2027 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels Explained near Irvine, CA
For shoppers researching a 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE near Irvine, CA, this three-row SUV stands out because it blends a confident square-shouldered design with practical space, useful technology, and a quiet, comfortable ride. Every gas-powered SANTA FE uses a Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual shift paddle shifters. The cabin supports daily family life with seating for up to seven, 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and up to 79.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. Standard driver assistance is strong, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and Safe Exit Assist. At Tustin Hyundai, we appreciate how the SANTA FE makes premium-feeling design feel approachable without losing focus on everyday usability.
| Trim Level | Focus | Seating | Technology | Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | Smart standard family utility | YES Essentials® cloth | 12.3-inch Display Audio | 18-inch alloys |
| SEL | Comfort-focused daily upgrade | H-Tex® seating | Wireless Phone Charging | 18-inch alloys |
| XRT | Rugged capability and towing | XRT black H-Tex® | Navigation with Wi-Fi hotspot | 18-inch All-Terrain |
| Limited | Premium comfort and visibility | Leather-Trimmed Seats | Bose premium audio | 20-inch alloys |
| Calligraphy | Upscale flagship experience | Nappa Leather seats | Head-up Display | 21-inch alloys |
2027 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Options
SE
YES Essentials® cloth seats · 12.3-inch touchscreen · Hands Free Smart LiftgateThe 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE SE makes a strong first impression because it does not feel stripped down. It gives shoppers the bold exterior shape, three-row seating, and turbocharged performance that define the lineup, while keeping the feature set practical and easy to live with. The standard 12.3-inch Display Audio system includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so everyday navigation, music, calls, and messages fit naturally into the drive. Family-focused details matter here, too: YES Essentials® stain-resistant cloth seats help the cabin stand up to kids, pets, sports gear, and coffee stops, while the 60/40 split fold-flat second row and 50/50 sinking/folding third row make the cargo area flexible. Standard LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, High Beam Assist, privacy glass, acoustic laminated windshield and front side glass, and a Hands Free Smart Liftgate with adjustable height setting give the SE a surprisingly complete feel. For online shoppers who want the SANTA FE’s design, safety, and space without moving deep into the trim ladder, the SE is a confident starting point.
SEL
H-Tex® seats · Heated front seats · Wireless Phone Charging · Third-row air ventsThe SEL is an especially well-rounded SANTA FE because it adds the comfort and convenience features many drivers use every day. H-Tex®-trimmed seats bring a clean, durable look to the cabin, and the driver benefits from an 8-way power seat with 2-way lumbar support. Heated front seats make early commutes more comfortable, while dual automatic temperature control with auto-defog helps passengers settle in without constant adjustments. Hyundai also upgrades the cabin’s charging and passenger support by adding Wireless Phone Charging, high-power USB charge ports for the third row, and third-row air vents. That matters in a three-row SUV because the back of the cabin should feel included, not like an afterthought. The SEL also brings side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, roof rails, Forward Attention Warning, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go in SCC 2 form. For shoppers comparing comfort, space, and technology, the SEL feels like the trim that turns the SANTA FE from a smart family SUV into a more polished daily companion.
XRT
HTRAC AWD · All-Terrain tires · 4,500-pound towing · Hyundai Digital Key 2 PremiumThe XRT gives the 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE a more adventurous personality while keeping the same useful three-row layout. It stands apart with standard HTRAC AWD, 18-inch alloy wheels with Continental All-Terrain tires, increased ground clearance of 8.3 inches, and unique exterior details such as a gloss black grille, black anodized badging, black outside mirrors, and matte metal black C-Pillar garnish with assist handle. The XRT is also the towing leader in the gas SANTA FE lineup, rated up to 4,500 pounds with trailer brakes. That extra capability is meaningful for shoppers who plan to tow a small trailer, carry outdoor equipment, or travel with a fuller cabin. Inside, XRT-exclusive black H-Tex® seats with embroidered detailing give the cabin a distinct identity. Technology also steps up with a 12.3-inch wide touchscreen with onboard Navigation, traffic flow and incident data via HD Radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Hyundai Pay, a 115-volt power outlet, Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium. The XRT is the trim for drivers who want more capability without giving up modern convenience.
Limited
Leather-Trimmed Seats · Bose 12-speaker audio · Surround View Monitor · Dual pane sunroof
The Limited moves the SANTA FE into a more upscale space with a thoughtful mix of comfort, visibility, and cabin refinement. Leather-Trimmed Seats give the interior a more premium feel, while ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an integrated memory system for the driver seat, and heated second-row seats make the cabin more accommodating for multiple drivers and passengers. The Limited is also where the SANTA FE’s technology becomes especially helpful in crowded parking lots and busy city driving. Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist - Reverse, Park Distance Warning - Forward, Side, and Reverse, and Remote Smart Parking Assist add confidence when maneuvering in tight spaces. Entertainment and convenience improve with Bose premium audio with 12 speakers, dual wireless charging, ambient lighting, an Auto-Dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®, rear side-window sunshades, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A dual pane sunroof adds openness to the first and second rows, and rain-sensing windshield wipers add another useful touch. For shoppers who want the SANTA FE to feel calm, upscale, and highly equipped, the Limited is compelling.
Calligraphy
Nappa Leather seats · Head-up Display · Highway Driving Assist 2 · 21-inch alloy wheels
The Calligraphy is the most premium expression of the 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE, aimed at shoppers who want a flagship-level feel in a practical three-row SUV. It builds on the Limited with Nappa Leather-Trimmed Seats, a microfiber headliner, a distinctive two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel, and second-row captain’s chairs for a six-passenger layout. The Calligraphy also includes a Driver Relaxation Seat with 1 touch setting, helping the front row feel more refined during pauses in the day. Technology reaches its highest point here with a windshield-type Head-up Display, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2, which adds confidence and convenience during longer freeway drives. Exterior details also help it stand apart, including 21-inch alloy wheels on gas models, hot stamping grille treatment, glossy black lower trim, Hyper Silver skid plate, and black anodized “H” logo and “Santa Fe” badging. Inside and out, the Calligraphy is designed for shoppers who want the SANTA FE’s cargo versatility and family function but prefer a richer cabin atmosphere and the most complete driver-assistance package in the lineup.
Which 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim is Best for Irvine Drivers?
For shoppers comparing a 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE near Irvine, CA, the best trim depends on how the SUV will be used around Orange County. Drivers commuting along I-405, Jamboree Road, or SR-55 may value Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, and a quiet cabin. Families moving between school, after-school activities, dining, and errands will likely focus on easy third-row access, flexible cargo space, rear air vents, and durable seating materials. Weekend plans toward the coast, local trailheads, or regional parks can make the XRT’s standard HTRAC AWD, added ground clearance, All-Terrain tires, and higher towing rating especially appealing. At Tustin Hyundai, our direct answer is that the SEL is the best overall fit for many Irvine-area households because it adds the comfort features shoppers tend to use daily while preserving the SANTA FE’s strong value story. Still, the lineup is broad enough to match several types of drivers well.
- Choose SE for essential three-row space, standard safety, and modern connectivity.
- Choose SEL for the strongest everyday mix of comfort, charging, ventilation, and convenience.
- Choose XRT for standard HTRAC AWD, added clearance, All-Terrain tires, and stronger towing capability.
- Choose Limited or Calligraphy for premium cabin materials, advanced parking support, and richer technology.