Planning a weekend escape requires a vehicle that handles the transition from the daily commute to the open road without hesitation. At Great Lakes Hyundai of Columbus, we see many families who need their primary vehicle to serve as a reliable gear-hauler on Friday afternoon and a polished professional transport on Monday morning. The 2026 lineup is specifically engineered for this duality, offering advanced traction systems and flexible interior layouts that cater to the diverse needs of Ohio drivers. Whether you are navigating the suburban landscape of Columbus or preparing for a long-haul journey across the state, having the right SUV makes the difference between a stressful trip and a true vacation.
Our team is dedicated to helping you identify which model matches your specific itinerary, whether that involves towing a small boat or maximizing passenger comfort for a full crew. If you are ready to see these capabilities in person, you can easily find our showroom on Morse Road to explore the latest arrivals. We maintain a diverse selection of trims and configurations to ensure you find the exact features required for your next adventure.
The path to ownership is designed to be as efficient as the vehicles themselves. To save time during your visit, we recommend that you prequalify online to see where you stand with no impact on your credit score. This allows you to shop with confidence, knowing your budget before you even step onto the lot. If you have specific questions about model availability or feature packages, feel free to give us a call at (614) 714-5530 for immediate assistance from our sales consultants.
Powering Your Journeys: The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine and Road-Trip Performance
One of the first things buyers notice about the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is how the powertrain is tuned for the steady demands of highway cruising. Every gas-powered model features a turbocharged 2.5L I4 engine that produces 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This output is managed by a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous dual-clutch setup to provide smoother low-speed manners and more predictable power delivery when merging into fast-moving traffic. For local drivers, this means confident performance whether you are navigating the flat stretches of Whitehall or heading into more varied terrain.
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specifications across trim levels
| Feature | SE | SEL | Blue SE | XRT | SEL Convenience | SEL Premium | Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 1.6L I4 | 1.6L I4 | 2.5L I4 | 1.6L I4 | 2.5L I4 | 1.6L I4 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
Standard across all trims: Transmission Automatic
The Santa Fe is available in several configurations to suit different performance priorities. The SE and SEL trims come standard with a 2.5L I4 engine and FWD, while the SEL also offers a 1.6L I4 hybrid option with 4WD for those prioritizing efficiency. If your weekend plans involve more rugged destinations, the XRT trim is a standout choice. It comes standard with a 2.5L I4 engine and 4WD, featuring an increased ground clearance of about 8 inches and all-terrain tires that provide better grip on unpaved paths. This trim is also pre-wired for a trailer hitch and includes a heavy-duty transmission cooler, allowing it to tow up to 4,500 lb.
The interior technology is just as vital for a successful road trip as the engine under the hood. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration keep your navigation and media easily accessible on the large digital displays. For those who prefer a vehicle with a proven track record, we also carry a wide variety of quality pre-owned vehicles that offer similar levels of tech and safety. Choosing a Santa Fe means investing in a vehicle that balances the muscle needed for towing with the refinement required for a quiet, comfortable cabin on long-distance drives.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid: Efficiency and Luxury for Long-Distance Touring
The introduction of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid has fundamentally changed the conversation for families who refuse to compromise between cabin space and fuel economy. By pairing a turbocharged 2.5L I4 engine with dual electric motors, this flagship SUV delivers a targeted driving range of over 600 miles. This long-distance capability is ideal for residents in Bexley who frequently take extended trips and want to minimize the frequency of fuel stops. The hybrid system is designed to work seamlessly in the background, providing the torque needed for a full load of passengers while maintaining the quiet, serene ride quality the Palisade is known for.
