Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Levels Explained: Which One Is Right for You?

The Hyundai Santa Fe comes in four trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Calligraphy. The SE is the practical entry point. The SEL adds the everyday comfort features most Anderson families actually use. The SEL Premium layers in a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a 360-degree camera. The Calligraphy is the flagship, with premium leather, a Bose sound system, a head-up display, and the most refined cabin in the lineup.

The Santa Fe is also available as a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, each with their own trim structure, covered in full below.

The team at Hyundai of Anderson put this guide together so families across Anderson County can compare every trim before they visit. Browse the new Hyundai Santa Fe for sale or keep reading for the full breakdown.

Trim	Best For	Starting MSRP	Signature Upgrade
SE	Entry value, budget-conscious buyers	[Insert live price]	Full SmartSense safety suite standard
SEL	Best everyday value	[Insert live price]	Heated seats, Digital Key, larger wheels
SEL Premium	Comfort and convenience	[Insert live price]	Panoramic sunroof, Surround View Monitor
Calligraphy	Flagship refinement	[Insert live price]	Premium leather, Head-Up Display, Bose audio

Ready to see all four side by side? Anderson drivers can compare every trim at our showroom on Pearman Dairy Rd. By Angus Hand, Product Specialist at Hyundai of Anderson

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in four trims: SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Calligraphy. The SE is the no-frills entry point. The SEL adds the everyday comfort features most families actually use. The SEL Premium layers in a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a 360-degree camera. The Calligraphy is the flagship, with premium leather, a digital cockpit, and the most refined cabin in the lineup.

The Santa Fe is also available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, each with their own trim structure, covered in detail below.

The team at Hyundai of Anderson put this guide together so Anderson County families can make a confident decision before they visit. Browse the new Hyundai Santa Fe for sale or read on for the full breakdown.

Trim	Best For	Starting MSRP	Key Upgrade
SE	Entry value, budget-conscious buyers	$37,000	Core safety and tech standard
SEL	Best everyday value	$42,000	Heated seats, Digital Key, larger wheels
SEL Premium	Comfort and convenience	$45,350	Panoramic sunroof, Surround View Monitor
Calligraphy	Flagship refinement	$50,445	Premium leather, Head-Up Display, Bose audio

Ready to see all four in person? Anderson drivers can compare every trim at our showroom on Pearman Dairy Rd.

The Hyundai Santa Fe trim lineup at a glance

The Santa Fe sits in the heart of the Hyundai SUV range, slotting above the Tucson and below the three-row Palisade. It is a two-row, five-passenger crossover built for families who want a genuinely spacious interior, real cargo room, and a full suite of safety technology without moving up to a larger vehicle.

Every Santa Fe trim comes standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite. That means forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, driver attention warning, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance are included no matter which trim you choose. The differences between trims are about comfort, technology, and refinement, not safety.

Available HTRAC all-wheel drive is on offer across the trim range, a practical consideration for Anderson County roads, especially during wet winters or day trips into the Blue Ridge foothills.

“The Santa Fe is one of those vehicles where the gap between trims is genuinely meaningful. There is a noticeable step from the SE to the SEL and another real step from the SEL to the SEL Premium. Buyers who drive all four back to back usually know immediately where they land.” Product Specialist, Hyundai of Anderson

See the full Hyundai SUV lineup or explore hybrid and electric options if fuel efficiency is your top priority.

The 2026 Santa Fe was redesigned with a bolder, boxier body, a more spacious interior, and a bigger tech and safety package across every trim. Hyundai moved to a cleaner four-trim structure for the gas model: SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Calligraphy, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants running a parallel lineup. The redesign also brought standard third-row seating availability back into conversation with this segment, though the Santa Fe itself remains a two-row SUV, sitting below the three-row Hyundai Palisade in the lineup.

Every 2026 Santa Fe comes standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, which means forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance are included regardless of which trim you choose. The differences between trims are about comfort, convenience, and refinement, not safety.

“The redesigned Santa Fe was a genuine step forward. The cabin feels a class above what it replaced, even on the base trim. Most buyers are surprised by how much you get on the SE before you even look at the upgrades.” Product Specialist, Hyundai of Anderson

Browse the full Hyundai SUV lineup or narrow your search to hybrid and electric options if efficiency is your priority.

