Owner guide · Hyundai of Goshen · Goshen, IN
Hyundai Santa Fe AWD Guide
Elkhart County winters make all-wheel drive one of the first things Santa Fe shoppers ask about. This guide uses Hyundai's Santa Fe page on hyundaiusa.com and the 2027 Santa Fe owner's manual, both read November 5, 2026, to explain which 2027 Santa Fe trims have HTRAC AWD, how much fuel economy it costs, how 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock work (the manual's names for the system), what SNOW mode does and which driveline parts are on the maintenance schedule.
Every trimHTRAC AWD available (2027)
XRTAWD standard, no FWD version
20/28/23 mpggas SE to Calligraphy AWD (EPA est.)
37 mph4WD Lock works at or below this speed
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe have AWD?
Yes. Hyundai says HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available on all 2027 Santa Fe trims. Front-wheel drive is standard and HTRAC AWD optional on the gas SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy and on the Santa Fe Hybrid; the XRT has HTRAC AWD standard. The owner's manual calls the system 4WD: in 4WD Auto it controls front and rear traction automatically, and 4WD Lock maximizes traction in mud, sand and unpaved off-road conditions at 37 mph (60 km/h) or less.
Which 2027 Santa Fe trims have HTRAC AWD
| 2027 Santa Fe | Front-wheel drive | HTRAC AWD |
|---|---|---|
| SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy (gas) | Standard | Optional |
| XRT (gas) | Not available | Standard |
| Hybrid SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy | Standard | Optional |
From the trim comparison drivetrain rows and the EPA disclaimers on hyundaiusa.com, read November 5, 2026, which say HTRAC All Wheel Drive (AWD) is available on all trims.
Santa Fe AWD vs FWD fuel economy
| 2027 Santa Fe | FWD (city/hwy/comb.) | AWD (city/hwy/comb.) |
|---|---|---|
| SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy | 20 / 29 / 24 mpg | 20 / 28 / 23 mpg |
| XRT | Not available | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg |
| Hybrid SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy | 37 / 36 / 36 mpg | 35 / 34 / 35 mpg |
EPA estimates as listed on hyundaiusa.com, read November 5, 2026. For comparison purposes only; actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
4WD Auto and 4WD Lock
The 2027 Santa Fe owner's manual says the system delivers engine power to all front and rear wheels for maximum traction, and is useful on slippery, muddy, wet or snow-covered roads and for occasional off-road use such as established unpaved roads and trails. A button selects the mode:
| Mode | What the manual says |
|---|---|
| 4WD Auto (4WD LOCK indicator off) | For roads in normal conditions, urban roads and highways. All wheels are in operation when the vehicle travels at a constant speed; front and rear traction forces are controlled automatically. The cluster displays how traction force is distributed. |
| 4WD Lock (indicator on) | Maximizes traction under extreme conditions such as unpaved off-road, sandy roads and muddy roads. Operates only at 37 mph (60 km/h) or less, then switches to 4WD Auto. Press the switch again to return to 4WD Auto. |
From Four Wheel Drive (4WD) and Four wheel drive (4WD) mode, pages 397 to 399 of the 2027 Santa Fe owner's manual. The system is listed as "if equipped."
Keep 4WD Auto on normal roads. The manual says driving there with 4WD Lock on, especially in corners, may cause mechanical noise or vibration, and doing so for long periods may damage parts of the power train. When 4WD Lock is switched off, you may briefly feel power going entirely to the front wheels.
SNOW drive mode
The Santa Fe's DRIVE MODE button cycles through NORMAL, SPORT, MY DRIVE and, if equipped, SNOW. The manual lists SNOW mode for 4WD vehicles: it helps on slippery roads by distributing driving power to the wheels to help the vehicle start stably or keep the tires from slipping.
The drive mode returns to NORMAL each time the vehicle is restarted, so select SNOW again on a snowy morning.
From Drive Mode Integrated Control System, pages 413 to 416 of the 2027 Santa Fe owner's manual.
Driving a Santa Fe on snow, ice and mud
For snow-covered or icy roads, the manual lists:
- Start off slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gently.
- Use snow tires or tire chains.
- Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front.
- Use engine braking while slowing down.
- Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications and sharp turns to prevent skids.
In sand or mud, it says to keep slow, constant speeds and use tire chains in mud if necessary. If you get stuck, place a non-slip material under the drive wheels or slowly rock the vehicle forward and reverse, and avoid running the engine continuously at high RPM to prevent damage to the 4WD system. The manual also notes that 4WD vehicles have a higher center of gravity than conventional 2WD vehicles, so reduce speed when cornering.
4WD warning light and display
| Light or display | What it means |
|---|---|
| 4WD warning light | Illuminates whenever there is a malfunction with the 4WD system. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealer as soon as possible. |
| Driving force distribution (4WD) | Shows information related to 4WD driving force. Not displayed while the vehicle is in 4WD lock. |
From the instrument cluster chapter (warning light, pages 129-130) and page 398 of the 2027 Santa Fe owner's manual.
