Used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

Compare 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims in Raleigh, NC

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 $16,785
• 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: 41 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: $20,316 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 36 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 without going over budget.

• Avg. market price: $20,316 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 93 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: $16,785 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 117 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 luxurious feel without stepping up to the highest price point.

• Avg. market price: $21,099 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 39 listings
• View Limited FWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features combined with all-wheel drive for enhanced performance in various conditions.

• Avg. market price: $19,999 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 56 listings
• View Limited AWD listings

Calligraphy FWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy FWD is the pick for shoppers who want top-tier luxury features without the all-wheel drive option, perfect for city driving.

• Avg. market price: $20,316 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 45 listings
• View Calligraphy FWD listings

Calligraphy AWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate in luxury and performance, making it ideal for those who value both comfort and capability.

• Avg. market price: $20,316 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 69 listings
• View Calligraphy AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — SEL AWD

With 117 active listings, the SEL AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup, offering a great mix of features and value.

Browse SEL AWD listings

Best Budget Option — SEL AWD

At $16,785 avg market price — below the lineup median of $20,316 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse SEL 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 September 24, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

Prices have softened 7.38% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,508 listings available, which suggests solid inventory availability for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

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 excellent value, comfort, and array of features, and many also like its smooth driving experience and highway fuel efficiency. The main trade-offs are the underpowered engine some owners mention and the missing interior mood lighting that a few shoppers may notice.

That lines up with the Santa Fe’s role as a five-passenger crossover SUV that emphasizes comfort, technology, and affordability. With 36.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you room to shop selectively.

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 make it easy to count on day to day. The expert evaluation also emphasizes Hyundai’s ownership-benefits package, including warranty coverage, roadside assistance, and complimentary scheduled maintenance.

That combination is encouraging for used buyers, but you should still verify service records and overall condition because long-term ownership risk always depends on how the previous owner maintained the SUV.

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 run a history report on any candidate, even if the listing looks clean at first glance. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the engine, transmission behavior, brakes, electronics, and signs of uneven wear. Focus on whether the vehicle’s condition matches the trim level and equipment promised in the listing.

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 materials, a more refined cabin, and more distinctive exterior and interior details.
• 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 cruise-control, collision-warning, and lane-keeping technology, plus features such as pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist. Some of the more advanced features are standard only on higher trims.
• Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with the 8-inch touchscreen. The 10.25-inch system uses wired smartphone mirroring but adds upgraded voice recognition and enhanced connected services.
• 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 entry point, and it gives you the core Santa Fe experience with the standard 191-horsepower engine and the basic equipment set. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the model, but it is the least feature-rich choice.
• SEL: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it keeps the standard powertrain while adding more everyday comfort and convenience than the SE. If you want a balanced mix of price and equipment, this is the trim to focus on first.
• Limited: This trim brings the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which is the big step up if you want stronger acceleration and a more polished driving feel. It suits you if performance matters more than sticking to the lowest purchase price.
• Calligraphy: This is the most upscale version, with the richest cabin presentation and the most advanced technology and safety content. It is the right pick if you want the most premium Santa Fe experience and are willing to pay for it.

The safety content notes that the highest IIHS crash-test recognition applies only when the SUV has the LED projector headlights found on Limited and Calligraphy trims.

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

The market looks moderately favorable if you are a selective buyer.

• Deal availability: 36.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,508 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.38% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,639, 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 $19,639 sits slightly below last year's $21,204.

That decline suggests the Santa Fe is currently in a buyer-friendly phase, which can help you negotiate more confidently today. For future resale, the softer pricing also means your own depreciation risk may be more manageable if you buy at the right number. Strong value perception and broad shopper appeal should help support demand over time.

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 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, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction-turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist. Higher trims get the most advanced versions of this equipment, while some features are more limited on lower trims.

One caveat is that the IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition depends on the LED projector headlights, 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:

• 36.4% 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 7.38% 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 $16,810, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $19,639 average.
• It offers a roomy five-passenger layout with strong value and easy-to-use tech.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $21,567, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $19,639 average.
• It adds a new plug-in hybrid version and an XRT trim with outdoor-themed styling.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of value, features, and updated safety tech, the 2021 is the primary year to target. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can still make sense, while the 2022 is worth considering only if you want the newer additions and are comfortable paying more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.