Hyundai Santa Fe SE: the entry trim

The SE is where the Santa Fe lineup starts, and it covers considerably more ground than most entry trims. Hyundai built the SE to be genuinely equipped from day one, which means buyers stepping up from an older vehicle will notice the difference right away.

What the SE includes

• 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive standard
• Available HTRAC all-wheel drive
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Rear-view camera with parking guidance
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Full SmartSense safety suite including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
• Hyundai Bluelink connected services with remote start and remote lock
• America’s Best Warranty with 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle coverage and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection

Who the SE is best for

The SE suits buyers who want a safe, tech-equipped family SUV without paying for features they are unlikely to use. It is also a sensible long-term ownership choice, since the powertrain warranty coverage is identical across every trim.

If you are comparing a used Santa Fe from pre-owned inventory against a new SE, the current generation brings a redesigned platform with noticeably more cabin space and a more modern feature set.

Families in Homeland Park and Northlake looking for a reliable daily driver that handles school runs, errands, and weekend trips into the Upstate can schedule a test drive and put the SE through its paces.

The SE is where the Santa Fe lineup starts, and it covers more ground than most entry trims do. Hyundai loaded the 2026 SE with enough standard tech that buyers stepping up from older models will notice the difference immediately.

What the SE includes

• 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with standard front-wheel drive
• Available HTRAC all-wheel drive for Upstate SC weather and backroads
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Rear-view camera with parking guidance
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Full SmartSense safety suite: Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Driver Attention Warning
• Hyundai Bluelink connected services with remote start and remote lock
• America’s Best Warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage

Who the SE is best for

The SE is the right pick for buyers who want a capable, safe, well-equipped SUV without the price of a luxury-tier trim. It is also a strong foundation for buyers who plan to keep the Santa Fe long-term, because the powertrain warranty coverage applies regardless of trim.

If you are comparing a 2023 or 2024 Santa Fe from used inventory against a new 2026 SE, note that the 2026 redesign brings a fundamentally different platform, not just a refresh.

Families in Homeland Park and Northlake looking for an everyday SUV that handles school runs, grocery trips, and the occasional weekend on SC’s back roads can schedule a test drive and see the SE firsthand.

Hyundai Santa Fe SEL: the value sweet spot

The SEL is the trim most Anderson buyers settle on, and the reason is simple. The features it adds over the SE are the ones people reach for every single day.

What the SEL adds over the SE

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Heated front seats
• Hyundai Digital Key 2, so your smartphone works as your car key
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
• 10.25-inch center touchscreen, a meaningful upgrade from the SE’s 8-inch unit
• 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Wireless device charger
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Rear parking sensors
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents

Is the step from SE to SEL worth it?

For most buyers, yes. The SEL’s larger touchscreen, heated seats, and Digital Key are features that make a real difference during a daily commute or a weekend drive. The 20-inch wheels also upgrade the ride and the visual presence on the road.

For buyers weighing a new SEL against a certified pre-owned Hyundai from an earlier generation, the current redesign brought enough changes to the cabin and safety tech that the new SEL often makes more sense on a total-cost basis.

Drivers in Centerville and Sandy Springs making regular commutes on I-85 toward Anderson or Greenville will appreciate the SEL’s highway comfort. Check the latest new vehicle specials for active offers on the SEL.

The SEL is the trim most Anderson buyers land on, and the reason is straightforward: the features it adds over the SE are exactly the ones people actually use every day.

What the SEL adds over the SE

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Heated front seats
• Hyundai Digital Key 2 (use your smartphone as your car key)
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
• 10.25-inch center touchscreen (up from 8 inches)
• 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Wireless device charger
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Rear parking sensors
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents

SE vs SEL: is the step up worth it?

For most buyers, yes. The SEL’s 10.25-inch screen is a meaningful upgrade over the SE’s 8-inch unit, the heated seats matter during Upstate SC winters, and Digital Key is genuinely useful for families who shuttle keys between drivers. The bigger wheels also change the stance and the highway ride. If you are spending more than a few months with the Santa Fe, the SEL makes sense.

For buyers who are deciding between a 2026 SEL and a certified pre-owned Hyundai from a previous model year, it is worth noting that the 2026 redesign is substantial enough that a new SEL competes on features with the older Calligraphy.

