How Many Seats Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Have?

Photo Source/Copyright: Hyundai

Choosing the right middle-row setup dictates whether your Hyundai Santa Fe holds six or seven passengers, as three rows come standard across all trims regardless of powertrain. The total seat count only changes depending on whether you choose the second-row bench or captain’s chairs.

Standard Seating Across the Lineup

Every Hyundai Santa Fe features a standard third row from the base SE to the top-tier Calligraphy, across gas and hybrid models in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Rather than resting awkwardly on top of the cargo floor, the 50/50 split third row sinks flat into it to maintain a smooth loading surface.

• Maximum Capacity: 7 passengers with the middle bench.
• Captain’s-Chair Layout: 6 passengers.
• Third Row: Standard on every trim, 50/50 sinking and folding.
• Second-Row Release: Power-folding functionality is standard lineup-wide.

Seating Configuration by Trim

Captain’s Chairs vs. Second-Row Bench

Opting for second-row captain’s chairs trades one seat for a center walkthrough aisle leading straight to the third row. These chairs power-fold, power-dive, recline, and tilt, allowing rear passengers to climb in easily without requiring anyone to step out onto the curb first.

The Limited trim is the only level where you choose between seating setups; it comes standard with six seats, but the seven-passenger bench is an available option on the order sheet. The Calligraphy trim comes exclusively with captain’s chairs and doesn’t offer a bench option anywhere on the order sheet. Hybrid models follow these exact same trim configuration rules.

Third-Row Dimensions and Real-World Comfort 

While the spec sheet shows concrete measurements, third-row comfort depends heavily on who is sitting back there. It comfortably fits kids, teenagers, or adults on short trips to dinner, but long four-hour interstate hauls require realistic expectations.

• Headroom: 37.7 in.
• Legroom: 30.0 in.
• Shoulder Room: 53.5 in.
• Hip Room: 42.7 in.

SEL trims and higher equip the third row with dedicated climate vents and USB charging ports, whereas the entry-level SE trim goes without them.

Cargo Capacity and Frequently Asked Questions

• Cargo Space: Behind the third row sits 14.6 cubic feet of storage, expanding to 40.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and reaching 79.6 cubic feet with all rear seats flat. While competitive for a midsize three-row SUV, the larger Palisade provides more overall space.
• Six-Passenger Trims: The Limited and Calligraphy versions come standard with six seats due to standard captain’s chairs. The Limited can be configured back to seven, while the Calligraphy can’t.
• Hybrid Seating: All four hybrid trims include three rows as standard equipment.

Visit our showroom to compare both middle-row configurations in person, practice folding the third row, and schedule a test drive today.