Pros

  • Great range of variants, all well equipped.
  • Australian tunes suspension arguably class-leading.
  • Higher than average levels of reliability.
  • Offers excellent value for money on the used market.

Cons

  • 2.4-litre petrol engines are suffering from a higher than average failure rate.
  • Not outstanding in terms of aesthetics and a sense of prestige.
  • The pick of the range (the V6) is rare on the used market.
  • However, the V6 can be thirsty.

Verdict

Should you buy one? If you do, it is absolutely critical that the example you’re considering has a full and thorough service history and has been fastidiously maintained.

The engine dramas we hear about won’t impact every Santa Fe on the market, but they are happening regularly. The easiest way...

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Publish: May 19, 2023

Before the Hyundai Palisade came along, the 2012 to 2018 third-generation Santa Fe was Hyundai’s largest SUV, depending on the year and trim spec seating 5 or 7.

Here in Australia the Santa Fe has been available across primarily three variants although a handful of other limited models have made an appearance.

Engine-wise, the vast majority on the used market will feature a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission however, a few 2.4-litre petrol models are out there, as are 3.3-litre petrol V6’s however they are rare.

Rarer still are Santa Fe’s with a manual transmission and although most on the used market are all-wheel drive, a few front-wheel drive examples are available, all powered by that rare V6.

The Santa Fe also received a couple of substantial updates during its life cycle, the first in 2014 and the second in 2015 with both revising the mechanical packages and improving the levels of tech and features all accompanied by some styling and interior trim updates.

Internationally, a number of markets have been treated to 5-seat variants, long and short wheelbases and a range of other engine options.

Before the Hyundai Palisade came along, the 2012 to 2018 third-generation Santa Fe was Hyundai’s largest SUV, depending on the year and trim spec seating 5 or 7.

Here in Australia the Santa Fe has been available across primarily three variants although a handful of other limited models have made an appearance.

Engine-wise, the vast majority on the used market will feature a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission however, a few 2.4-litre petrol models are out there, as are 3.3-litre petrol V6’s however they are rare.

Rarer still are Santa Fe’s with a manual transmission and although most on the used market are all-wheel drive, a few front-wheel drive examples are available, all powered by that rare V6.

The Santa Fe also received a couple of substantial updates during its life cycle, the first in 2014 and the second in 2015 with both revising the mechanical packages and improving the levels of tech and features all accompanied by some styling and interior trim updates.

Internationally, a number of markets have been treated to 5-seat variants, long and short wheelbases and a range of other engine options.

Before the Hyundai Palisade came along, the 2012 to 2018 third-generation Santa Fe was Hyundai’s largest SUV, depending on the year and trim spec seating 5 or 7.

Here in Australia the Santa Fe has been available across primarily three variants although a handful of other limited models have made an appearance.

Engine-wise, the vast majority on the used market will feature a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission however, a few 2.4-litre petrol models are out there, as are 3.3-litre petrol V6’s however they are rare.

Rarer still are Santa Fe’s with a manual transmission and although most on the used market are all-wheel drive, a few front-wheel drive examples are available, all powered by that rare V6.

The Santa Fe also received a couple of substantial updates during its life cycle, the first in 2014 and the second in 2015 with both revising the mechanical packages and improving the levels of tech and features all accompanied by some styling and interior trim updates.

Internationally, a number of markets have been treated to 5-seat variants, long and short wheelbases and a range of other engine options.

Exterior:

There are reports that the reversing cameras fail to show an image when reverse is selected, apparently the only way of fixing this is to replace the camera.

Santa Fe’s feature “Self-Healing” Paint, however there are reports that it’s more like “Self-Peeling” paint. Apparently the paint can flake off rather than covering up small scratches as Hyundai had advertised. In fact a Class-Action Lawsuit was filed against Hyundai for this problem in 2017.

Some of the Panoramic Sunroofs have shattered without any warning or indication. Initially Hyundai were reluctant to react to this issue, resulting in another Class-Action Lawsuit against them in 2015, Hyundai did eventually double the warranties of effected examples.

Hyundai have covered their wires in a sustainable and environmentally friendly soy based coating. This in turn attracts mice and other kinds of rodents, which then nibble on them as they find it more useful for their nests than in your engine bay. This resulted in another lawsuit filed against Hyundai for this in 2017.

Interior:

There are reports that speakers have been reported to come loose and this can result in the speakers being rattly, quiet or just failing altogether.

Mechanically:

In terms of the 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (D4HB), these engines can have complications with harmonic balancer issues.

Manual transmission examples can have failures of the crank thrust bearing.

Turbo failure and actuator issues have been reported.

Not huge reliability issue but we have seen reports of EGR valve and cooler issues Injector plus glow plug problems, however not really any more common than most other small diesels in this class.

The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (G4KJ) is the dreaded Theta 2 engine which is plagued with catastrophic engine failures usually caused by big end bearing failure which in turn is cause by either manufacturing defects or low oil from excessive oil consumption.

Aside from that they do occasionally have timing chain complications, clogged up inlets because direct injection and like the diesels, things like water pumps and thermostat housing do fail but again, not any worse than similar Japanese or South Korean vehicles.

The 3.3-litre petrol V6 (G6DF) is arguably the pick of the bunch in terms of reliability however, it is the least fuel efficient and available as a front-wheel drive only.

Overall it is a good engine but it’s not perfect. Engine failures are not unheard of, but statistically more reliable than the 2.4-litre.

Oil consumption is common complaint and the occasional timing chain complication.

