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Photo of a Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai’s first SUV; a modified 2.2-liter diesel crossed Antarctica and came back.12

Researched October 28, 2026 from 30 sources

Also called

  • Santa-FastName used for Bisimoto’s 2016 SEMA concept: a 1,040-hp Santa Fe with rear drive and a six-speed manual conversion.3

At a glance

0150300
153–290 hpPower
0510
6.3–9.1 s0–60 mph
0125250
190–209 km/hTop speed
0250500
245–440 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,585–2,048 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1789101114

Engine
Gen 1: 2.4 L I4, 2.7/3.5 L V6, 2.0 L diesel; later: turbo I4, hybrid/PHEV112
Layout
Front-engine; front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive1
Gearbox
Gen 1: 5MT, 4/5AT; later: 6MT/6AT, 8DCT; 2026 2.5T: 8AT115
Built at
Ulsan, South Korea (Gen 1); HMMA, Alabama and KMMG, Georgia, US (Gen 2)1

The story

Created for American tastes, Hyundai’s first SUV arrived for 2001 wearing the name of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It helped the brand’s revival, then grew from a compact into a midsize SUV across five generations.14

2001: Hyundai’s first SUV finds US buyers20012007: Second generation grows a third row20072010: Six speeds, new engines, five seats20102013: Sport fours and a long-body V620132016: Antarctica, there and back20162018: Fourth generation watches the back seat20182021: 226-hp hybrid, eight-speed diesel DCT20212022: Plug-in hybrid: 50 km of EPA EV range20222024: Boxy reboot, three rows standard2024 Hyundai Santa Fe (first generation) (SM): 2000–2006SMHyundai Santa Fe (second generation) (CM): 2005–2012CMHyundai Veracruz / ix55 (EN): 2006–2015ENHyundai Santa Fe (third generation): 2012–2018Hyundai Santa Fe (fourth generation): 2018–2023 200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones151723
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2000–2006Hyundai Santa Fe (first generation) (SM)
2005–2012Hyundai Santa Fe (second generation) (CM)
2006–2015Hyundai Veracruz / ix55 (EN)
2012–2018Hyundai Santa Fe (third generation)
2018–2023Hyundai Santa Fe (fourth generation)
2001Hyundai’s first SUV finds US buyers
2007Second generation grows a third row
2010Six speeds, new engines, five seats
2013Sport fours and a long-body V6
2016Antarctica, there and back
2018Fourth generation watches the back seat
2021226-hp hybrid, eight-speed diesel DCT
2022Plug-in hybrid: 50 km of EPA EV range
2024Boxy reboot, three rows standard
  1. 2001

    Hyundai’s first SUV finds US buyers

    Named for Santa Fe, New Mexico, the compact SUV arrived for the 2001 model year. Demand in the US soon forced Hyundai to increase production.15

  2. 2007

    Second generation grows a third row

    The larger second generation brought optional third-row seats and 185-hp 2.7-liter or 242-hp 3.3-liter V6s.16

  3. 2010

    Six speeds, new engines, five seats

    The US refresh brought 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines plus six-speed gearboxes; the optional third row disappeared.1

  4. 2013

    Sport fours and a long-body V6

    The two-row Sport offered 190-hp 2.4-liter or 264-hp turbo 2.0-liter fours; the longer three-row Santa Fe replaced Veracruz with a 290-hp 3.3-liter V6.78

  5. 2016

    Antarctica, there and back

    Patrick Bergel took a modified 2.2-liter diesel from Union Camp to McMurdo and back in December: almost 5,800 km in 30 days.2

  6. 2018

    Fourth generation watches the back seat

    The fourth generation arrived with ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert to detect movement by children or pets in the rear seats and warn a departing driver.5

  7. 2021

    226-hp hybrid, eight-speed diesel DCT

    The 1.6-liter turbo hybrid delivered 226 hp. SmartStream 3.5-liter V6 and 2.2-liter diesel engines arrived, the diesel with a wet eight-speed DCT.910

  8. 2022

    Plug-in hybrid: 50 km of EPA EV range

    The 261-hp PHEV brought 12.4 usable kWh, a 3.6-kW charger and 50 km of EPA EV range; highway testing returned 25 mpg versus the hybrid’s 31.11

  9. 2024

    Boxy reboot, three rows standard

    A boxy fifth generation brought a bigger cabin, larger tailgate opening and standard third row. AWD EPA city/highway: hybrid 35/34 mpg, turbo 20/28.121314

Every generation

  • Hyundai Santa Fe (first generation)
    SM2000–2006
  • Hyundai Santa Fe (second generation)
    CM2005–2012
  • Hyundai Veracruz / ix55
    EN2006–2015
  • Hyundai Santa Fe (third generation)
    Hyundai Santa Fe (third generation)2012–2018
  • Hyundai Santa Fe (fourth generation)
    Hyundai Santa Fe (fourth generation)2018–2023

Power over the years

From 200 hp to 290 hp in 8 years.

