The Hyundai Santa Fe appeals to a broad market, whether used as a family car, a daily driver, or an occasional off-road vehicle.
Although it is less fuel efficient than some competitors, it is well renowned for its reasonable pricing, comfortable ride, and well-decorated interior. The Santa Fe has received above-average ratings from JD Power.
With outstanding individual evaluations of 86 and 82 (out of 100) for “resale” and “driving experience,” respectively, this car achieved a consumer score of 81 in 2022.
What Are The Best Years For The Hyundai Santa Fe?
2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The top three vehicles are Hyundai Santa Fe variants from 2020 through 2023.
All four model years come with various trims, a solid and powerful engine, the newest features, and excellent handling. Finding a used 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe would be your best chance if you had to choose the most reasonably priced Santa Fe out of the lot without giving up too much.
If not, get the most recent 2023 model, which has more modern safety and technological features.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the Hyundai Santa Fe models for 2020, 2021, and 2022, all received the same rating of 4.6 out of 5.0.
The 2020 Hyundai received an impressive 83 out of 100 points from JD Power, while the other two received a decent 81 out of 100 points. According to customer reviews on Edmunds, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe received 4.5 out of 5.0, making it the best rating of the three.
1. 2018 and 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2018 and 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles are excellent alternatives to the previous model years because they still have comparable engine performance and easy handling; the drawback is that their warranties have already expired.
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe received the highest rating on Edmunds among its competitors, with a nearly perfect score of 4.7 out of 5.0. However, some outstanding options on the used car market may be deemed “good as new.”
With ratings of 4.4 out of 5.0 (Edmunds) and 4.6 out of 5.0 (KBB), the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is also no slouch (Kelley Blue Book).
2. 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
Several 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe cars are running proudly on the streets, and with good reason. These two powerful SUVs still have their original engine power, fuel efficiency, and ease of operation.
Either of these model years should do if you want to appreciate the (relatively) current exterior and interior aesthetics of the Santa Fe series but are on a tight budget. JD Power gave the 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe models the same rating of 83 out of 100, although Edmunds gave the 2015 model year’s counterpart a higher rating of 4.4 out of 5.0.
3. 2010 and 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2010 and 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe models were the most excellent midsize SUVs of their respective generations, even though they were undoubtedly dated in terms of vehicle age. If you have a keen eye for high-quality used cars, you can find a fantastic 2010 or 2011 Santa Fe at a very reasonable price.
According to Edmunds, the 2010 and 2011 models scored 4.2 and 4.1 out of 5.0, respectively. But at JD Power, these two models only managed to get 76 and 79 points out of a possible 100, respectively.
4. 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe evokes nostalgia without sacrificing handling or engine performance. You might take a chance on the purchase if you discover an excellent offer with a fair mileage count (preferably less than 150,000 kilometers) and a complete service history.
The 2006 Santa Fe is included on this list of the best vehicles for two reasons. First, Edmunds gave it a rating of 4.6 out of 5.0. Second, Kelley Blue Book gave it the same grade of 4.6 out of 5.0.
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What Are The Worst Years For The Hyundai Santa Fe?
1. 2013 and 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe
Numerous engine-related issues, including blown engines, stalling engines, engine failures, and cooling problems, plagued the Santa Fe models from 2013 and 2014. Since most modern engines should last over 200,000 miles, all of these were reported to have occurred before the 100,000-mile threshold is undoubtedly a wrong indication.
Engine failure, violent jerking while accelerating, engine blowing, and steering issues are the main issues with the 2013 and 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe.
2. 2003 and 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
The terrifying issues, as experienced by both the driver and the passengers, were probably in the 2003 and 2004 model years.
These vehicles frequently experienced shakes and stalls, airbag warning lights that would occasionally illuminate, and intermittent power outages. Shakes and stalls, connecting rod failure, and paint fading are the three main issues with the 2003 and 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe.
3. 2007, 2008, and 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
Santa Fe experienced the most troubles from 2007 through 2009, with hundreds of complaints and issues documented. Most issues were related to the fuel gauge or meter. This problem was pervasive even though repairs only cost between $300 and $500.
The following are the primary issues with the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe models: incorrect fuel gauge readings, illuminated check engine light, failed fuel level sensor, and paint peeling.
4. 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
Vehicle hesitancy was a strange issue that the 2017 Santa Fe had that began very early (on average, 1,000 miles).
This results in inefficient combustion and the early mortality of some engine components due to an imbalance in the fuel-air mixture. Hesitation, loss of power during acceleration, improper acceleration while turning, and engine issues are the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe’s critical issues.
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
Numerous complaints have been made about a few different Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles throughout the years, both new and old. The following is a list of grievances and issues for each model year:
What Problems Does Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
Here are the most typical problems with a Hyundai Santa Fe, according to information we’ve found online:
- Engine trouble
- Blown engine
- Inaccurate fuel gauge readings
- Paint flaking
- Aggressive jerking as it tries to accelerate
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Hyundai Santa Fe?
Ranking fifth overall and scoring the same as the Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Traverse, the Hyundai Santa Fe is among the top selections in the midsize SUV segment. There are, however, a lot of excellent choices.
Conclusion
2019, 2018, and 2016 are now the most dependable Hyundai Santa Fe models, which may also be good news for your pocketbook. The prices have risen since the new variants of the Hyundai Santa Fe were released. The pricing of the Hyundai Santa Fe for 2021 ranges from $27,000 to $42,450.
That represents significant savings when compared to the costs of the earlier, more dependable models. There is no doubt that the Hyundai Santa Fe offers a distinct set of benefits and drawbacks for each model year. It all depends on the driving characteristics you value most if you consider buying this particular car.