2027 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels Explained near Council Bluffs, IA
The 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE near Council Bluffs, IA stands out as a three-row SUV with distinctive design, flexible space, and the kind of everyday comfort that makes it easy to recommend for families, commuters, and active households. Its squared-off profile gives it strong curb presence, while the wide tailgate opening, fold-flat seating, and 14.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row help make daily errands and road-trip packing more manageable. Every gas-powered SANTA FE trim uses a Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI + MPI engine rated at 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual shift paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, with available HTRAC AWD; XRT includes AWD as standard equipment. At Vern Eide Hyundai Sioux City, we appreciate how this SUV blends comfort, technology, and practical capability without losing its refined, modern personality.
| Trim Level | Focus | Seating | Wheels | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | Essential three-row utility | Cloth, seven seats | 18-inch alloy wheels | 12.3-inch Display Audio |
| SEL | Comfort-focused daily driver | H-Tex®, power driver | 18-inch alloy wheels | Wireless phone charging |
| XRT | Rugged AWD capability | XRT H-Tex®, seven seats | 18-inch all-terrain tires | Navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot |
| Limited | Premium comfort and visibility | Leather, six or seven | 20-inch alloy wheels | Bose, Surround View |
| Calligraphy | Luxury-level flagship trim | Nappa leather, six seats | 21-inch alloy wheels | Head-up Display |
2027 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Options
SE
277-hp 2.5L Turbo · 12.3-inch Display Audio · Seven-passenger seating
The SE trim gives the 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE a strong foundation for shoppers who want three-row versatility, confident power, and useful standard technology without overcomplicating the decision. Its 277-hp turbocharged 2.5L engine and 8-speed automatic transmission provide the muscle expected from a modern midsize SUV, while standard Drive Mode Select, Hillstart Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control, and Trailer Sway Control add practical confidence. Inside, the SE seats seven with YES Essentials® stain-resistant cloth, a 60/40 split fold-flat second row, and a 50/50 sinking and folding third row. Cargo flexibility is a major strength, with underfloor storage, remote release folding second-row seats, and up to 79.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the front seats. Technology is equally approachable thanks to wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity, Rear Seat Quiet Mode, high-power USB charge ports, Bluelink® Connected Car System, and over-the-air updating capability. Standard safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist 2, Safe Exit Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go help make the SE a well-equipped starting point.
SEL
H-Tex® seats · Heated front seats · Wireless phone charging · Dual auto temperature control
The SEL trim is a smart step up for online shoppers who want the SANTA FE to feel more polished during everyday driving. It keeps the same turbocharged powertrain and three-row layout, then adds comfort features that are easy to appreciate during commutes, school routines, and longer highway trips. H-Tex®-trimmed seats replace the base cloth upholstery, and the driver gains an 8-way power seat with 2-way lumbar support. Heated front seats, dual automatic temperature control, third-row air vents, and additional USB charge ports in the third row make the cabin more accommodating for passengers. SEL also adds wireless phone charging for supported devices, side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, and roof rails for added utility. Safety and driver awareness are enhanced with Forward Attention Warning, while Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go moves to SCC 2 capability. The SEL also maintains key standard systems such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert with a door-logic system. For many buyers, SEL hits the sweet spot because it adds comfort and convenience where drivers notice the difference most.
XRT
HTRAC AWD · 18-inch all-terrain tires · 8.3-inch ground clearance · 4,500-lb towing
The XRT is the SANTA FE trim for drivers who want more rugged capability built directly into the package. Unlike the SE and SEL, XRT includes HTRAC AWD as standard equipment, giving it active on-demand traction management with drive modes that can distribute torque based on conditions. It also raises minimum ground clearance to 8.3 inches and improves approach, departure, and breakover angles, making it better suited for gravel access roads, campsites, boat ramps, and rougher rural routes. The XRT’s towing capacity increases to 4,500 pounds with trailer brakes, compared with 3,500 pounds for other gas trims, adding meaningful utility for weekend equipment or small recreational trailers. Visual differences include 18-inch black wheels with Continental all-terrain tires, gloss black grille detailing, black outside mirrors, black anodized badging, matte metallic black roof rails, and XRT-exclusive black H-Tex® seatback embroidery. Inside, XRT also moves to the 12.3-inch wide touchscreen with onboard Navigation, traffic flow including incident data via HD Radio, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Hyundai Pay, dual wireless phone charging, a 115-volt power outlet, Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, and Highway Driving Assist I.
