Luxuriating in a supple, airy SUV that sips gas — I’m in Nirvana!
It’s the first time in my life that I’ve driven a mid- to large-sized feeling SUV (as a former owner of two reliable Ford Escapes and a Ford Explorer XLT) where I’ve been truly blown away by the way our Santa Fe hybrid Calligraphy so seamlessly transits between the gas combustion power of the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and hybrid EV propulsion, which makes for the quietest yet quickly accelerating ride (especially in “stop-n-go” driving situations).
In making turns, the steering and handling of the Santa Fe is so easy and smooth, all the while giving the driver a assuring “lane-assist” solid line control on straightaways and into tight curves. It’s also amazing, given the more-than-midsize feel and posture of the three-row Santa Fe how the tight turning radius makes the sometimes daunting prospect of doing a “U-turn” the most effortless and safe maneuver of any large to small vehicle I’ve EVER driven. The overall feel of the suspension of this “luxury-oriented” vehicle makes going over bumps and potholes feel muted, only very slight jiggles and jostling, still leaving the driver feel in composited control of the steering and general road control at all times — tossing in the lane assist and lane-crossing warning technology loaded into the vehicle.
Almost needless to say, the combination of the computer-enhanced gas combustion/turbocharged engine and the activation the EV mode cruising, along with the smooth, easy steering and and solid yet supple suspension also makes braking feel instantly responsive, strong yet easy for the foot to compress, even in emergency, quick braking scenarios!
Given what appears to be an abundance of computer-assisted, electronic controls and sensors packed into the Santa Fe, there is still a bit of a “learning curve” and intimidation factor in getting a handle on all of “tech goodies” bundled into this luxury vehicle (at an affordable value!) — it’s a good problem for us middle-aged to senior formerly “analog drivers” to absorb over time!
Overall, the fit and finish for the Calligraphy trim level of the Santa Fe is as solid as the wood panels on the dashboard and doors. Truly, the Santa Fe Calligraphy’s wide body-contouring “captain chair-style seating” in both the front and back is so incredibly supple that it makes long-distance cruising a purely enjoyable, comfortable experience fo the driver and the passengers. The memory-set adjustable front driver seat makes it easy to obtain comfortable steering wheel and floor pedals distance for the hands and feet, respectively. Line of sight and the panoramic views through the front windshield puts the driver at-ease, along with the beautifully conceived TV display reverse-view cameras for backward driving maneuvering are a reassuring, safe endeavor.
There are very few “cons” about the Hyundai Santa Fe, but possibly the most obvious is the absence of space for a spare tire (I’ve seen some open space on the bottom of the rear of the vehicle I’ve seen on YouTube videos). Also, it takes a bit of computer-style proficiency to understand how there is certain engine start and lock/unlock control protocols offered on Hyundai’s Apple app, which is still an amazing remote convenience offering.
All in all, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is chocked full of so many luxury and tech goodies that it makes driving (aka “cruising”) the most enjoyable/pleasurable driving experience I’ve ever had in my 50 years of driving cars — totally low blood-pressure road cruising at a budget-worthy, extended warranty assurance I’ve never seen before! Kudos to Hyundai for packing so much JOY in one vehicle, the Santa Fe HEV Calligraphy!
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