Hyundai cannot rest on a stellar legacy, which is why today's Santa Fe is unrecognizable from the original 2001 model. In five generations, the Santa Fe has grown in size and status, as it competes against three dozen compact and midsize two-row and three-row SUVs—four of which are in Hyundai's lineup, including the Tucson and the Palisade.
The latest Santa Fe cribs styling cues from the Land Rover Defender, sometimes for worse, but even the missteps show an automaker willing to quickly pivot and offer a unique vehicle in a segment that hardly innovates. Available with three rows of seats—a unique feature as it is among the smallest midsize SUVs on sale—the Santa Fe presents itself as a do-all adventure-seeker, with trims that include a fuel-saving hybrid and the rugged XRT. In reality, the Santa Fe's powertrain, chassis, and performance speak to the modest requirements of a modern family. Hyundai sells the Santa Fe as "roughing it the easy way," which underlines our point.
To that end, the Santa Fe is full of useful convenience features, ample space, advanced but not overwhelming technology, and holds up well in crash testing. Hyundai's usual long warranty coverage is another bonus.
Hyundai Santa Fe Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Pros and Cons
- Hyundai Santa Fe Generations
- Hyundai Santa Fe Fifth Generation (2024-Present)
- Hyundai Santa Fe Fourth Generation (2019-2023)
- Hyundai Santa Fe Third Generation (2013-2018)
- Hyundai Santa Fe Second Generation (2007-2012)
- Hyundai Santa Fe First Generation (2001-2006)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hyundai Santa Fe years are the best?
The new Santa Fe is the best of the lot, which is usually the case with any Hyundai. The automaker builds so many improvements into each generation, and often between generations, that you’re best served buying the newest model you can afford. The latest generation is still too new for full reliability ratings.
Which Hyundai Santa Fe years are the worst?
Avoid the first generation—this was not a good time for Hyundai build quality. Any surviving examples are likely worn out, if they were not crushed years ago. The third-generation Santa Fe Sport, which, at the time, was a shorter version of the Santa Fe, experienced widespread failures on its 2.4-liter engine. Hyundai settled for damages on 2013-2019 models. Keep an out for that at the dealership or on a test drive.
Is a used Hyundai Santa Fe a good deal?
Yes, if you buy the fourth generation from model years 2019-2023. These vehicles have Hyundai's modern design language and interior appointments, plus the safety features, build quality, and technology applicable to most of Hyundai's current lineup. Be aware, though, that Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty does not apply to used buyers. It is only good from new for the first owner.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish interior
- Multiple powertrain options
- Impressive technology
Cons:
- Cramped third row
- Odd rear styling
- Expensive in top trims
Hyundai Santa Fe Generations
Hyundai Santa Fe Fifth Generation (2024-Present)
From the square greenhouse to the chunky steering wheel and upright dash, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe copied Land Rover hard. The new car worked really well from some angles, such as the H-pattern lights on the front and a boxy profile with chunky fenders. A push-in flap on the C-Pillar did nothing but evoke the Defender’s accessory box and ladder system (it was there, Hyundai said, as a grab handle, so you could step on the rear tire to access the roof), but the rear created the impression of an Amish stagecoach or a pumpkin. The sides flared out, then drooped to low-mounted taillights resembling an El Camino’s. Hyundai does some weird things when it designs cars, but at least we know its worst efforts don't typically last for more than a few years. Change is constant, and the next Santa Fe won’t look anything like this one.
The interior was far more pleasant in mimicking the Land Rover aesthetic, with clean lines, analog controls, and a curved display that spanned the flat dash. The plastics scratched easily, the wood was fake, and the leather cheap, but the appeal was real. Second-row captain's chairs were comfortable and the entire cabin, save for the cramped third row, was airy. Cargo space, at up to 79.6 cubic feet, was generous, while towing capacity is between 3,500 and 4,500 pounds depending on the trim.
A turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine provided generous acceleration, with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while multiple drive modes help to extract the most out of the engine and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) was optional on all Hyundai Santa Fe trims except the XRT, and front-wheel drive (FWD) was the standard choice. A turbo hybrid increased EPA-estimated fuel economy to 34 mpg combined compared with 23 mpg on regular versions.
In our test of a new Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy in 2024, we found it rode comfortably and handled much better than the previous generation, especially on 21-inch wheels and tires. Shift quality was also impressive. Features such as 3D-rendered 360-degree cameras, a UV-disinfecting phone holder, and a digital key were all notable upgrades, and the infotainment system was easy to use. A highway driving assist feature was useful but not hands-free.
Eight trims were available, with base MSRPs starting from around $34,000 and rising to circa $48,000. The SE had standard features such as third-row seating, LED headlights, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a proximity key. The Santa Fe SEL added a digital key, a wireless phone charger, and vinyl upholstery. The XRT brought standard all-wheel drive, dark 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a 1.3-inch suspension lift, and unique trim. The Limited had live blind spot cameras, 20-inch wheels, remote parking (allowing the car to drive itself forward or backward while standing outside), and other interior upgrades. Calligraphy trim added Nappa leather, captain's chairs, a second wireless charger, 21-inch wheels, and more. Hybrid models were available in SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims.
Hyundai Santa Fe Fourth Generation (2019-2023)
The fourth-gen Santa Fe was the first to debut Hyundai's bold design language that did away with the generic, forgettable look of the first three. This version took the trend of thin LED running lamps set above the actual headlights, and created a recognizable face and a pleasant silhouette. The crisp lines, chrome trim, and the creases on the body panels were immediately of a higher quality than past generations.
The interior was another major step forward, with improved soft-touch rubbers across the dash, more supportive seats, and a small but usable seven- or eight-inch touchscreen. It was practical, with deep map pockets, heated seat controls on the doors, and support for wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New safety features in this generation included a safe exit assist system, which kept the doors locked if the blind-spot monitoring system detected an oncoming car that could lead to an accident if the door were opened.
This Santa Fe reverted to two rows of seats and eliminated the Santa Fe Sport model. For a short time in 2019, Hyundai sold the previous-generation Santa Fe as the Santa Fe XL, denoting a third row of seats, but it was replaced by the Palisade.
Four powertrains were offered. Most came with a 2.4-liter inline-four with 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque (191hp for 2021 and beyond). Limited and Ultimate trims from 2019-2020 had a turbo 2.0-liter inline-four with 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Upgrades for 2021 increased engine output on all trims, especially the turbo (281hp/311 lb-ft), plus a hybrid with a 1.6-liter turbo inline-four that continued in the present Santa Fe Hybrid. A refreshed exterior with new lights, grille, wheels, and taillights, along with a larger touchscreen, were also offered. The Calligraphy trim level debuted as the most luxurious and expensive in the lineup.
For 2022, the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid went on sale in a small number of Northeastern and Western states, offering up to an EPA-estimated 31 miles of electric range. The XRT trim debuted with skid plates and new wheels. For 2023, the SEL trim added the larger 10.3-inch touchscreen that was reserved for higher trims, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control linked to the navigation, and rear window shades. This newly added equipment replaced the SEL Convenience package. Laminated front windows to block noise became standard, along with puddle lights on the mirrors. In our multiple tests across this generation, we came away impressed with its value and execution but not necessarily won over by its driving performance.
On CarGurus, late-model, lowest-mileage examples are priced between $25,000 and $35,000. Older models with higher mileage run from around $16,000 to $25,000.
Hyundai Santa Fe Third Generation (2013-2018)
Hyundai replaced the Veracruz with the Santa Fe, which was introduced for 2013 alongside the smaller two-row Santa Fe Sport. The Sport, as in the fourth generation, came with a 2.4-liter inline-four (190hp/181 lb-ft) and a turbo 2.0-liter inline-four (264hp/269 lb-ft). The bigger Santa Fe had a 3.3-liter V-6 (290hp/252 lb-ft). All came with a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive.
