Used Hyundai Santa Fe Quick Facts
- The best used Hyundai Santa Fe is the newest one with the fewest miles, but if your budget doesn’t allow that, we’d opt for a fourth-generation Santa Fe that ran from 2019-2023. The Sante Fe has one of the longest standard warranties in the business.
- Hyundai started building the Santa Fe in 2006 at its plant in Montgomery, Alabama.
- The newest Hyundai Santa Fe offers 3-row seating and a near-luxury-like interior.
Hyundai has evolved from its early days as a budget brand into a major automaker with highly rated vehicles in nearly every segment of the North American market. The Santa Fe has been part of the company’s lineup for a quarter-century, and its evolution has mirrored Hyundai’s growth over the years. While it started as a small, somewhat awkward crossover, the latest models offer standout styling, compelling tech, and generous safety features. Hyundai’s quality and reliability have also improved since the early days of the Santa Fe, and the brand offers one of the most impressive powertrain warranties in the industry.
Even with those improvements, some Santa Fe model years make better used-purchase choices than others. We’ve done the research to help you find the best used Santa Fe years, so let’s get rolling to learn more.
Which Is the Best Model-Year Used Hyundai Santa Fe?
The best used Santa Fe is the one with the lowest mileage that fits your budget, which likely means buying an example from the newest fifth generation. If those prices fall outside your budget, your next best bet would be a Santa Fe from the fourth generation, which ran from 2019 to 2023. Models from those years offer a choice of powertrains and still have many of the most compelling technology and safety features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those years likely retain some factory powertrain warranty coverage, though the coverage reverts from 10 years/100,000 miles to a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty for second owners.
See used Hyundai Santa Fe models for sale near you.
Hyundai Santa Fe by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Fifth Generation: 2024-Current
Hyundai Santa Fe (2026) — Official Specifications
| Category | Specification | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo I-4 (Smartstream GDI + MPI) | 277 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 311 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm — SE/SEL/XRT/Limited/Calligraphy |
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo I-4 (HEV) | 178 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 195 lb-ft (1,500–4,500 rpm) — Blue/SEL/Limited/Calligraphy Hybrid |
| Hybrid | Combined system output | 231 hp; 271 lb-ft @ 1,000–4,100 rpm (gas + electric) |
| Transmission | Automatic (with SHIFTRONIC paddle shifters) | 8-speed automatic on 2.5T; 6-speed automatic (A6MF2H-2) on 1.6T HEV; Shift-By-Wire standard |
| Drivetrain | Standard | Front-Wheel Drive (all powertrains) |
| Drivetrain | Available | HTRAC AWD (active on-demand) — adds Snow, Sand/Mud (XRT only) and AWD Lock modes |
| Drivetrain | Drive Mode Select | Center-console mounted (standard on all powertrains); Comfort, Eco, Sport and Smart |
| Fuel Economy | 2.5T FWD | 20 / 29 / 24 mpg (City / Hwy / Combined) |
| Fuel Economy | 2.5T AWD | 20 / 28 / 23 mpg (City / Hwy / Combined) |
| Fuel Economy | 2.5T XRT AWD | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg (City / Hwy / Combined) |
| Fuel Economy | 1.6T HEV FWD | 37 / 36 / 36 mpg (City / Hwy / Combined) |
| Fuel Economy | 1.6T HEV AWD | 35 / 34 / 34 mpg (City / Hwy / Combined) |
| Fuel Economy | Fuel tank | 17.7 gallons (ICE and HEV) |
Source: Hyundai Motor America — 2026 Santa Fe Features and Specifications (PDF: 67180-2026SantaFeSpecsFeatures20260706.pdf)
Model-Year Changes:
2026: Updated transmission, new interior color choices and configuration options, and new available safety features.
2025: New Atlantis Blue paint color.
See 2024-to-current Hyundai Santa Fe models for sale near you.
