2026 Volvo XC60 Vs. Hyundai Santa Fe
You deserve a commute elevated to near perfection, which one of the SUVs in our Volvo XC60 vs. Hyundai Santa Fe comparison can provide with ease. Although both models are impressive, the Volvo XC60 is more thoughtfully designed with better standard and available appointments, standard all-wheel drive, and a city-smart size. Read on to compare the three-row Santa Fe to the luxurious Volvo XC60 here. When you're ready to explore the winning model in person, contact our specialists at Quantrell Volvo Cars to book your test drive.
Volvo XC60 vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Specs
First is a look at the Volvo XC60 engine performance compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe. The two keep their values pretty competitive.
The 2026 Volvo XC60 specs begin with the B5 engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Slip into the front seat to harness 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. You'll be able to tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped and accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Fe engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that gets a little more capability than the Volvo model – 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This model receives a similar zippy acceleration time, going from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, according to Car and Driver.1
At first glance, it looks like the Santa Fe specs bring home the gold. However, the Volvo XC60 is also available as a plug-in hybrid. It can travel up to 35 miles2 on electric power only, outputs 455 horsepower, and hurtles from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. There is no plug-in hybrid variant of the Hyundai Santa Fe for the 2026 model year, only a hybrid that is significantly less powerful.
Additional Highlights in the Volvo XC60 vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Specs Battle
We've already talked about how both vehicles perform, but we'd hate to skip over a few other essentials. Here are additional details to keep in mind as you make your final call between these two carefully curated models:
- Both SUVs have a maximum 3,500-pound towing capacity,3,4 except the Santa Fe XRT variant, which boosts this to 4,500 pounds.4
- The Volvo XC60 comes standard with all-wheel drive; the Santa Fe has standard front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive optional in most trims.
- The Volvo XC60 is a mild-hybrid vehicle with regenerative braking; the Hyundai Santa Fe is not.
- The Volvo XC60 is more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined);5 the Hyundai Santa Fe gets up to an EPA-estimated 20/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).6
Volvo XC60 vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Levels & Interior Perks
The Volvo XC60 and Hyundai Santa Fe are like night and day when comparing trims and features. The former is a piece of automotive Scandinavian artwork, complete with a slew of luxury appointments. The Hyundai Santa Fe interior is certainly nothing to scoff at, but it lacks the aura of refinement found in its Volvo competitor.
Some notable differences are that the Volvo XC60 comes in a three-trim lineup with standard amenities like a panoramic roof, a crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®, wireless device charging, and dual-zone climate control. The Hyundai Santa Fe fails to offer a similar crystal gear selector knob, and the other features are only found in higher trims.
Not to mention, all Volvo XC60 trims boast heated front seats; ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are available. Only higher Hyundai Santa Fe trims offer such amenities. Plus, the Volvo SUV has four-zone climate control in its top variant; the Santa Fe sticks with air conditioning or dual-zone climate control throughout its lineup.
Volvo XC60 vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Dimensions
The most significant difference between the new Volvo XC60 and the Hyundai Santa Fe is size. The Hyundai Santa Fe seating capacity accommodates six or seven across three rows, while the two-row Volvo XC60 seating capacity is five. Let's review the dimensions of each to help you decide which SUV better suits your family.
We'll start with a look at the exterior Volvo XC60 dimensions:
- Length: 185.4 inches
- Width: 78.7 inches
- Height: 65.4 inches
The three-row Hyundai Santa Fe measurements are as follows:
- Length: 190.2 inches
- Width: 74.8 inches
- Height: 67.7-69.7 inches
We wouldn't say that either model has unappealing dimensions, but the Volvo XC60 is arguably easier to maneuver in the city or in a crowded parking lot. Our experts would be happy to conduct a test drive and help you decide if the Volvo XC60 is versatile enough to tackle the next family adventure comfortably – we're convinced it likely will be.
Plus, we can discuss our available new Volvo specials while you're here. They're an excellent way to get an attractive monthly cost on your lease or loan.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Volvo XC60 Cargo Space
This one is an easy win for both vehicles, although we'd expect more from the Hyundai Santa Fe, being a three-row model. The Volvo XC60 interior offers a maximum of 63.3 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seat folded – plenty of room to transport the latest haul or new adventuring gear. The Hyundai Santa Fe cargo space maximum is only 79.6 cubic feet.
Although that value is impressive, it's not quite what the three-row Volvo XC90 offers, which is up to 85.7 cubic feet of storage volume.
Volvo XC60 vs. Hyundai Santa Fe Colors
When comparing the Hyundai Santa Fe colors to those of the Volvo XC60, we see a more succinct and tailored selection with the Volvo SUV. The Hyundai Santa Fe sports a longer list of colors, which can be overwhelming to some.
The Volvo XC60 colors provide shades that appeal to young, on-the-go drivers. Even better, all eight are available across the trim lineup. Here's what you can expect from the Volvo XC60 when you explore it at our Volvo dealer in Lexington, KY:
- Forest Lake
- Crystal White
- Onyx Black
- Denim Blue
- Bright Dusk
- Mulberry Red
- Vapour Grey
- Aurora Silver
Below is the list of 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe colors:
- Hampton Gray
- Ecotronic Gray
- Shimmering Silver
- Phantom Black
- Serenity White
- Ultimate Red
- Atlantis Blue
- Rockwood Green
- Ecotronic Gray Matte
- Earthy Brass Matte
- Terracotta Orange
It can be hard to decide between similar shades with the Hyundai Santa Fe because many are trim-exclusive, while the Volvo XC60 colors are a little easier to navigate. Contact us to book a tour and see which Volvo SUV hue you like best.
Experience the 2026 Volvo XC60 Today
That concludes our comparison of the Volvo XC60 vs. Hyundai Santa Fe. In more ways than one, the Volvo SUV reigns superior. See it in action today! We can also help you get an excellent rate on Volvo financing through our robust selection of specials and offers, as long as you qualify. Inquire at our dealership for further details.
Customer Review
Cecilia Cox
12/06/2024
This review is long over due. We purchased a Volvo over a year ago from Quantrell even though we live in another state. Our experience was second to none from the excellent customer service of Sales with Jennifer Pearson to Eric Duncan - Service Dept. - to the best and most ethical Finance Manager - Bob Whitt. Our daughter attended UK & we were always pleased with the above and beyond attention she received from Jennifer, Eric and Bob. We have purchased many cars but nothing compares to the family feel you receive from Quantrell! Please don’t hesitate to purchase from Quantrell Volvo - the experience will be seamless. Thank you again & again Jennifer Pearson, Eric Duncan & Bob Whitt for the Amazing people you are!
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1This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/santa-fe.
2Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit www.fueleconomy.gov for further information.
3When properly equipped.
4Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.
5EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
6All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.