Fuel Economy
EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings
| Feature | SE | SEL | Blue SE | XRT | SEL Convenience | SEL Premium | Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City MPG | 26 mpg | 62 mpg | 38 mpg | 24 mpg | 37 mpg | 24 mpg | 62 mpg |
| Highway MPG | 33 mpg | 56 mpg | 38 mpg | 30 mpg | 37 mpg | 30 mpg | 56 mpg |
| Combined MPG | 30 mpg | 59 mpg | 38 mpg | 27 mpg | 37 mpg | 27 mpg | 59 mpg |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded | Electric | Unleaded | Unleaded | Unleaded | Unleaded | Electric |
Best combined fuel economy: SEL at 59 mpg
Luxury is a standard expectation in the Palisade, particularly in the higher trims like the Limited and Calligraphy. The Limited trim, which starts at an MSRP of $49,770, includes premium materials and advanced comfort features such as ventilated second-row seats. For the ultimate touring experience, the Calligraphy trim adds exclusive touches like a massaging driver's seat with an extendable thigh rest and winged second-row headrests. These amenities are specifically designed to reduce driver fatigue during multi-hour stretches on the interstate, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Safety is another pillar of the Palisade's appeal, featuring the Hyundai SmartSense suite as standard equipment. This includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. Higher trims further enhance this with a Surround View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist. If you are ready to move forward with one of these premium SUVs, you can complete our secure finance application from home to streamline the purchase process. This ensures that when you arrive at our dealership, we can focus entirely on finding the right trim and color for your lifestyle.
Family-Sized Decisions: Comparing the Palisade and Santa Fe for Group Travel
Choosing between the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe often comes down to the specific needs of your typical passenger load. The Palisade is the larger of the two, offering a longer wheelbase that translates directly into more generous legroom in the third row. It is the preferred choice for those who frequently transport seven or eight passengers and need to ensure that even adults in the back remain comfortable. With about 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, it also holds a slight edge for hauling groceries or gear when every seat is occupied.
Dimensions & Capacity
| Feature | Standard across all trims |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Length | 182.7 |
| Width | 73.4 |
| Height | 65.6 |
The Santa Fe, while slightly more compact, is a master of space efficiency. Its tall, boxy profile provides excellent headroom across all three rows, and the available second-row captain's chairs in the Limited trim make accessing the rear seats much easier for children. The Santa Fe is often the "sweet spot" for families who need three rows for occasional carpooling but prefer a vehicle that is a bit easier to maneuver and park in tighter urban environments. Both models offer the HTRAC AWD system, which is essential for maintaining stability during the unpredictable winters we see in central Ohio.
Inside both cabins, you will find thoughtful touches like multiple USB ports in every row and a dual-opening center console that can be accessed by both front and rear passengers. The Palisade tends to lean more toward a traditional luxury feel with its material choices, while the Santa Fe embraces a more modern, rugged aesthetic. Deciding which is right for you usually involves a hands-on comparison of the seat-folding mechanisms and cargo layouts. We often see families test both back-to-back to see which one fits their specific stroller, sports bags, or camping coolers more effectively.
Award-Winning Capability: Hyundai Models Built for Camping and Off-Grid Exploration
Hyundai's commitment to outdoor enthusiasts has been recognized by industry experts, with several models earning spots on the 2026 Best Adventure Vehicles list by U.S. News & World Report. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson and Tucson Hybrid were specifically named Best Compact SUVs for Camping, a testament to their clever use of space and adventure-ready features. The Tucson features available HTRAC AWD and a versatile cargo area with about 39 cubic feet of space behind the second row, making it easy to pack tents, sleeping bags, and cooking gear for a weekend in the woods.
For those who want to venture further off the beaten path, the XRT trims for both the Tucson and Santa Fe offer specialized equipment. The Tucson XRT includes rugged exterior cladding, side steps, and roof crossbars as part of its standard package. Similarly, the Santa Fe XRT is built for light off-roading with all-terrain tires and a heavy-duty cooling system. These models are designed to handle gravel roads and uneven trailheads with confidence. You can browse our current new-vehicle inventory to see which of these adventure-focused trims we have in stock today.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has also made waves by winning Best Electric SUV for Road Trips and Camping. It proves that going electric doesn't mean giving up the ability to explore. With its massive interior and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, the IONIQ 9 can actually power your camping accessories, such as electric grills or coffee makers, directly from the vehicle's battery. This level of utility, combined with the brand's reputation for quality, ensures that there is a Hyundai model perfectly suited for every type of explorer, from the casual weekend camper to the dedicated off-grid adventurer.