Fourth Generation: 2019-2023
Hyundai Santa Fe (2023) — Official Specifications
| Category | Specification | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L I-4 (Smartstream GDI + MPI) | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm; 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm — SE/SEL/XRT |
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo I-4 (Smartstream GDI + MPI) | 281 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 311 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm — Limited/Calligraphy |
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo I-4 (HEV / PHEV) | 178 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 195 lb-ft (1,500–4,500 rpm) — Blue/SEL/Limited HEV & PHEV |
| Hybrid | HEV combined output | 226 hp total (gas + electric) |
| Hybrid | PHEV combined output | 261 hp total (gas + electric) |
| Transmission | Automatic (with SHIFTRONIC paddle shifters) | 8-speed automatic (A8MF1) on 2.5L; 8-speed wet dual-clutch (D8LF1) on 2.5L Turbo; 6-speed automatic (A6MF2H-2) on 1.6T HEV/PHEV |
| Drivetrain | Standard | Front-Wheel Drive (2.5L and 2.5T) |
| Drivetrain | Available / Standard on Hybrid | HTRAC AWD (active on-demand); standard on HEV/PHEV |
| Drivetrain | Drive Mode Select | Center-console mounted (standard on 1.6T & 2.5T) |
| Fuel Economy | HEV AWD (SEL Premium / Limited) | 36 / 31 / 34 mpg (City / Hwy / Combined) |
| Fuel Economy | HEV AWD (SEL Convenience / Limited) | 33 / 30 / 32 mpg (City / Hwy / Combined) |
| Fuel Economy | Fuel tank | 17.7 gal (ICE / HEV) · 12.4 gal (PHEV) |
Source: Hyundai Motor America — 2023 Santa Fe Product Specifications (PDF: 50304-2023SantaFeProductSpecifications20220629.pdf)
Hyundai Santa Fe (2023) — Official Specifications
| Category | Specification | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L I-4 (Smartstream GDI + MPI) | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm; 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm — SE/SEL/XRT |
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo I-4 (Smartstream GDI + MPI) | 281 hp @ 5,800 rpm; 311 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm — Limited/Calligraphy |
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo I-4 (HEV / PHEV) | 178 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 195 lb-ft (1,500–4,500 rpm) — Blue/SEL/Limited HEV & PHEV |
| Hybrid | HEV combined output | 226 hp total (gas + electric) |
| Hybrid | PHEV combined output | 261 hp total (gas + electric) |
| Transmission | Automatic (with SHIFTRONIC paddle shifters) | 8-speed automatic (A8MF1) on 2.5L; 8-speed wet dual-clutch (D8LF1) on 2.5L Turbo; 6-speed automatic (A6MF2H-2) on 1.6T HEV/PHEV |
| Drivetrain | Standard | Front-Wheel Drive (2.5L and 2.5T) |
| Drivetrain | Available / Standard on Hybrid | HTRAC AWD (active on-demand); standard on HEV/PHEV |
| Drivetrain | Drive Mode Select | Center-console mounted (standard on 1.6T and 2.5T) |
| Fuel Economy | HEV AWD (SEL Premium / Limited) | 36 / 31 / 34 mpg (City / Hwy / Combined) |
| Fuel Economy | HEV AWD (SEL Convenience / Limited) | 33 / 30 / 32 mpg (City / Hwy / Combined) |
| Fuel Economy | Fuel tank | 17.7 gal (ICE / HEV) · 12.4 gal (PHEV) |
Source: Hyundai Motor America — 2023 Santa Fe Product Specifications (PDF: 50304-2023SantaFeProductSpecifications20220629.pdf)
Model-Year Changes:
2023: The Santa Fe’s turbocharged engine gets a slight bump in power.
2022: A new XRT trim joins the lineup.
2021: The Santa Fe receives new styling inside and out, plus new engine upgrades, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Hyundai adds a new top-of-the-line trim called the Calligraphy.
2020: The Ultimate and SEL Plus trims are dropped, some driver assistance features are moved from the standard category to the options list, and the second-row sliding seat is deleted. The Limited gains Blind-Spot View Monitor.
See 2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe models for sale near you.
Third Generation: 2013-2018
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2013) — Official Specifications
| Category | Specification | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Standard Engine | 2.4L GDI I-4, 190 hp |
| Engine | Available Engine | 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo GDI I-4, 264 hp |
| Transmission | Automatic | 6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC |
| Drivetrain | Standard | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Drivetrain | Available | Active Cornering Control AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 2.4L FWD | 22 / 33 / 26 mpg |
| Fuel Economy | 2.4L AWD | 21 / 28 / 23 mpg |
| Fuel Economy | 2.0T FWD | 21 / 31 / 25 mpg |
| Fuel Economy | 2.0T AWD | 20 / 27 / 22 mpg |
| Fuel Economy | Fuel Tank | 17.4 gallons |
Source: Hyundai — 2013 Santa Fe Sport Specifications (PDF: Hyundai-Santa-Fe-2013-US.pdf)
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2013) — Notable Features and Optional Packages
| Category | Feature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort & Tech | Standard interior & infotainment | A/C with cabin filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio & cruise controls, 40/20/40 split-fold rear seats, YES Essentials cloth seats, AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 6-speaker audio, Bluetooth, iPod/USB, Hyundai Blue Link® telematics |
| Comfort and Tech | Popular Equipment Package Optional | Not standard. Adds power driver seat with 4-way lumbar, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob |
| Comfort & Tech | Leather & Premium Equipment Package Optional | Not standard. Adds leather seats, power passenger seat, heated & sliding 2nd-row seats, dual-zone auto climate, 4.3″ touchscreen audio, rearview camera, auto-dimming mirror w/ HomeLink, push-button start (2.4L) |