Drivers in Centerville and Sandy Springs commuting toward Anderson or Greenville will find the SEL’s highway comfort a solid match for daily I-85 driving. See current new vehicle specials for the latest offers on the SEL.

Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Premium: comfort and confidence

The SEL Premium is where the Santa Fe moves from a well-equipped family crossover into genuinely comfortable territory. It is the right pick for buyers who want the SEL’s everyday practicality with a meaningful upgrade in convenience and cabin technology.

What the SEL Premium adds over the SEL

• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Memory system for driver’s seat and exterior mirrors
• 8-way power passenger seat
• 360-degree Surround View Monitor with front, side, and rear cameras
• Blind Spot View Monitor, which displays a live camera feed in the instrument cluster every time you signal a lane change
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Hands-free smart liftgate with auto-open
• Highway Driving Assist 2 with active lane centering and smart cruise control

The Surround View Monitor is the feature Anderson shoppers most often cite as the deciding factor when choosing the SEL Premium. Parking in tighter spots, reversing in a busy lot, or navigating marina parking before a trip to Lake Hartwell all become much less stressful with a live 360-degree view.

The panoramic sunroof matters too, particularly for the Upstate’s extended warm seasons. The cabin feels noticeably larger and brighter, which makes a difference on longer drives across Anderson County.

“The Blind Spot View Monitor sounds like a minor addition on paper. In practice, buyers who drive it once rarely want to go back. Seeing a live camera feed in the cluster on every lane change is one of those features that changes how you drive.”

Sales Consultant, Hyundai of Anderson

See the latest Hyundai incentives and offers to check whether the SEL Premium qualifies for active finance or lease programs.

The SEL Premium is where the Santa Fe moves from a well-equipped family SUV into genuinely comfortable territory. It is aimed at buyers who want the SEL’s practicality with a premium layer on top.

What the SEL Premium adds over the SEL

• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Memory system for driver’s seat and exterior mirrors
• 8-way power passenger seat (up from manual)
• 360-degree Surround View Monitor with front, side, and rear cameras
• Blind Spot View Monitor (live camera feed displayed in the instrument cluster on lane changes)
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Hands-free smart liftgate with auto-open
• Highway Driving Assist 2 with active lane centering and smart cruise control

The Surround View Monitor is the feature Anderson shoppers most often cite when choosing the SEL Premium over the SEL. Parking in tighter spots, backing a trailer, or navigating busy marina parking before a Lake Hartwell outing all become noticeably easier with the 360-degree camera view.

The panoramic sunroof is the other deciding factor, especially for the Upstate’s extended warm seasons. The cabin feels larger and brighter, which matters for long drives across Anderson County.

Product specialist note: the SEL Premium’s Blind Spot View Monitor is one of those features that sounds minor until you use it. It shows a live camera feed of your blind spot directly in the instrument cluster every time you signal. Once drivers have it, they rarely want to go back.

Sales team, Hyundai of Anderson

Check current Hyundai incentives and offers to see if the SEL Premium qualifies for any active finance or lease programs.

Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy: the flagship trim

The Calligraphy is the top of the Santa Fe range. It takes everything the SEL Premium offers and adds a level of refinement that puts it in genuine competition with luxury-badge crossovers costing several thousand dollars more.

What the Calligraphy adds over the SEL Premium

• Nappa leather seating throughout
• Quilted leather front seats
• Head-Up Display, projecting speed, navigation, and safety alerts onto the windscreen
• Bose premium audio system
• Remote Smart Parking Assist, so the Santa Fe can maneuver into or out of tight spaces with you outside the vehicle
• 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique Calligraphy design
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Unique Calligraphy grille and badging
• Hands-free trunk with kick sensor

Calligraphy vs SEL Premium: is the step up worth it?

Both trims have the panoramic sunroof, the 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and Highway Driving Assist 2. Where the Calligraphy separates itself is in the quality of the materials and the technology that frames your view. The Nappa leather, the Head-Up Display, and the Bose audio are the three things drivers notice most on a back-to-back comparison. If you spend long hours in your SUV and want the best-finished cabin in the lineup, the Calligraphy earns its price. If you are content with standard leather and do not need the HUD, the SEL Premium already delivers an excellent experience.

