Hyundai is Preparing to Enhance One of Its Most Attractive SUV Models
Hyundai Motor Company has announced a significant change in the transmission system for its upcoming 2026 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz models. The South Korean automaker has decided to replace the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission featuring a torque converter.
The decision comes in response to the poor real-world performance and reliability issues experienced with the DCT, which were causing concerns for Hyundai customers. In daily driving conditions, the DCT was reported to exhibit jerky driving behavior, hesitation on acceleration, clunky shifts, and unpredictable operation in low-speed conditions. These issues negatively impacted the overall driving experience.
Moreover, the DCT in these models experienced significant reliability problems, leading to multiple recalls and software fixes. In 2022, a recall addressed transmission oil pump control board soldering faults that could cause the transmission to disengage improperly, sometimes necessitating transmission replacement. Similar software-related issues reappeared in 2024 with newer models, causing potential safety concerns such as the vehicle moving when parked.
By switching to a traditional automatic transmission, Hyundai aims to eliminate these reliability and drivability problems. The new transmission is expected to deliver smoother shifts and more consistent performance, likely improving everyday drivability without a significant fuel economy penalty. Hyundai has not suggested that fuel economy will suffer; in fact, the move to a conventional automatic, which is generally less complex and costly to manufacture, could help maintain or slightly improve overall ownership satisfaction without compromising efficiency.
In comparison, the dual-clutch transmission was intended to provide quicker shifts and better fuel economy. However, other automakers have had varying success with dual-clutch transmissions. While Volkswagen and Porsche have excelled in their implementation, Ford struggled with the technology last decade.
Interestingly, Kia, which shares some platforms and components with Hyundai, is not making a change to its use of the DCT on certain models in its lineup. A Kia spokesperson stated that there are no plans to move away from the DCT, and the company will not follow this change in transmission. The Santa Fe Hybrid model, which already uses a six-speed automatic transmission, will also continue with its current setup.
In summary, the switch to a traditional automatic transmission in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Cruz is expected to improve drivability and address warranty issues. The new transmission is anticipated to deliver smoother shifts, more reliable operation, and comparable efficiency with improved drivability. This transmission change emphasizes Hyundai's focus on improving the real-world driving experience and long-term reliability for the Santa Fe and Santa Cruz, addressing a major flaw that disappointed many customers.
- The 2026 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz models from Hyundai Motor Company will feature a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
- The DCT in the previous models witnessed poor real-world performance, with issues such as jerky driving behavior, hesitation on acceleration, and clunky shifts.
- The DCT also experienced significant reliability problems, leading to multiple recalls and software fixes in 2022 and 2024.
- By switching to a traditional automatic transmission, Hyundai aims to eliminate these reliability and drivability problems, promising smoother shifts and more consistent performance.
- The car industry has mixed experiences with dual-clutch transmissions, with Volkswagen and Porsche excelling in their implementation, while Ford struggled with the technology in the past.
- In contrast, Kia, a company that shares platforms and components with Hyundai, will not follow Hyundai's change and will continue to use the DCT in certain models.
- Motortrend magazine and other automotive publications will likely review the performance of the new transmission in the 2026 models, analyzing its impact on fuel economy, drivability, and overall ownership satisfaction.
- The finance and transportation sectors, as well as lifestyle enthusiasts, will pay close attention to this change, as it is a significant shift for Hyundai in the automotive industry.
- The upcoming EV, hybrid, and car models from Hyundai and other automakers will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in the transportation industry.
- Ultimately, Hyundai's decision to switch transmission systems highlights the company's commitment to improving the real-world driving experience, reliability, and long-term satisfaction for its customers.
