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 $15,823
• 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: $17,501 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 7 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• 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: $19,104 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 10 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• 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: $19,104 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 29 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 a blend of luxury and practicality.

• Avg. market price: $15,823 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 32 listings
• View SEL AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features and all-weather capability in their SUV.

• Avg. market price: $19,104 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 8 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited AWD listings

Calligraphy FWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a luxury SUV experience without the AWD premium.

• Avg. market price: $19,104 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 7 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Calligraphy FWD listings

Calligraphy AWD — "Who It's For"

The Calligraphy AWD is the pick for shoppers who want top-tier luxury and performance in an all-wheel drive SUV.

• Avg. market price: $19,104 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 12 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Calligraphy AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — SEL AWD

With 32 active listings, the SEL AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse SEL AWD listings

Best Budget Option — SEL AWD

At $15,823 avg market price — below the lineup median of $19,104 — 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 November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

Prices have softened 6.44% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,477 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

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 main trade-offs are the underpowered feel some drivers mention and the base engine’s underwhelming character, even though the SUV is framed as stylish, impressive in technology, and comfortable. For you, that means this is a strong fit if you want a practical five-passenger crossover with a well-rounded feature set and value-focused appeal. Good and great deals account for 35.0% of listings, which is a healthy sign of market availability.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Drivers describe it as excellent value, comfortable, and feature-rich, and some specifically point to its smooth driving experience and highway fuel efficiency. The expert evaluation also emphasizes Hyundai’s ownership-benefits package, including the free three-year scheduled maintenance plan and complimentary three-year Blue Link subscription. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the specific vehicle has been maintained well and hasn’t been worn down by heavy use.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on condition, maintenance history, and any signs of prior damage or repair. Pay close attention to how the vehicle’s features, controls, and interior surfaces have held up, since this model’s appeal is tied closely to its comfort and technology.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The gas lineup includes SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy, and the higher trims bring the most upscale feel. The Calligraphy trim stands out with a more premium interior, unique exterior treatment, and the most unusual standard safety and convenience features, while the lower trims are more straightforward and may miss some of those extras.
• 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.
• Safety package: The Santa Fe includes cruise-control, collision-avoidance, and lane-centering technology, plus Highway Driving Assist. Calligraphy adds the most unusual standard features, including pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and an ultrasonic rear-occupant alert.
• Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with the 8-inch touchscreen. The 10.25-inch system uses wired smartphone mirroring, adds upgraded voice recognition and enhanced Blue Link services, and can be paired with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
• 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 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: Choose this if you want the stronger turbocharged engine and a more premium-feeling setup without going all the way to the top trim.
• Calligraphy: This is the most upscale version, with the richest interior feel, the most advanced tech, and the most distinctive standard safety features.

The safety package is especially notable on Calligraphy, where the most unusual driver-assistance features are standard.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,477 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.44% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,248, 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 $19,248 sits slightly below last year's $20,572.

That price movement suggests the Santa Fe has become more affordable for buyers, which can make it easier to move later if you price it competitively. For a future seller, the current softness means you may not see the same strong appreciation you would in a tighter market, but the model’s broad appeal still helps support demand. Its strong owner satisfaction rating also helps keep it attractive to used shoppers.

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 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, lane-keeping, and lane-centering technology, plus Highway Driving Assist. Calligraphy adds pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning forward-collision assistance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and an ultrasonic rear-occupant alert. The main caveat is that the IIHS top rating depends on the right headlight equipment, so trim choice matters 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:

• 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.44% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a substantial update with new styling, technology, safety systems, and a new Calligraphy trim.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,209, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $19,248 average.
• It offers strong value in a five-passenger crossover with updates like a rear-seat reminder and available Blind-Spot View Monitor.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $20,873, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $19,248 average.
• It adds a plug-in hybrid and expands safety availability on the SE trim.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, features, and satisfaction, the 2021 is the primary pick. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the value-first alternative, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer feature set and are willing to pay more.

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 has the edge on expert score and used-price value, while the Sorento counters with standard advanced safety features. Both share the same base engine and similar strengths in style and technology, but the Santa Fe is the better fit if you want the stronger value proposition.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.