If you are also considering the three-row Palisade, our Palisade SEL vs Limited vs Calligraphy guide covers that decision in detail.

The Calligraphy is a popular pick with Pendleton and Clemson-area buyers who want a flagship-level interior without a luxury-brand sticker price. Use our Hyundai finance calculator to see what the Calligraphy looks like at your preferred term and down payment.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid trim levels

The Santa Fe Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid run a parallel trim structure to the gas model, giving efficiency-focused buyers access to the same comfort and tech upgrades at each step. The Hybrid comes in Blue, SEL, SEL Premium, and Calligraphy trims. The Plug-In Hybrid mirrors that structure, with the added ability to charge on a household outlet for a short all-electric range.

The Hybrid’s powertrain pairs a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering strong fuel economy without any change to how you refuel. The Plug-In Hybrid adds a larger battery and a charging port, giving it a meaningful electric-only range for short commutes before the hybrid system takes over for longer trips.

How Santa Fe Hybrid trims compare to gas trims

Feature for feature, the Hybrid SEL and SEL Premium match their gas counterparts closely. The Calligraphy Hybrid carries the same Nappa leather, HUD, and Bose audio as the gas version. The main differences are under the hood and in the fuel cost over time. If your daily driving involves a lot of city stops and starts, or if keeping fuel spend low matters for your budget, the Hybrid deserves a direct comparison.

For a deeper look at the efficiency and performance trade-offs between Hyundai’s hybrid and gas options, see our Palisade Hybrid vs Gas guide, which covers the same decision framework that applies across the Santa Fe lineup.

Browse current Santa Fe Hybrid inventory or explore the full range of hybrid and electric Hyundai vehicles to compare models side by side.

Drivers in Starr and La France who want to cut fuel costs on longer Anderson County commutes can value their current vehicle online and apply that equity toward a Santa Fe Hybrid.

Full Santa Fe trim comparison

Here is the complete side-by-side. Confirm current pricing with us before you decide, as starting MSRPs shift with model year updates and market conditions.

Feature	SE	SEL	SEL Premium	Calligraphy
Starting MSRP	[Insert live price]	[Insert live price]	[Insert live price]	[Insert live price]
Wheels	18-inch alloy	20-inch alloy	20-inch alloy	19-inch Calligraphy alloy
Touchscreen	8-inch	10.25-inch	10.25-inch	10.25-inch
Instrument cluster	Standard	12.3-inch digital	12.3-inch digital	12.3-inch digital
Heated front seats	No	Yes	Yes, ventilated	Yes, ventilated
Sunroof	No	No	Panoramic	Panoramic
Surround View Monitor	No	No	Yes (360°)	Yes (360°)
Audio	Standard	Standard	Standard	Bose premium
Head-Up Display	No	No	No	Yes
Remote Smart Parking	No	No	No	Yes
Seating	Cloth	H-Tex	Leather-trimmed	Nappa leather
Best for	Entry value	Everyday value	Comfort and convenience	Flagship refinement

How to choose your Santa Fe trim

• Choose the SE if you want a safe, fully connected SUV at the lowest entry price, and you are happy with cloth seating and a smaller touchscreen.
• Choose the SEL if you want heated seats, Digital Key, and a larger screen without stepping into luxury pricing. This is the best everyday value in the lineup.
• Choose the SEL Premium if you want the panoramic sunroof and the 360-degree camera. Those two features alone justify the step up for most Anderson buyers.
• Choose the Calligraphy if you want Nappa leather, the Head-Up Display, and Bose audio, and you plan to keep the Santa Fe for several years.

Towing, safety, and driving around Anderson County

The Santa Fe is rated to tow, making it a practical choice for buyers who occasionally pull a small trailer, a jet ski, or a camper to Lake Hartwell or the Blue Ridge. Every trim includes the trailer stability program and tow mode as standard features, and a factory tow hitch is available as a dealer-installed accessory.

The full SmartSense suite across every trim means Anderson County’s mix of highway driving on I-85, two-lane backroads toward Pendleton, and stop-and-go traffic near the Anderson Mall are all covered by active safety technology, regardless of budget.

Hyundai’s warranty is worth knowing before you decide. America’s Best Warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain. That applies to every trim, and it is transferable if you sell the vehicle within the coverage period.

