Dual-clutch transmissions are often chosen by automakers for their promise of crisp shifts, near-seamless power delivery, and improved fuel economy. They are commonly seen in sporty cars, like the lauded Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) in the 911s, but sometimes they do appear on more mainstream nameplates, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Cruz. But that’s about to change as soon as the Korean marque turns the leaf over to a new model year.
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- Base Trim Engine
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Smartstream 2.5L ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed auto-shift manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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277 HP @5800 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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311 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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20/29/24 MPG
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- Base Trim Engine
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2.5-liter Inline-4
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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191 hp
For 2026, Hyundai is making a quiet but significant change. As part of a broad range of updates to its lineup, the Santa Fe and Santa Cruz will abandon the dual-clutch automatic entirely. In its place is a conventional eight-speed torque converter automatic, which Hyundai says offers “ideal overall drivability,” according to a statement issued to MotorTrend.
Correcting A Problem Before It Expands
The new torque converter gearbox will replace the DCT in all 2.5-liter turbocharged Santa Fe and Santa Cruz models. While Hyundai didn’t explicitly blame recalls or warranty claims, it’s hard to ignore the context. The DCT had been the subject of a major recall, which could leave the vehicle coasting in neutral after a circuit board fault. Other issues involve jerky behavior, especially at low speeds.
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Alongside the transmission change in the XRT and Limited trims, the 2026 Santa Cruz also gets a slight refresh in packaging. The outdoorsy XRT trim gets an updated Terrain Mode for Mud, Snow, Sand. Meanwhile, the Dark Green option for the cabin has been dropped for the largely carry-over model.
More Changes Coming To The 2026 Santa Fe
As for the 2026 Santa Fe, the updates apply specifically to the pure combustion models, which also receive a number of updates depending on the trim level. The SEL and XRT trims now have USB ports in the third row, while dual wireless charging is now standard on both Limited and XRT models. The Limited trim also comes standard with captain’s chairs in the second row, while the top-spec Calligraphy gets a new Pecan Brown Nappa interior color.
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The updates do reflect corresponding hybrid versions of the mentioned Santa Fe trims. However, the Santa Fe Hybrid lineup will have a new base variant with the SE HEV. Unfortunately, Hyundai has yet to announce the pricing for both 2026 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz lineups, so that’s something worth watching out for if you’re in the market for one.
Source: Hyundai, MotorTrend
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