Hyundai Motor Company has officially pulled the wraps off its refreshed SUV lineup, launching the 2026 Tucson and 2026 Santa Fe. Revealed today, the model year updates focus on enhancing product competitiveness by integrating highly-demanded features as standard and introducing new, practical trims and options. Alongside its two best-selling SUVs, Hyundai also debuted a stylish ‘Kona Black Exterior’ package, expanding the customization options for its compact SUV.
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe: A Boost in Standard Tech and Premium Comfort
The bold and boxy Hyundai Santa Fe receives significant upgrades for the 2026 model year, making its compelling design even more attractive. The base ‘Exclusive’ trim now comes equipped with a suite of high-end features previously found on more expensive models.
New standard equipment on the 2026 Santa Fe includes:
- Panoramic Curved Display: A stunning, seamless screen that integrates the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.
- 12.3-inch Color LCD Cluster: Provides crisp, clear, and customizable driving information.
- Electronic Shift Column with Vibration Warning: Adds a layer of intuitive, tactile feedback for enhanced safety during gear selection.
Introducing the New Santa Fe ‘H-Pick’ Trim
Responding to customer demand for a high-value, feature-rich option, Hyundai has introduced the new ‘H-Pick’ trim. This smartly configured trim level adds a host of premium comfort and convenience features as standard, including:
- Digital Key 2
- Driver’s Ergo Motion Seat
- 1st Row Relaxation Comfort Seats
- Natural Leather Upholstery
- Electric Tilt & Telescopic Steering Wheel
For customers seeking a more aggressive aesthetic, Hyundai now offers a ‘Black Exterior’ package and a ‘Black Ink Plus’ package, which apply a stealthy black finish to the radiator grille, skid plates, emblems, and other exterior details.
2026 Hyundai Tucson: More Safety and a Smarter Trim Strategy
The ever-popular Hyundai Tucson also gets a major boost in standard equipment for 2026. The base ‘Modern’ trim is now significantly more equipped, packing in advanced safety and convenience features that prioritize driver confidence and comfort.
Key upgrades for the base 2026 Tucson include:
- Standard Advanced Safety: The suite now includes Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Warning.
- Enhanced Comfort: A heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats, and an after-blow system to keep the A/C fresh are now standard.
Like its larger sibling, the 2026 Tucson also benefits from the new ‘H-Pick’ trim. This trim adds a comprehensive list of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Highway Driving Assist, as well as power-adjustable front seats and heated rear seats, creating a perfect balance of technology and comfort.
A ‘Black Exterior’ package is also now available for the Tucson, featuring exclusive 19-inch black wheels and blacked-out trim for a commanding road presence.
Kona Joins the Dark Side with New Black Exterior Package
The stylish Hyundai Kona is not left out of the updates. Hyundai has introduced a new ‘Black Exterior’ package for the top-tier ‘Inspiration’ trim. This package adds a sleek black finish to the cladding, grille, skid plates, and emblems, giving the compact SUV a more sophisticated and custom look.
A Hyundai official commented on the launch, stating, “The 2026 Santa Fe and 2026 Tucson boast further enhanced product competitiveness centered on safety and convenience features. We will provide customers with a variety of choices through the new Black Exterior options for the Santa Fe, Tucson, and Kona.”
