Used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe for Sale nearDurham, NC

Compare 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims in Durham, NC

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to more luxurious models, all with impressive features and efficiency.

• Starting at $16,889
• 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: $18,907 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 44 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: $17,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 33 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: $17,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 120 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View SEL FWD listings

SEL AWD — "Who It's For"

The SEL AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a popular trim with all-wheel drive and a host of features.

• Avg. market price: $16,889 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 126 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 going for the highest price.

• Avg. market price: $17,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 36 listings
• View Limited FWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury and all-wheel drive capability in their SUV.

• Avg. market price: $17,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 57 listings
• View Limited AWD listings

Calligraphy FWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy FWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features and a refined driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $17,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 42 listings
• View Calligraphy FWD listings

Calligraphy AWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a top-tier SUV with luxury features and all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $17,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 76 listings
• View Calligraphy AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — SEL AWD

With 126 active listings, the SEL AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse SEL AWD listings

Best Budget Option — SEL AWD

At $16,889 avg market price — below the lineup median of $17,898 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse SEL AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — SE FWD

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

Browse SE FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

Prices have softened 7.30% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,464 listings available, which gives you a solid pool 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.

Drivers consistently praise its excellent value, comfortable cabin, and broad array of features. The user feedback also points to a smooth driving experience and strong highway fuel efficiency, which fits well with its role as a five-passenger crossover SUV. On the trade-off side, the expert notes call out an underwhelming base engine, and owners mention the missing interior mood lighting.

For you, that means the Santa Fe makes the most sense if you want a well-equipped midsize crossover that leans into comfort, technology, and value rather than outright performance. Good and great deals account for 37.2% of listings, so there are still attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

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

Drivers describe it as dependable, with praise centered on value, comfort, and features that make daily use feel easy and trouble-free. The expert notes also emphasize Hyundai’s ownership-benefits package, including the free three-year scheduled maintenance plan that comes with every new Hyundai, which supports lower early ownership costs.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the vehicle was maintained properly and hasn’t been worn down by hard use, especially if you’re shopping a higher-mileage example.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a vehicle-specific record. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the engine, transmission behavior, electronics, and signs of uneven wear. It also helps to compare trim equipment closely, since some of the Santa Fe’s best safety and tech features are reserved for higher trims.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The gas lineup includes SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. The higher trims add more upscale materials, a more refined cabin feel, and features such as the panoramic glass sunroof and richer interior finishes, while the base versions are more straightforward.
• Powertrain: SE and SEL use a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic. Limited and Calligraphy use 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.
• Safety package: The Santa Fe includes driver-assistance tech for cruise control, collision warning and prevention, and lane keeping. Calligraphy adds pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist.
• Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with the 8-inch touchscreen. The 10.25-inch touchscreen adds wired smartphone mirroring, upgraded voice recognition, enhanced Blue Link services, and available Harman Kardon audio.
• 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, and it gives you the core Santa Fe experience at the lowest price. It makes sense if you want the model’s value and comfort without paying for upscale extras.
• SEL: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it builds on the base setup with more everyday convenience and a stronger overall equipment mix.
• Limited: This trim is the step-up choice if you want more luxury feel and stronger available equipment without going all the way to the top.
• Calligraphy: This is the most upscale version, with the richest interior presentation, the most advanced tech, and the most distinctive safety and convenience features.

The safety package is especially strong on Calligraphy, where the most unusual features are standard.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and enough deal activity to make comparison shopping worthwhile.

• Deal availability: 37.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,464 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.30% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,445, 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 $19,445 sits slightly below last year's $20,977.

That softer pricing suggests the Santa Fe has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. If you purchase near the lower end of the current range, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss when it’s time to sell. Strong equipment, good condition, and a clean history should matter more than ever if you want to protect value 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 the 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 assistance, collision warning and prevention, lane-keeping support, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction-turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist. Some of the more advanced features are standard only on Calligraphy, while rear-occupant alert technology is standard on more affordable versions and an ultrasonic version is available on mid-grade and higher trims.

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:

• 37.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.30% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds a substantial update with new styling, controls, displays, engines, technology, and safety systems.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,563, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $19,445 average.
• It offers broad appeal as a practical five-passenger crossover with useful tech and a comfortable cabin.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $21,292, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $19,445 average.
• It adds a new plug-in hybrid version and expands safety availability on lower trims.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of value, updated tech, and strong safety for the money, the 2021 is the sweet spot. If your priority is saving upfront, the 2020 is the cheaper path; if you want newer features and can spend more, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.