“A lot of our Anderson County customers are surprised that the SE gets the same safety tech as the Calligraphy. Once they understand that, the decision usually becomes about which interior level they want to live with, and that is a much easier conversation.”

Sales Team, Hyundai of Anderson

Financing and buying your Santa Fe in Anderson, SC

Once you know which trim you want, our team can help make the numbers work.

Start with the Hyundai finance calculator to see an estimated monthly payment at different terms and down payments. Then check Hyundai incentives and current offers for any active programs on the Santa Fe. When you are ready, apply for financing online through our finance center before you visit, and our team will have options ready when you arrive.

Already have a vehicle to trade? Get a KBB Instant Cash Offer and put that equity toward your new Santa Fe.

One thing worth knowing: as of September 2026, Hyundai of Anderson no longer charges dealer fees or administration fees on any vehicle. That means the price you see is the price you pay, with no surprises at signing.

Searching for a Hyundai dealer near me across Anderson County? Our showroom on Pearman Dairy Rd is a short drive from every community in the area, from Homeland Park and Centerville to Sandy Springs and Pendleton.

Frequently asked questions about Hyundai Santa Fe trim levels

What trim levels does the Hyundai Santa Fe have?

The Hyundai Santa Fe comes in four trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Calligraphy. The Santa Fe Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid versions run a parallel lineup, with Blue, SEL, SEL Premium, and Calligraphy trims available.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe trim level is best?

For most buyers, the SEL offers the best combination of features and value. It adds heated seats, a larger touchscreen, Digital Key, and 20-inch wheels over the SE at a modest price increase. Buyers who want the panoramic sunroof and 360-degree camera will find the SEL Premium worth the step up, and those who want the best cabin in the lineup should consider the Calligraphy.

What does the Calligraphy trim add over the SEL Premium?

The Calligraphy adds Nappa leather seating, a Head-Up Display, a Bose premium audio system, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and 19-inch Calligraphy-design wheels. Both trims share the panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and Highway Driving Assist 2.

Is the Santa Fe Hybrid worth it over the gas version?

The Hybrid delivers stronger fuel economy in city and mixed driving, with no trade-off in everyday usability. If your commute involves a lot of stops and starts or shorter daily distances, the Hybrid’s efficiency advantage compounds over time. For highway-heavy driving, the gap is smaller. Our team can run a cost comparison for your specific driving pattern when you visit.

Do all Santa Fe trims have the same safety features?

Yes. Every Santa Fe trim includes the full SmartSense safety suite as standard: Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Driver Attention Warning are included on the SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Calligraphy.

Can the Santa Fe tow, and does it need a tow hitch?

Yes. The Santa Fe is rated to tow, and every trim includes a trailer stability program and tow mode. A factory tow hitch is available as a dealer-installed accessory. Confirm the specific tow rating for your chosen trim and configuration with our team.

What warranty does the Santa Fe come with?

Every new Santa Fe is covered by America’s Best Warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle coverage, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, and 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance. Coverage is the same regardless of which trim you purchase.

Where can I find a Hyundai Santa Fe near me in Anderson, SC?

Hyundai of Anderson is at 1925 Pearman Dairy Rd in Anderson, SC 29625, serving drivers across all of Anderson County. Browse current inventory online or contact us to check availability on a specific trim and color.

Find your Hyundai Santa Fe at Hyundai of Anderson

Whether the SE’s value, the SEL’s everyday comfort, the SEL Premium’s sunroof and camera tech, or the Calligraphy’s flagship cabin fits your needs, the best way to decide is to sit in all four and take at least two for a drive.

Our team at Hyundai of Anderson is ready to walk you through every trim, answer questions about the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid options, and help you find the right fit for your budget. We serve drivers from Anderson, Homeland Park, Northlake, Centerville, La France, Sandy Springs, Starr, and Pendleton, and we are easy to reach from any point in Anderson County.

Visit us at 1925 Pearman Dairy Rd, Anderson, SC 29625. Call our sales team at 864-642-0102, or contact us online to check trim availability, ask about current offers, or set up a test drive at a time that works for you.

Sales hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed Sunday.

Also worth reading: our Palisade SEL vs Limited vs Calligraphy comparison if you are weighing the Santa Fe against Hyundai’s three-row flagship.