0100200300 20052010201520202025 hp 2005 · 200 hp · GLS 3.5 V62007 · 185 hp · GLS 2.7 V62007 · 242 hp · SE / Limited 3.3 V62013 · 190 hp · Sport 2.42013 · 264 hp · Sport 2.0T2013 · 290 hp · Three-row 3.3 V62021 · 226 hp · 1.6 Turbo Hybrid2021 · 268 hp · SmartStream 3.5 V62022 · 261 hp · PHEV2024 · 231 hp · 1.6 Turbo Hybrid2024 · 277 hp · 2.5 Turbo 290 hp Three-row 3.3 V6 200 hp GLS 3.5 V6
67891011121416
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2005200GLS 3.5 V6
2007185GLS 2.7 V6
2007242SE / Limited 3.3 V6
2013190Sport 2.4
2013264Sport 2.0T
2013290Three-row 3.3 V6
20212261.6 Turbo Hybrid
2021268SmartStream 3.5 V6
2022261PHEV
20242311.6 Turbo Hybrid
20242772.5 Turbo

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    GL / GLS / LX (first generation)

  • Standard

    GLS / SE / Limited (second generation)

    2007–2012

  • Santa Fe Sport 2.4 / 2.0T

    Standard

    Santa Fe Sport 2.4 / 2.0T

    2013

  • Santa Fe / Santa Fe XL / Maxcruz (long wheelbase)

    Standard

    Santa Fe / Santa Fe XL / Maxcruz (long wheelbase)

    2013

    290 hp
  • SE / SEL / Limited / Calligraphy (gasoline)

    Standard

    SE / SEL / Limited / Calligraphy (gasoline)

    2024

    277 hp

  • Standard

    Santa Fe PHEV Limited

    2022

    261 hp

  • Standard

    Ultimate Calligraphy

    2021

  • XRT

    Special

    XRT

    2022; 2024

  • Limited

    Santa Fe Hybrid NHL Edition

    2024

    231 hp

  • Limited

    Santa Fe Endurance

    2017

  • Limited

    '30' Special Edition

    2016

    267 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: bubble-like front fenders, a snouty grille and a noticeably sloped rear hatch.14
  • 2021 refresh: a broad grille flows into stacked lamps, with T-shaped daytime running lights.10
  • 2021 rear view: connected taillights and a full-width reflector strip incorporating the turn signals.10
  • 2024: boxy shape, H-shaped headlights, an extra-wide tailgate and unusually low rear lamps.1322

Year by year

  1. 2005

    First-generation facelift changed the grille, rear lamps and rear bumper; Australian cars gained body-colored bumpers.1

  2. 2006

    First-generation LX became Limited with the first trim badge; black Limiteds could have matching cladding instead of gray.1

  3. 2007

    Second generation lost the lower-body cladding and separately opening tailgate glass.1

  4. 2010

    Second-generation facelift added a gridded grille, red rear-lamp covers with chrome and five split-spoke alloys.1

  5. 2024

    Fifth generation switched to a boxy profile, H-shaped headlights and very low rear lamps to allow a wider tailgate.131922

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Hyundai Santa Fe
    Santa Fe
    Photo of a Land Rover SUVs
    Land Rover SUVs

    Land Rover SUVs

    On the 2024 Santa Fe, check for H-shaped headlights and rear lamps set unusually low.131422

Against its rivals

  • Ford Edge Titanium (2019)

    Santa Fe vs Ford Edge Titanium (2019)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Santa Fe$39,980
    Ford Edge Titanium (2019)$48,085
    24
  • Honda Passport Elite (2019)

    Santa Fe vs Honda Passport Elite (2019)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Santa Fe$39,980
    Honda Passport Elite (2019)$45,695
    24

  • Santa Fe vs Nissan Murano Platinum (2019)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Santa Fe$39,980
    Nissan Murano Platinum (2019)$46,420
    24
  • Chevrolet Blazer RS (2019)