| Comfort & Tech | Technology Package Optional | Not standard. Adds panoramic sunroof, 8″ touchscreen navigation, premium audio (Dimension 10-speaker on 2.4L / Infinity Logic 7 12-spkr on 2.0T), heated steering wheel, rear side-window sunshades |
| Comfort and Tech | 2.0T-exclusive content Optional | Standard on 2.0T trim only. Push-button start, electroluminescent gauge cluster w/ color LCD, chrome dual-tip exhaust, trailer prep package |
| Safety & Driver Assist | Standard safety suite | 7 airbags (incl. side curtain and driver knee), Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability and Traction Control, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Hillstart Assist, Downhill Brake Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring |
| Safety and Driver Assist | Driver Selectable Steering Mode | Standard. Comfort, Normal and Sport settings selectable from steering wheel |
| Exterior | Standard exterior | 17″ alloy wheels, LED headlight accents, chrome-accent grille and door handles, rear spoiler with integrated brake light, body-color power side mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer (AWD only) |
| Exterior | Popular Equipment Package add-ons Optional | Not standard. Roof side rails, fog lights, automatic headlight control, heated power side mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer (FWD) |
| Exterior | Leather & Premium add-ons Optional | Not standard. Side mirror–mounted turn-signal indicators, premium door sill plates |
Source: Hyundai — 2013 Santa Fe Sport Specifications (PDF: Hyundai-Santa-Fe-2013-US.pdf)
Model-Year Changes:
2018: No significant changes.
2017: Both the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport receive extensive interior and exterior updates. Android Auto joins a new 7-inch touchscreen in some models, as do new driver-assists like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlights.
2016: The Sante Fe GLS is renamed SE, and a smart power liftgate is standard on the Limited trim.
2015: A revision to the Santa Fe’s steering and suspension improves ride and handling. A smart power liftgate joins the options list.
2014: New options include blind-spot detection and rear parking sensors.
See 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe models for sale near you.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Early Years: Generations 1 and 2 (2001-2012)
2007-2012: The second-generation Santa Fe has a more modern look and rides on the same platform as the Sonata sedan. As before, the second-gen Santa Fe offers front- or all-wheel drive, an automatic or manual transmission, and 4- or 6-cylinder engines. For its time, the Santa Fe offered a lot of cutting-edge features at a very good price. While you won’t find advanced safety systems here, these years include features such as ABS, front, side, and side-curtain airbags, traction control, and stability assist. However, reliability falls far behind that of rivals such as Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. Some common problems include a faulty crankshaft position sensor, excessive oil consumption, head gasket failure, a clogged EGR valve in the 2.7-liter V6, and automatic transmission shifting issues.
2001-2006: In these first years, the Santa Fe is a quirky little SUV with odd styling, a choice of 4- and 6-cylinder engines, manual or automatic transmissions, and front- or all-wheel drive. Later in the model run, a larger, more powerful 3.5-liter V6 was offered, making the Santa Fe one of the few compact SUVs to offer such an option. During its five-year run, Hyundai sold many Santa Fe SUVs, though we can’t say how many are still on the road today.
See 2001-2012 Hyundai Santa Fe models for sale near you.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe a Good SUV?
The answer to this question depends on which generation you choose. The fourth generation offers the best combination of price, features, and reliability, covering the years between 2019 and 2023. Go older, and you’re looking at an SUV loaded with features and styling, but with only average repair and reliability ratings and a few big red flags regarding recalls.
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Have a Hybrid Option?
Yes, 2024 and newer Santa Fe SUVs offer a hybrid engine option, as did the previous fourth-generation model, but only starting in 2021.
How Much Can the Hyundai Santa Fe Tow?
Tow ratings vary by generation. When equipped with a V6, most Santa Fe models can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Early 4-cylinder models are rated between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds. The fifth-generation Santa Fe is tow-rated up to 4,500 pounds in the XRT trim.
What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Hyundai Santa Fe?
We think the 2018-2024 model years are among the most reliable.
What Are the Worst Years for the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The first two generations have their share of issues. At their age, rust and wear also become concerns, especially in northern regions that experience heavy snowfall and salt and sand treatments.
Does the 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty Carry Over When Buying Used?
Although a used Santa Fe powertrain warranty changes from 10 years/100,000 miles to 5 years/60,000 miles, that’s still a lot of coverage. However, if you buy a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Santa Fe, Hyundai reinstates the original warranty from the date the vehicle first entered service.
Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication. Joe Tralongo contributed to the report.
