Used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims in Chicago, IL

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to well-equipped models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $16,422
• Best MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Most Popular: SEL AWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

SE FWD — "Who It's For"

The SE FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly SUV without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $16,422 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 32 listings
• View SE FWD listings

SE AWD — "Who It's For"

The SE AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive without a hefty price tag, making it a practical choice for families.

• Avg. market price: $20,509 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 46 listings
• View SE AWD listings

SEL FWD — "Who It's For"

The SEL FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV with a balance of features and price, ideal for daily driving.

• Avg. market price: $17,890 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 75 listings
• View SEL FWD listings

SEL AWD — "Who It's For"

The SEL AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a popular trim with advanced features and all-wheel drive for added confidence on the road.

• Avg. market price: $19,263 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 202 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View SEL AWD listings

Limited FWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited FWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features without the complexity of all-wheel drive, perfect for city driving.

• Avg. market price: $20,987 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 35 listings
• View Limited FWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty SUV with luxury features and all-wheel drive for enhanced performance.

• Avg. market price: $22,539 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 79 listings
• View Limited AWD listings

Calligraphy FWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy FWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features in a stylish package, ideal for those who appreciate luxury.

• Avg. market price: $20,509 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 35 listings
• View Calligraphy FWD listings

Calligraphy AWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded SUV with all-wheel drive, perfect for those who seek adventure.

• Avg. market price: $20,509 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 96 listings
• View Calligraphy AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — SEL AWD

With 202 active listings, the SEL AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup, offering a great mix of features and performance.

Browse SEL AWD listings

Best Budget Option — SE FWD

At $16,422 avg market price — below the lineup median of $20,509 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse SE FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — SE FWD

The SE FWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 25/28 MPG, making it ideal for daily commutes.

Browse SE FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

Prices have softened 7.57% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 2,529 listings available, you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its value, comfort, and feature content, and many also like its smooth driving feel and highway fuel efficiency. The main trade-off is that some drivers find the engine underpowered at times, and the cabin could have benefited from mood lighting.

For you, that means the Santa Fe makes the most sense if you want a five-passenger crossover SUV that leans into comfort, technology, and affordability rather than outright acceleration. It also fits especially well if you want a well-equipped family hauler without moving up to a larger three-row SUV. Good and great deals account for 34.0% of listings, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle that feels dependable, comfortable, and easy to live with over time, with repeated praise for its value and feature set. The expert evaluation also emphasizes Hyundai’s ownership-benefits package, including warranty coverage, roadside assistance, transparent pricing, three-day exchange protection, three years of connected services, and free scheduled maintenance for three years.

That combination lowers the day-to-day burden of ownership and helps reduce long-term risk for used buyers, especially if you choose a well-kept example with a clean history.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because accident-free status is only a starting point. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the engine, transmission behavior, tire wear, brake condition, and signs of uneven panel gaps or repair work. It also makes sense to confirm that the features you want are actually present on the specific trim you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The gas lineup includes SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. The base trims focus more on value, while higher trims add more upscale materials, more advanced displays, and richer equipment. The Calligraphy stands out for its premium feel and is the trim where several of the most unusual safety features are standard.
• Powertrain: SE and SEL use a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic. Limited and Calligraphy get a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The turbo setup is the stronger choice if you want quicker acceleration.
• Safety package: The Santa Fe includes cruise-control, collision-warning, and lane-keeping technology, plus Highway Driving Assist. Calligraphy adds pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and an ultrasonic rear-occupant alert. The more affordable trims do not get all of those features.
• Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with the 8-inch touchscreen. The larger 10.25-inch system uses wired smartphone mirroring but adds upgraded voice recognition and enhanced Blue Link services. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also available.
• Fuel efficiency: With AWD, both powertrains are rated at 24 mpg in combined driving. The naturally aspirated engine is slightly more efficient in city driving, while the turbo is thriftier on the highway.

Which 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe trim should I buy?

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in 4 trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy.

Here's the short version:

• SE: This is the value-focused starting point, and it makes sense if you want the Santa Fe’s core comfort and utility without paying for extras. It is the least expensive path into the lineup, but you give up the richer tech and premium touches found higher up.
• SEL: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it builds on the base model without pushing too far up the price ladder. It is the trim to target if you want a balanced mix of equipment, comfort, and affordability.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the stronger turbocharged engine and a more upscale overall experience. It adds more premium content and is a good fit if you care about performance and refinement as much as value.
• Calligraphy: This is the luxury-leaning choice, with the most premium cabin feel and the most advanced equipment. It also gets the most unusual safety features, including the more advanced occupant alert and the Blind-Spot View Monitor.

The safety-package standout is that the most advanced driver-assistance features are standard on Calligraphy, while the lower trims do not get the full set.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,529 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.57% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,703, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe's resale value?

The current average of $19,703 sits slightly below last year's $21,315.

That softer pricing suggests the Santa Fe has become more accessible for buyers, but it also means a future seller may need to be realistic about expectations if the market stays competitive. The current price position can help support demand from shoppers looking for value, especially since this model year is still well regarded for comfort, features, and overall satisfaction. If you buy well and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you should have a reasonable shot at holding buyer interest later.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe safe?

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, but only when equipped with the LED projector headlights found on Limited and Calligraphy trims.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The Santa Fe’s safety suite includes cruise-control, collision-warning and prevention, lane-keeping support, Highway Driving Assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction-turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and rear-occupant alert technology. The most advanced features are concentrated on the higher trims, so you should confirm the exact equipment on any used example you’re considering.

One caveat is that the Top Safety Pick result depends on the right headlight setup, so trim choice matters if safety is a top priority.

Should I buy a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.57% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds a substantial update with new styling, technology, safety systems, and a luxury-themed Calligraphy trim.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,794, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $19,703 average.
• It offers a simpler one-model-year lineup with broad appeal and strong value.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $21,676, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $19,703 average.
• It adds a plug-in hybrid and an XRT trim with outdoor-themed styling.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of value, updated tech, and strong owner satisfaction, the 2021 is the smart default choice. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer additions and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.