Limited
Leather-trimmed seats · Bose 12-speaker audio · Surround View Monitor · Dual-pane sunroof
The Limited trim shifts the SANTA FE into a more premium space, adding comfort, visibility, and cabin refinement that make daily driving feel more relaxed. Leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory, and an available second-row captain’s chair layout give the cabin an upscale, family-friendly feel. The dual-pane sunroof brightens the interior, while rain-sensing windshield wipers, power-folding side mirrors, rear side-window sunshades, ambient lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® add thoughtful convenience. Limited also introduces a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse, Park Distance Warning – Forward, Side, and Reverse, and Remote Smart Parking Assist – Entry, Fore and Aft. Audio quality improves with the Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers, making podcasts, playlists, and hands-free calls sound clearer across the cabin. The Limited remains practical, too, with a Hands Free Smart Liftgate with auto open and adjustable height setting, trailering pre-wiring, and the same strong turbocharged engine. For drivers who want technology that reduces stress in traffic, parking lots, and tight driveways, Limited is a compelling upgrade.
Calligraphy
Nappa leather seats · Head-up Display · Highway Driving Assist 2 · 21-inch alloy wheels
The Calligraphy trim sits at the top of the gas-powered SANTA FE lineup with the most refined materials, the most advanced driver-assistance content, and a flagship cabin design. It includes Nappa leather-trimmed seats, standard second-row captain’s chairs for six-passenger seating, a microfiber headliner, a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an extendable Driver Relaxation Seat with a one-touch setting. These details help the SANTA FE feel calm and upscale without sacrificing the practical shape and wide cargo opening that define the model. Calligraphy also adds a windshield-type Head-up Display, power windows with front and rear auto-down and auto-up, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. Exterior upgrades include 21-inch alloy wheels on the gas model, hot stamping grille treatment, glossy black lower door trim, Hyper Silver skid plate detailing, black anodized badging, and dual-pane sunroof content shared with Limited. Technology remains a major strength, with the 12.3-inch wide touchscreen with Navigation, Bose premium audio, dual wireless phone charging, Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium, and over-the-air updating capability. Calligraphy is the trim for drivers who want SANTA FE practicality with its most upscale presentation.
Which 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE Trim is Best for Council Bluffs Drivers?
For many shoppers comparing the 2027 Hyundai SANTA FE near Council Bluffs, IA, the best trim depends on how much comfort, capability, and technology will be used day to day. Council Bluffs drivers often balance city errands, I-29 and I-80 commuting, family transportation, and occasional trips across western Iowa or into Omaha, so the SANTA FE’s quiet ride, roomy three-row cabin, and wide cargo area are especially useful. The SEL is the easiest trim to recommend for broad appeal because it adds heated front seats, H-Tex® upholstery, dual automatic temperature control, wireless phone charging, and third-row air vents while keeping the package straightforward. The XRT is the better fit if AWD capability, higher ground clearance, and stronger towing matter most. Limited and Calligraphy make sense for drivers who want premium comfort, expanded visibility technology, and a more luxurious cabin. At Vern Eide Hyundai Sioux City, we can help match your driving needs with the right SANTA FE trim.
- SE: Best for shoppers who want three-row space, turbocharged power, and standard Hyundai safety technology in a practical package.
- SEL: Best overall choice for daily commuting, family routines, and comfort-focused value around Council Bluffs.
- XRT: Best for drivers who want standard HTRAC AWD, all-terrain tires, added ground clearance, and 4,500-lb towing capability.
- Limited and Calligraphy: Best for shoppers who want premium seating, advanced parking technology, upgraded audio, and flagship cabin appointments.
*Images may not show trim level described