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 $14,699
• 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: $16,022 (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 capability without a hefty price tag.

• Avg. market price: $14,699 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 50 listings
• View SE AWD listings

SEL FWD — "Who It's For"

The SEL FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded SUV with a good mix of features and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $20,186 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 77 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.

• Avg. market price: $19,503 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 215 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 premium features and a touch of luxury without going all out.

• Avg. market price: $20,437 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 27 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.

• Avg. market price: $21,759 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 85 listings
• View Limited AWD listings

Calligraphy FWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded SUV with all the luxury features.

• Avg. market price: $20,186 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 32 listings
• View Calligraphy FWD listings

Calligraphy AWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a luxury SUV that can handle various terrains with style.

• Avg. market price: $20,186 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 94 listings
• View Calligraphy AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — SEL AWD

With 215 active listings, the SEL AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse SEL AWD listings

Best Budget Option — SE AWD

At $14,699 avg market price — below the lineup median of $20,186 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse SE AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — SE FWD

The SE FWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 25/28 MPG/MPGe.

Browse SE FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 1, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

Prices have softened 8.02% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,510 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

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 experience and highway fuel efficiency. The Santa Fe’s stylish design and impressive technology reinforce that appeal, while the comfortable cabin makes it easy to live with.

The main trade-off is the underwhelming base engine, and some owners also wished for more interior mood lighting. That said, the Santa Fe’s mix of comfort, features, and affordability makes it a strong fit if you want a five-passenger crossover SUV with broad everyday appeal. Good and great deals account for 36.2% 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.

User feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with repeated praise for comfort, value, and features that hold up well over time. The expert evaluation also emphasizes the Santa Fe’s strong value proposition and the confidence that comes from Hyundai’s ownership-benefits package, including the free three-year scheduled maintenance plan that comes with every new Hyundai.

That said, used buyers should still pay close attention to service history and overall condition, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one that may have been driven hard.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate, even if the listing looks clean at first glance. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you’re comparing trims with different equipment levels or looking at a vehicle with higher mileage. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and whether 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 are more straightforward, while higher trims add more upscale design details and equipment, with Calligraphy standing out for its luxury-themed presentation.
• 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 hybrid uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a starter/generator and electric drive motor for 226 hp.
• Safety package: The Santa Fe includes driver-assistance tech for cruise control, collision warning and prevention, and lane keeping. Calligraphy adds more unusual standard features, including pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist. Some features are trim dependent, so check carefully before you buy.
• Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with the 8-inch touchscreen. The 10.25-inch system adds wired smartphone mirroring, upgraded voice recognition, enhanced Blue Link services, and available premium audio. The larger setup also pairs with more advanced tech features.
• Fuel efficiency: With AWD, both powertrains are rated at 24 mpg in combined driving. The standard 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 entry point, so it makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the Santa Fe lineup and can live with the most basic equipment.
• SEL: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more everyday comfort and convenience without pushing you into the highest price tier.
• Limited: This is the right step up if you want the stronger turbocharged engine and a more premium-feeling feature set.
• Calligraphy: This is the top choice if you want the most upscale Santa Fe experience, with the richest cabin presentation and the most advanced standard equipment.

Calligraphy is the trim where the most unusual safety features are standard, including pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist.

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 with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,510 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.02% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 79.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,499, 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 $19,499 sits slightly below last year's $21,199.

That softer pricing can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle, but it also means future resale gains may be more limited if the market stays soft. If you plan to sell later, a well-kept Santa Fe with strong equipment and clean history should be easier to move than one with visible wear or a thin service record.

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 Santa Fe earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS 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 support, collision warning and prevention, lane-keeping tech, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction-turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist. Calligraphy gets the most complete standard package, while some features are trim dependent.

One caveat is that the IIHS top rating depends on the LED projector headlights, so you should verify headlight equipment if safety is a 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:

• 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.02% 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 new Calligraphy trim.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,756, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $19,499 average.
• It offers a roomy five-passenger layout with strong value and easy-to-use tech.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $21,436, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $19,499 average.
• It adds a new plug-in hybrid version and expands some safety features to lower trims later in the year.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of value, features, and updated design, the 2021 is the sweet spot. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer feature rollout and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.