Used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe for Sale nearEscondido, CA

Compare 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims

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 $16,515
• 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: $16,515 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 501 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.

• Avg. market price: $17,296 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 495 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 selection of features.

• Avg. market price: $17,662 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 1,914 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 added features and all-wheel drive capability.

• Avg. market price: $18,718 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 2,527 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 without going for the highest price.

• Avg. market price: $20,792 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 474 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: $21,228 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 772 listings
• View Limited AWD listings

Calligraphy FWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a high-end SUV with luxurious features.

• Avg. market price: $23,696 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 464 listings
• View Calligraphy FWD listings

Calligraphy AWD — "Who It's For"

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

• Avg. market price: $19,175 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 916 listings
• View Calligraphy AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — SEL AWD

With 2,527 active listings, the SEL AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse SEL AWD listings

Best Budget Option — SE FWD

At $16,515 avg market price — below the lineup median of $18,946 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse SE FWD 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 November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

Prices have softened 6.87% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,470 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 8.7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its excellent value, comfort, and array of features, and many also like its smooth driving experience and fuel efficiency on the highway. The Santa Fe’s practical, well-equipped feel lines up with its five-passenger crossover SUV mission, especially if you want a strong mix of features and value.

The main trade-off is the underwhelming base engine, and some owners also wish it had more interior mood lighting. Even so, the overall package remains appealing if you want a practical crossover with a polished, upscale feel.

There are 36.7% good or great deals in the market, which suggests you can still find attractive pricing.

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 strong value, comfort, and a smooth driving experience that supports everyday confidence. The ownership package also includes a free three-year scheduled maintenance plan, which helps reduce early ownership costs.

The Santa Fe’s long-term ownership risk looks manageable for used buyers, especially if you verify maintenance history and overall condition before you commit.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, even when the listing looks clean. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you want to confirm the condition of the engine, brakes, tires, and electronics. Focus on how well the cabin, controls, and driver-assistance features have been maintained, since those are central to the Santa Fe’s appeal.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy for gas models. The higher trims add more upscale materials and equipment, while the base trim misses some of the more distinctive features and safety tech found higher up the range.
• Powertrain: SE and SEL trims 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 an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission.
• Safety package: Highway Driving Assist combines adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering, and lane-following tech. Calligraphy also gets forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning assistance, plus Safe Exit Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor.
• Infotainment: The basic setup uses an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger 10.25-inch screen uses wired smartphone mirroring, adds upgraded voice recognition, and can be paired with Blue Link connected services.
• 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 are comfortable giving up some of the richer features found higher up.
• SEL: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds meaningful equipment without pushing you into the pricier luxury-leaning end of the range.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more premium feel and stronger performance from the turbocharged engine, along with a richer feature set.
• Calligraphy: This is the most upscale version, with the most distinctive styling, the most technology, and the most advanced safety content.

Calligraphy is the trim with the most complete safety package, including the unusual features that make the Santa Fe stand out.

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 carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,470 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.87% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 79.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,250, 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 $19,250 sits slightly below last year's $20,671.

That softer pricing can help you as a buyer now, but it also suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation. If you plan to resell later, the current market position may limit upside unless you buy well and keep the vehicle in excellent condition.

Strong owner satisfaction can help support future demand, especially for a model that buyers already view as a value play. Well-kept examples with desirable equipment should remain easier to move than neglected ones.

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, but only with the LED projector headlights found on Limited and Calligraphy trims.

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

The Santa Fe includes adaptive cruise control, collision warning and prevention, lane-keeping support, pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning forward-collision assistance, Safe Exit Assist, rear-occupant alert, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist. Some of the more advanced safety features are reserved for higher trims, so you should check equipment carefully before buying.

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:

• 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 79.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.87% 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 $16,258, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $19,250 average.
• It offers a practical five-passenger layout with strong value and broad appeal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $20,992, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $19,250 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, features, and updated design, the 2021 is the sweet spot. If price is your top priority, the 2020 is the cheaper path; if you want newer content and can spend more, the 2022 is worth a look.

How does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe compare to the 2021 Kia Sorento?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe:

• Pros: Stylish design, Impressive technology, Comfortable.
• Cons: Underwhelming base engine.

2021 Kia Sorento:

• Pros: Stylish design, Impressive technology, Standard advanced safety features.
• Cons: Priced too close to the Telluride, Cramped third row, Underwhelming base engine.

Our experts score the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 8.7/10 and the 2021 Kia Sorento 7.7/10. The Santa Fe comes across as the stronger value play, especially if you want a comfortable, well-equipped two-row crossover. The Sorento’s advantage is its standard advanced safety features, but its third row is cramped and its pricing sits close to the Telluride.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.