
| Hybrid | 36 comb. FWD / 34 AWD | 35 comb. FWD / 31 AWD |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Space, Seating, and Cargo
This is where the size difference shows. The Santa Fe measures 190.2 inches long on a footprint Hyundai tuned to maximize interior room while staying easy to park. It seats up to seven with a second-row bench; the Limited offers a no-cost seven-passenger bench option, while the Limited and Calligraphy come standard with six-passenger second-row captain’s chairs. Cargo room runs 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.5 behind the second, and 79.6 with both rows folded.
The redesigned Telluride is the larger vehicle, stretched to 199.2 inches in length on a 116.9-inch wheelbase, with seating for up to eight when equipped with a second-row bench (or seven with captain’s chairs). That extra length translates into more passenger and cargo space, as the dimensions table shows.
Dimensions & Capacity
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.2 in | 199.2 in |
| Width | 74.8 in | 78.3 in |
| Height | 69.7 in | 69.5–71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in | 116.9 in |
| Max Seating | 7 | 8 |
| Max Cargo | 79.6 cu ft | 89.3 cu ft |
| Ground Clearance | 7.0 in (8.3 in XRT) | 7.4 in (9.1 in X-Pro) |
If your priority is the most third-row and cargo room, the Telluride’s larger body is the practical pick. If you want three-row versatility in a vehicle that’s easier to maneuver and park around town, the Santa Fe’s tighter footprint is an advantage.
Technology and Infotainment
Both SUVs center the cabin on dual 12.3-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so the baseline experience is similar. The Santa Fe’s tech scales up as you climb trims, with the richest features reserved for the Limited and Calligraphy.
The Telluride matches the dual-screen layout and leans on an available premium Meridian audio system and connectivity across all three rows. The table below compares the two point by point.
Technology Features
| Feature | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Center Touchscreen | 12.3-inch standard | 12.3-inch standard |
| Digital Cluster | 4.2-in (SE/SEL); 12.3-in (Limited/Calligraphy) | 12.3-inch |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless standard | Wireless standard |
| Premium Audio | 12-speaker Bose (Limited/Calligraphy) | 14-speaker Meridian (available) |
| Head-Up Display | 12-in (standard on Calligraphy) | 12-in (upper trims) |
| Wireless Charging | Dual pads (XRT/Limited/Calligraphy) | Dual pads (standard) |
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2026 Santa Fe earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating for 2026, and a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go are standard on every trim, including the base SE — part of Hyundai’s SmartSense suite that became more comprehensive across the line for 2026.
The redesigned Telluride was engineered with an enhanced body structure and ten airbags, including a front-center airbag, and Kia targets a Top Safety Pick+ rating with it; the previous-generation Telluride held both IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ and NHTSA 5-star honors. Final IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the newest Telluride were still pending at the time of writing. Both SUVs offer comprehensive driver-assistance suites — Hyundai SmartSense and Kia Drive Wise — with adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and collision avoidance.
Safety Ratings & Driver Assistance
| Rating / Feature | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS | 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ | Engineered to target TSP+ (final rating pending) |
| NHTSA Overall | 5 stars | Pending (prior generation: 5 stars) |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise w/ Stop & Go | Standard | Standard |
Pricing and Warranty
The clearest separation is at the bottom of the price ladder: the Santa Fe opens several thousand dollars below the Telluride, making it the more accessible entry into a three-row SUV.
2026 Santa Fe Pricing (MSRP)
| Trim | MSRP |
|---|---|
| SE | $36,650 |
| SEL | $39,190 |
| XRT | $43,640 |
| Limited | $46,200 |
| Calligraphy | $49,200 |
Kia Telluride Pricing (MSRP)
| Trim | MSRP |
|---|---|
| LX (base) | $40,735 |
| Hybrid EX (base hybrid) | $48,035 |
| X-Pro SX-Prestige (top gas) | ~$58,335 |
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
On warranty, both brands lead the industry with matching headline coverage: 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain. Hyundai adds a longer corrosion warranty (7 years/unlimited miles vs. Kia’s 5 years/100,000 miles) and includes complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Warranty Coverage
| Coverage | Hyundai Santa Fe | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Powertrain | 10 yr / 100,000 mi | 10 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Corrosion | 7 yr / unlimited mi | 5 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Roadside | 5 yr / unlimited mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
The Verdict for Inland Empire Families
Both are excellent three-row SUVs, and the right answer depends on what you prioritize. Choose the Telluride if maximum size, an eighth seat, and the most cargo and towing top your list. Choose the 2026 Santa Fe if you want a confirmed 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ and NHTSA 5-star rating, a lower starting price, strong gas fuel economy, and a three-row SUV that’s easier to live with day to day — without giving up the tech, warranty, or family-friendly features that define the segment. For most local families weighing value, safety, and everyday usability, the Santa Fe makes the stronger case.
Ready to see it in person? Explore our 2026 Santa Fe inventory page, or browse the full lineup in our Hyundai research hub.
Pricing, specifications, and availability are subject to change and should be confirmed with the dealership. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a financial, tax, or legal offer or advice. Please contact Ontario Hyundai for current pricing and details.