Santa Fe Sport models came standard with cloth seats, power windows/mirrors/locks, six-speaker stereo, an iPod or USB jack, and Hyundai's BlueLink connected features, which ran off a cellular modem in the car. The turbo models added fog lights, heated mirrors, roof rack rails, proximity key, and an eight-way power driver's seat. Three-row Santa Fe models had more options, including heated second-row seats, leather, backup camera, and dual-zone climate control. Rear seat legroom was a big selling point.
At the time of writing, 10-year-old examples were selling on CarGurus for around $8,000 to $12,000. Later years were still well under $20,000, with the newest, lowest-mileage examples priced at around $22,000. These prices were roughly the same for both versions.
Hyundai Santa Fe Second Generation (2007-2012)
Hyundai opened its Montgomery, Alabama assembly plant in 2005, so this Santa Fe was the first Hyundai SUV to be made in the U.S., and the second model to start at the plant alongside the Sonata sedan. Since then, most (but not all) Santa Fe models have been produced here.
This was Hyundai's first breakthrough into the modern era, though even later models are now dated in terms styling, handling, performance, and safety. Three trims debuted in 2007 (GLS, SE, and Limited), all with V6 engines and either a five-speed manual (on the smaller V6) or a four-speed automatic transmission. The GLS came with a 2.7-liter (185hp/183 lb-ft) unit, while the other two trims had the 3.3-liter powerplant (242hp). A sizeable cargo hold (up to 78.2 cubic feet), lots of legroom, and options for a six-disc CD changer, rear seat DVD entertainment, and a heated windshield section for the wipers were all available. It also managed an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.
For 2008, the Santa Fe added an optional third row to SE and Limited trims. The Limited added a seven-disc CD changer and an optional navigation system, while the SE upgraded the quality of the cloth upholstery. For 2009, Hyundai added USB and iPod ports, roof cross rails, and a trailer hitch for up to 3,500 pounds, all standard.
Hyundai replaced the smaller V6 for 2010, opting for a 2.4-liter inline-four (175hp). It also improved the larger V6 by increasing displacement to 3.5 liters (276hp), while a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic replaced the older transmissions. A redesigned grille, taillights, Bluetooth, and steering wheel audio controls were also added. For 2011, the Santa Fe made the base GLS available with the V6, removed navigation and backup camera as options for the GLS, and added a 10-speaker Infinity stereo for the Limited. Five new colors were in the mix. Little changed for 2012.
This generation had sloppy steering and handling, but was generally safe and well-equipped. Many examples on CarGurus can be found for $5,000 or less with more than 100,000 miles.
Hyundai Santa Fe First Generation (2001-2006)
Hyundai had only five cars in its lineup in 2000, and the Santa Fe was its first SUV, designed to compete with the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 that had sold well for several years. Comfort, style, and space were carefully executed. So was the suspension, with a double-wishbone rear setup that provided a car-like ride and was far from the norm at the time. Also unusual was an incredible warranty: five-year/60,000-mile bumper to bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain, both of which continue to this day.
Alloy wheels, air conditioning, power windows, CD player, and a folding rear seat were standard. Engines were a 2.4-liter four (150hp/156 lb-ft) or a 2.7-liter V6 (180hp/177 lb-ft) with either front- or all-wheel drive. For 2002, Hyundai made disc brakes standard for all four wheels and offered a power sunroof for GLS and LX trims. The company overstated engine output, however, in its first year, as the actual ratings were 138hp and 173hp, respectively.
Hyundai replaced the 2.7-liter V6 with a 3.5-liter V6 for 2003, made front side airbags standard, and added options including a Monsoon stereo, a six-disc CD changer, and garage door opener. The V6 was standardized on the LX and optional on the GLS for 2004, while the smaller V6 came back for 2005 as the base engine. Critical safety features, such as anti-lock brakes and traction control, became standard in 2005, along with an upgraded interior and a refreshed exterior.
Not many examples of this generation Santa Fe exist anymore, but CarGurus does have listings priced well under $5,000.