AWD parts on the Santa Fe maintenance schedule
| Item | Normal schedule | Severe usage |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer case oil (4WD) | Inspect at 32,000, 64,000 and 96,000 miles (48, 96 and 144 months) | Replace every 72,000 mi. (120,000 km) |
| Rear differential oil (4WD) | Inspect at 32,000, 64,000 and 96,000 miles (48, 96 and 144 months) | Replace every 72,000 mi. (120,000 km) |
| Propeller shaft (4WD) | Inspect every 16,000 miles (24 months) | Inspect more frequently depending on the condition |
Normal schedule (whichever comes first, months or miles) and severe usage table from pages 702 to 705 of the 2027 Santa Fe owner's manual. Severe usage includes driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt-spread roads, and in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather.
The manual adds that transfer case oil and rear differential oil should be changed anytime they have been submerged in water, and to shorten your scheduled maintenance interval if you drive off-road in sand, mud or water.
Hyundai of Goshen service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
From Hyundai of Goshen's website, November 5, 2026. The website lists Monday to Saturday service hours and none for Sunday. Holiday hours can differ.
Santa Fe AWD questions
Is the 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD?
HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available on every 2027 Santa Fe trim, per hyundaiusa.com, read November 5, 2026. The trim comparison lists front-wheel drive as standard with HTRAC AWD optional on the gas SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy and on the Santa Fe Hybrid, while the XRT comes with HTRAC AWD standard and no FWD version.
Why does the owner's manual say 4WD instead of AWD?
Hyundai markets the system as HTRAC All Wheel Drive on hyundaiusa.com, while the 2027 Santa Fe owner's manual describes it in its Four Wheel Drive (4WD) section, with 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock modes and a 4WD warning light. Both describe the available system that sends power to all four wheels.
What does HTRAC mean?
Hyundai's Santa Fe FAQ says HTRAC refers to its most advanced All Wheel Drive system, HTRAC AWD (Hyundai TRACtion All Wheel Drive), which can give you better traction in rougher road terrain and weather conditions and helps the vehicle keep its grip on slippery curves and corners.
How much fuel economy does Santa Fe AWD cost?
Per the 2027 EPA estimates on hyundaiusa.com, the gas SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy are rated 20/29/24 mpg (city/highway/combined) with FWD and 20/28/23 mpg with AWD; the XRT AWD is 19/25/21. The Santa Fe Hybrid is 37/36/36 with FWD and 35/34/35 with AWD. Actual mileage varies.
Does the Santa Fe have a snow mode?
The manual lists a SNOW drive mode for 4WD vehicles, if equipped, that helps on slippery roads by distributing driving power to the wheels to help the vehicle start stably or keep tires from slipping. The drive mode resets to NORMAL when the vehicle is restarted.
When should I use 4WD Lock?
The manual says 4WD Lock maximizes traction under extreme conditions such as unpaved off-road, sandy roads and muddy roads, works only at 37 mph (60 km/h) or less, and switches back to 4WD Auto above that. Keep 4WD Auto on normal roads.
How should an AWD Santa Fe be towed?
The manual says 4WD vehicles must be towed with all wheels off the ground, using a wheel lift and dollies or a flatbed, and to make sure a full-time 4WD vehicle is towed by a flat-bed tow truck.
Getting your Santa Fe ready for winter?
Visit Hyundai of Goshen at 3202 Elkhart Road in Goshen, IN, schedule service online, or compare the new Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid.
Sources
Trim availability, the HTRAC description and fuel economy come from hyundaiusa.com, read November 5, 2026. How 4WD Auto, 4WD Lock and SNOW mode work, the winter advice, the warning light, towing and maintenance come from the 2027 Santa Fe owner's manual; features are listed there as "if equipped," so the manual for your vehicle is the final word. Address and hours are from Hyundai of Goshen's own website. Image: Hyundai Motor America.
- Santa Fe: trim comparison drivetrain rows, HTRAC AWD availability, What does HTRAC mean on a Hyundai SANTA FE? (FAQ), 2027 EPA estimates by trim, image, Hyundai Motor America, read November 5, 2026
- 2027 Santa Fe Owner's Manual: 4WD warning light (pp. 129-130) and driving force display (instrument cluster chapter), Four Wheel Drive (4WD) (pp. 396-401), Drive Mode Integrated Control System and SNOW mode (pp. 413-416), towing (chapter 8), maintenance schedules (pp. 702-705), Hyundai Motor America, PDF saved October 26, 2026, read November 5, 2026
- Hyundai owner's manuals and warranties (manual downloads), Hyundai Motor America, read November 5, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Hyundai of Goshen, November 5, 2026
- Hyundai service at Hyundai of Goshen, Hyundai of Goshen, November 5, 2026
