2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$30,400 to $36,250

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(7 reviews)
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Preview summaryImage

One of the more popular choices in the crossover market is Hyundai’s uber-capable Santa Fe. This 5-door midsize family- and commuter-oriented people-hauler returns for the 2016 model year with a nip here and a tuck there but no truly earth-shaking changes. Additionally, look for this well-wrought and value-laden mini-ute to remain offered in both the 5- to 7-passenger Santa Fe and the 5-passenger-only Santa Fe Sport versions. Each version will again boast standard front-wheel drive (FWD), while the option of a full-time all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) is again available to all trims in both the Santa Fe and its Sport derivative.

Trims in the Santa Fe stable again include the base GLS and the up-featured Limited, with the Santa Fe Sport returning in a pair of iterations, the entry-level Sport and the turbocharged Sport 2.0T.

Changes for the 2016 Santa Fe, meanwhile, are expected to encompass a larger grille, upgraded standard front fog/driving lights, new taillight graphics, and reworked cornering headlights. There are also hints from the Korean automaker that an available rear-seat DVD entertainment system is in the works for the 3-row Santa Fe in this upcoming year.

A further enticing rumor is that the Santa Fe trims boasting 3-row seating may be offered with an available 2.4-liter turbodiesel inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant that’ll boast significantly more grunt, not to mention improved fuel efficiency.

Look for the non-Sport Santa Fe to return for 2016 packing the traditional 3.3-liter normally aspirated V6 engine, again mated with the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Expect 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque from this peppy powertrain, with mileage estimated at 18 mpg city/25 highway/21 combined in FWD versions, and 18/24/20 in AWD variants. When the Limited is upgraded with the numerous add-ons in the optional Ultimate package, meantime, mileage estimates will remain 17/23/20 in FWD garb, with AWD iterations returning an estimated 17/22/19.

The base 2016 Santa Fe Sport is slated to reprise the non-turbocharged 2.4-liter I4 powerplant, again combined with the 6-speed shiftable automatic for 190 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. FWD versions of the Sport trim level are expected to get 20/27/23, with AWD variants expected to remain 19/25/21.

The Santa Fe Sport 2.0T remains toting a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine, again hitched to the 6-speed shiftable automatic to the tune of 265 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Without the Ultimate package, the 2.0T is expected to return boasting 19/27/22 in FWD versions and 18/24/21 in AWS iterations. With the Ultimate package features added, look for the 2.0T’s mileage to drop to a still-impressive 19/26/22 in FWD trims and 18/24/21 in AWD variations.

By the way, the folks at Hyundai are also dropping hints here and there of a hybrid Santa Fe that may make it to dealer showrooms for the 2017 model year.

Complementing the expected appearance upgrades in each 2016 Santa Fe trim level are such carryover offerings as 17-, 18-, or 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a roof rack.

Inside, look for both the Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Sport to boast, depending on the trim selected, such perks as cloth or leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, sliding and reclining second-row seats, and full power accessories. Of course, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, and automatic climate control are slated to return for the upcoming year in all variations, along with a rear-view camera and the popular Blue Link infotainment feature that interfaces with Bluetooth hands-free communications.

Standard entertainment features, meantime, include a single-CD player with 6 speakers, satellite radio, and HD Radio, all integrated via a 4.3-inch display.

The 2016 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T, furthermore, is expected to return toting a standard power sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and memory for driver's settings above and beyond the more plebian offerings of its lesser siblings.

Optional features in both the Santa Fe Limited and the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T include the already noted Ultimate package, which additionally adds rear parking sensors, GPS navigation, heated rear seats, and Infinity premium audio with 12 Surround Sound speakers to the features mix. Further available upgrades to the non-Sport Santa Fe include a trio of seating configurations, a remote garage door opener, and a tow hitch and wiring.

The Santa Fe Limited and Sport 2.0T, additionally, can be delivered with an optional Saddle Leather package that offers upgraded leather upholstery. And don’t forget that rear-seat DVD entertainment is a rumored option in the 2016 Santa Fe lineup.

Standard safety equipment aboard all Santa Fe iterations, Sport and non-Sport, include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags (Sport), and 3-row head airbags (non-Sport). The Sport versions also throw in a driver’s-side knee airbag as well. Additionally, look for the 2016 Santa Fe to return with standard daytime running lights and front fog/driving lights, as well as Blue Link emergency telematics that boast a MyFord-Touch-like programmable speed and audio limiting system that’s aimed primarily at teenage drivers. Furthermore, the Santa Fe Limited and Sport 2.0T pack standard blind-spot monitoring with lane-changing assistance, not to mention rear cross-traffic alerts and turn-signal-integrated mirrors. Both government and the insurance industry give all Santa Fe iterations high marks in their various safety testing criteria.

A few owners have complained that the current Santa Fe cabins are a bit noisy, with at least one owner describing a few disconcerting rattles. For the most part, however, this midsize crossover is lauded for its ride comfort, safety assets, interior ambiance, and overall value.

The 2016 Santa Fe Sport is now on sale, with its 3-row sibling due to show up at dealer showrooms in the fall of 2015. And, of course, both editions will once again challenge Ford’s legendary Flex, Chevy’s heftier Traverse, Kia’s comfy and stylish Sorento, and Dodge’s classy Durango in the midsize crossover niche.

Published May 31, 2022 by Eric Tallberg

User reviews for 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe

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User rating:
by Derek G
Mar 03, 2024
So far it’s an amazing car and my wife loves it.Mar 03, 2024
by Judy C
Sep 25, 2022
I like this vehicle. I had one for 5 days before it was totaled on the freeway. I should like to get another one some day. Sep 25, 2022
by Anonymous
Apr 09, 2022
I bought this SUV yesterday,and it is in very good condition inside and out. I am extremely happy with it and so are my wife and daughters. It is almost like a brand new car. Apr 09, 2022

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Pricing

Original MSRP
$30,400 to $36,250
Price range
$10,871 to $12,101
Average price on CG
$10,871
YoY price change
$12,062 to $10,871

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 172 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: cloth · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.04

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 172 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: cloth · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.04

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 172 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.04

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: captains chairs

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 172 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.04

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: black · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: captains chairs

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front

See all trims (4)