Industry-Leading Peace of Mind: Hyundai Warranty and Value Retention
When you invest in a new SUV, the long-term value is just as important as the initial purchase price. Hyundai offers what is widely regarded as America's Best Warranty, providing a 10-Year / 100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty for the original owner. This coverage includes major components like the engine and transmission, giving you significant peace of mind as the miles add up. Additionally, the 5-Year / 60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty covers almost every other component, ensuring that your vehicle remains in top condition during the first several years of ownership.
Pricing
MSRP and destination charges (source: MarketCheck VIN Decode (consensus))
| Feature | SE | SEL | Blue SE | XRT | SEL Convenience | SEL Premium | Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $32,272 | $34,577 | $34,752 | $37,098 | $37,305 | $37,335 | $44,186 |
Lowest starting MSRP: SE at $32,272
Warranty
Factory warranty coverage
| Coverage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Basic | 5 years / 60,000 miles (New Vehicle Limited Warranty) |
| Powertrain | 10 years / 100,000 miles (Powertrain Limited Warranty for original owners) |
| Corrosion | Anti-perforation (corrosion) limited warranty: 7 years / unlimited miles (anti-perforation) |
| Roadside Assistance | 60 months / unlimited miles |
The 2026 Tucson lineup offers a range of price points to fit different budgets, with the SE trim starting at $32,272 and the feature-rich Limited trim at $44,186. Between those, the SEL and Blue SE hybrid models provide excellent value with MSRPs of $34,577 and $34,752, respectively. These competitive prices, combined with the extensive warranty coverage, contribute to strong resale values over time. If you are considering upgrading to a newer model, our team can help you value your trade-in using our partnership with Edmunds, providing you with a fair offer that is good for seven days.
We invite you to visit us and experience the difference that a dedicated local team can make. You can get directions to our dealership and stop by for a test drive at your convenience. If you would like to schedule a specific time to meet with a sales consultant or have questions about our current incentives, please reach out to us at (614) 714-5530. At Great Lakes Hyundai, the Savings are So Good, and we are ready to help you find the perfect vehicle for all your upcoming adventures.
Quick Answers About Hyundai Adventure SUVs
Q: Which 2026 Hyundai SUV has the highest towing capacity for a camper?
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT are the leaders in this category. When properly equipped with the appropriate tow package and accessories, the Palisade can haul up to 5,000 lb, while the Santa Fe XRT is rated for up to 4,500 lb. Both models include specialized cooling systems and trailer sway control to make towing more stable on the highway.
Q: Do I need a 240V outlet at home if I buy a 2026 Tucson or Palisade Hybrid?
No, standard hybrid models like the Tucson Hybrid or the upcoming Palisade Hybrid do not require any external charging. They use a system called regenerative braking to capture energy while you drive and store it in a small battery. This battery then powers the electric motor to assist the gas engine, improving fuel economy without the need to ever plug the vehicle in.
Q: What is the difference between HTRAC AWD and standard all-wheel drive?
HTRAC AWD is Hyundai's intelligent system that actively monitors driving conditions and can vary the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. Unlike some basic systems that only react after wheels start to slip, HTRAC can proactively shift power to the wheels with the most grip during acceleration or cornering, which is especially helpful on the slick roads often found in Whitehall during the winter.
Q: How does the 10-year warranty work if I sell the car before the term is up?
The 10-Year / 100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty is specifically for the original owner. If the vehicle is sold, the subsequent owner receives the remainder of the 5-Year / 60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which covers the powertrain components as well as the rest of the vehicle. This transferability helps maintain the vehicle's value in the used car market.
Q: Can I add a roof rack to a Santa Fe that didn't come with one from the factory?
Yes, most 2026 Santa Fe trims come with high-profile bridge-type roof side rails that are compatible with various crossbar attachments. Our parts department can help you select and install the correct genuine Hyundai accessories, such as bike racks, kayak carriers, or cargo boxes, to ensure they are securely mounted for your road trips.
Prices and MSRP referenced in this article are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell. See dealer for complete details. Fuel economy estimates shown may differ from official EPA ratings and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of actual vehicle performance.
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