Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2018-2024 review

The Hyundai Santa Fe is aimed at those wanting a large SUV that has seven seats yet a reasonable price tag. This fourth-generation model has a capacious interior, handsome exterior look and some upgraded tech compared with the previous-generation model.

Engines & Performance: There was only one engine option when it arrived back in 2018: a 197bhp 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel that received subtle upgrades over the previous-gen car in order to make it more efficient. With this engine, there is the option of front or four-wheel drive and a choice between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

For the 2021 model year, Hyundai updated the Santa Fe with revised exterior styling and two new engine options: a regular 'self-charging' hybrid (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Both utilise 1.6-litre petrol engines, with the HEV having a total power output of 227bhp and the PHEV 261bhp.

Ride & Handling: On the road, the Santa Fe feels like a large and relatively heavy car, despite the healthy low-down torque of its diesel engine. There’s sometimes an annoying delay between putting your foot down and the car actually responding, especially away from a standstill after the stop/start system has cut the engine’s power, but on the whole it’s a tidy enough performer.

It handles corners fairly well, too, though of course it’s no sports car. The steering is rather heavy, but there’s a good amount of grip available and the car's behaviour is predictable in most situations.

Around town, its ride can feel slightly agitated, though, and can be caught out by large potholes and ruts, although it does settle down at speed.

Interior & Practicality: Inside, the Santa Fe has a good driving position, with plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and seat. All versions come with full lumbar adjustment. The dashboard is logically laid out with clearly marked, well-spaced buttons and dials, making it really easy to use – even when you’re driving.

Visibility is good, especially to the front and sides, while the rear view is hampered slightly by the thick pillars, although all versions come with a reversing camera and parking sensors as standard.

Where the Santa Fe really scores is in interior space. The front is roomy and airy, with plenty of storage bins and spaces for odds and ends. The second-row seats are wonderfully spacious, too, with room for three abreast, while the two rearmost seats are big enough for moderate-sized adults for shorter journeys, and older children won’t complain. It’s easy to fold away or pull up those third-row seats, too, and the boot space left when they're down is vast. Fold the second-row seats down as well and you could house a baby elephant in there without too much trouble. The second-row seats slide back and forth and recline, so the whole Santa Fe experience is one of flexibility and immense practicality.

Trims & Equipment: Even entry-level SE trim gets you a fair amount of kit, including 17in alloy wheels, a 7.0in infotainment touchscreen, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control and cruise control. Mid-level Premium trim adds an 8.0in touchscreen with sat-nav, heated seats (front and back), a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery. Meanwhile, range-topping Premium SE adds such niceties as ventilated front seats and a panoramic roof.

Interested in buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

You’ll need around £20,000 to get behind the wheel of this Hyundai Santa Fe. For the money, expect a 2018 or early 2019 example with a nominal mileage and a full history, possibly in Premium trim. Spend £27,000 or more and you should be able to find a 2019 or high-mileage 2020 example in top-spec Premium SE guise.

Updated 2021 Santa Fe models are present on the used market, though largely in HEV guise and for upwards of £35,000. At the time of writing, used PHEVs are rare and go for around £40,000 or more. For a 2024 Santa Fe, have upwards of £45,000.

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MPG: The four-wheel-drive manual diesel model has a combined WLTP fuel economy figure of 41.5mpg, with the automatic dropping this to 39.8mpg. However, the larger wheels of Premium SE trim drop this to 38.7mpg.

For HEV models, 44.1mpg is the official average, whereas PHEV Santa Fe cars quote a rather unrealistic 173.7mpg. That said, although you're unlikely to return the PHEV's official average, it is still economical and cheap to run.

Road tax (VED): All fourth-gen Santa Fes are registered after April 2017, so road tax will be £165 per year for diesel examples and £155 for hybrid cars. For models costing more than £40,000 from new, owners will have to pay a £355-per-year supplement in years two to six on top of the standard rate for the vehicle.

Servicing and insurance: Insurance costs are reasonable on the Santa Fe, and servicing plans that can help to pre-plan and spread costs are available as the car gets older.

Reliability

The Hyundai Santa Fe is recognized for its robust reliability, particularly among plug-in hybrid owners, according to our annual What Car? Reliability Survey. The hybrid system, combining electric and petrol power, has been noted for its dependable operation, resulting in minimal dealership visits.

When services are needed, the majority of feedback regarding dealer interactions is positive, with many praising the responsiveness and helpfulness of staff. Most repairs are completed swiftly and typically under warranty, enhancing owner satisfaction. However, a small group of owners have experienced longer waits for parts and appointments, leading to some frustration.

Discover more about used Hyundai Santa Fe reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page

Engine

If you have the money, by all means take a good look at what HEV and PHEV examples are out there. However, because 2.2-litre diesel cars are much more common (and available for much lower prices), it's what most Santa Fe buyers will find themselves with.

Specification

As far as trim goes, SE has all you need, but you're more likely to find a mid-range Premium on used forecourts. There isn't really a major price difference and it has a larger touchscreen and integrated sat-nav, so it's the one we'd go for.

Our favourite Hyundai Santa Fe: 2.2 CRDi Premium

The Kia Sorento is a close sibling of the Santa Fe. Underneath its butch bodywork is a strong 2.2 diesel, just like the Hyundai, and it seats seven in relative comfort. It’s spacious and practical, and if it’s not brilliant to drive, it is at least competent.

The Skoda Kodiaq is the firm’s first seven-seat car, and it’s spectacularly good in some areas. It’s good to drive, cheaper to run than most of the competition and comes with a solidly built and classy-feeling interior.

Interested in buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

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