    Santa Fe vs Chevrolet Blazer RS (2019)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Santa Fe$39,980
    Chevrolet Blazer RS (2019)$50,765
    24

Prices

Price when new
$0$20K$40K$60K 2010201520202025 2007 · $21,595 · US base, GLS2013 · $25,275 · US Sport 2.4 FWD, incl. destination2013 · $28,350 · US GLS FWD, excludes $845 freight2013 · $30,100 · US GLS AWD, excludes $845 freight2022 · $32,300 · US base, XRT FWD2022 · $47,305 · US base, PHEV Limited AWD2024 · $35,345 · US base, SE2024 · $47,895 · US base, Calligraphy2024 · $50,215 · US base, Hybrid Calligraphy AWD2025 · $39,175 · US base, Hybrid SEL
167811121418
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2007Price when new$21,595US base, GLS
2013Price when new$25,275US Sport 2.4 FWD, incl. destination
2013Price when new$28,350US GLS FWD, excludes $845 freight
2013Price when new$30,100US GLS AWD, excludes $845 freight
2022Price when new$32,300US base, XRT FWD
2022Price when new$47,305US base, PHEV Limited AWD
2024Price when new$35,345US base, SE
2024Price when new$47,895US base, Calligraphy
2024Price when new$50,215US base, Hybrid Calligraphy AWD
2025Price when new$39,175US base, Hybrid SEL

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Union Camp to McMurdo, and back”
    • “Dakar 2010 ended before stage 10”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 30 sources
  1. Hyundai Santa Fe - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Shackleton Returns Hyundai Santa Fe conquers the Antarctic driven hyundai.com
  3. Hyundai Joins Forces With Bisimoto To Develop "Santa-Fast" 1,040 Horsepower Rear-Drive Santa Fe SUV For 2016 SEMA Show prnewswire.com
  4. 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe Road Test – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  5. Two decades of the Hyundai SANTA FE: Evolution of an Automotive Icon hyundai.com
  6. 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited — Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  7. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T AWD First Test motortrend.com
  8. Hyundai Announces Santa Fe Pricing prnewswire.com
  9. Tested: 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Brings Upscale Efficiency caranddriver.com
  10. New 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: passion for progress realised | Hyundai News | Hyundai Australia hyundai.com
  11. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Tested: Get the Regular Hybrid Instead caranddriver.com
  12. 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Price, Cost-to-Own, Reviews & More | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  13. Hyundai Motor Radically Transforms The all-new SANTA FE SUV to Offer Larger, Class-leading Interior Space and Tailgate Opening hyundai.com
  14. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Test: Better Mileage with Some Trade-Offs caranddriver.com
  15. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Dropping Troubled Dual-Clutch Transmission caranddriver.com
  16. No Reserve: 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 3.5L 4WD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,600 on February 3, 2026 (Lot #228,769) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  17. Hyundai Santa Fe - Automobile Protection Association apa.ca
  18. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Adds Rugged XRT Appearance Trim prnewswire.com
  19. Hyundai releases pricing for the highly anticipated and exclusive-to-Canada Santa Fe Hybrid NHL® Edition newswire.ca
  20. Hyundai Santa Fe Endurance celebrates Antarctic crossing | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  21. Hyundai Santa Fe '30' Special Edition 2016 Review - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  22. Here's Why The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's Taillights Are So Low jalopnik.com
  23. Hyundai Veracruz - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. 2019 Ford Edge vs. Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano, Honda Passport caranddriver.com
  25. Hyundai Argentina y su balance sobre su participación en el Dakar 2010 noticias.autocosmos.com.ar
  26. Presentacion del Equipo Hyundai Argentina Dakar Team - 16 Valvulas 16valvulas.com.ar
  27. Hyundai And The Walking Dead Bring Fan-Designed Zombie Survival Machine To Life prnewswire.com
  28. Drive Hyundai vehicles, play games at Hyundai Mobility Adventure on Roblox speed.ph
  29. Hyundai SANTA FE Resale Value and Depreciation - iSeeCars.com iseecars.com
  30. Used Hyundai Santa Fe (Mk4, 2018-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • hyundai.com
  • prnewswire.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • kbb.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • apa.ca
  • newswire.ca
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • carsales.com.au
  • jalopnik.com
  • noticias.autocosmos.com.ar
  • 16valvulas.com.ar

Photo credits

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