Across the range there are a few recalls with the most serious relating to engine failures and an electrical fault in the ABS module that is claimed to be a fire hazard so it is critical these

Exterior:

There are reports that the reversing cameras fail to show an image when reverse is selected, apparently the only way of fixing this is to replace the camera.

Santa Fe’s feature “Self-Healing” Paint, however there are reports that it’s more like “Self-Peeling” paint. Apparently the paint can flake off rather than covering up small scratches as Hyundai had advertised. In fact a Class-Action Lawsuit was filed against Hyundai for this problem in 2017.

Some of the Panoramic Sunroofs have shattered without any warning or indication. Initially Hyundai were reluctant to react to this issue, resulting in another Class-Action Lawsuit against them in 2015, Hyundai did eventually double the warranties of effected examples.

Hyundai have covered their wires in a sustainable and environmentally friendly soy based coating. This in turn attracts mice and other kinds of rodents, which then nibble on them as they find it more useful for their nests than in your engine bay. This resulted in another lawsuit filed against Hyundai for this in 2017.

Interior:

There are reports that speakers have been reported to come loose and this can result in the speakers being rattly, quiet or just failing altogether.

Mechanically:

In terms of the 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (D4HB), these engines can have complications with harmonic balancer issues.

Manual transmission examples can have failures of the crank thrust bearing.

Turbo failure and actuator issues have been reported.

Not huge reliability issue but we have seen reports of EGR valve and cooler issues Injector plus glow plug problems, however not really any more common than most other small diesels in this class.

The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (G4KJ) is the dreaded Theta 2 engine which is plagued with catastrophic engine failures usually caused by big end bearing failure which in turn is cause by either manufacturing defects or low oil from excessive oil consumption.

Aside from that they do occasionally have timing chain complications, clogged up inlets because direct injection and like the diesels, things like water pumps and thermostat housing do fail but again, not any worse than similar Japanese or South Korean vehicles.

The 3.3-litre petrol V6 (G6DF) is arguably the pick of the bunch in terms of reliability however, it is the least fuel efficient and available as a front-wheel drive only.

Overall it is a good engine but it’s not perfect. Engine failures are not unheard of, but statistically more reliable than the 2.4-litre.

Oil consumption is common complaint and the occasional timing chain complication.

Across the range there are a few recalls with the most serious relating to engine failures and an electrical fault in the ABS module that is claimed to be a fire hazard so it is critical these are seen to.

The transfer case in all-wheel drive models can fail resulting in the Santa Fe becoming front-wheel drive only. Many owners can be unaware if this until they require drive from the rear wheels. Many owners choose not to fix this issue so it is imperative to have the Santa Fe

thoroughly inspected for a pre-purchase inspection before buying.

If you are seriously considering buying one, or already own one, it is imperative to check the oil every week and top it up. This won’t guarantee not having an engine failure but it will definitely improve your odds, and it might just save you a $10k engine replacement bill.

Recalls:

  • August 2017 – Corrosion risk with HYUNDAI SANTA FE (2012-2016) secondary bonnet latch cable may lead to inadequate bonnet securing, posing hazards to vehicle occupants and other road users.
  • October 2017 – Manufacturing defect in fuel feed hose assembly in Hyundai ix35 and Santa Fe (2011) models leads to fuel leakage, posing a fire hazard. 446 units affected.
  • April 2018 – Steering wheel assembly and column separation in 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport (2,945 affected units). A manufacturing fault in the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport models may result in the separation of the steering wheel assembly and column. This defect poses a hazard as it can cause a loss of steering control while the vehicle is in use, potentially leading to accidents.
  • November 2018 – It was reported that certain Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles manufactured in 2018 were affected by a defect. The protrusion of the curtain airbag mounting bolt had the potential to interfere with the airbag fabric during deployment. As a result, the rear side curtain airbag cushion could sustain damage when the airbag was deployed. This defect posed a hazard as the damaged airbag may not offer optimal protection and could potentially cause serious injuries to the rear occupant. A total of 668 units were affected by this issue.
  • May 2020 – It was discovered that certain HYUNDAI SANTA FE vehicles (9,417 units) had a manufacturing error in the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module. This defect caused the electronic control circuit board to short circuit when exposed to moisture, posing a fire risk in the engine compartment. The brake system remained unaffected.

Exterior:

There are reports that the reversing cameras fail to show an image when reverse is selected, apparently the only way of fixing this is to replace the camera.

Santa Fe’s feature “Self-Healing” Paint, however there are reports that it’s more like “Self-Peeling” paint. Apparently the paint can flake off rather than covering up small scratches as Hyundai had advertised. In fact a Class-Action Lawsuit was filed against Hyundai for this problem in 2017.

Some of the Panoramic Sunroofs have shattered without any warning or indication. Initially Hyundai were reluctant to react to this issue, resulting in another Class-Action Lawsuit against them in 2015, Hyundai did eventually double the warranties of effected examples.

Hyundai have covered their wires in a sustainable and environmentally friendly soy based coating. This in turn attracts mice and other kinds of rodents, which then nibble on them as they find it more useful for their nests than in your engine bay. This resulted in another lawsuit filed against Hyundai for this in 2017.

Interior:

There are reports that speakers have been reported to come loose and this can result in the speakers being rattly, quiet or just failing altogether.

Mechanically:

In terms of the 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (D4HB), these engines can have complications with harmonic balancer issues.

Manual transmission examples can have failures of the crank thrust bearing.

Turbo failure and actuator issues have been reported.

Not huge reliability issue but we have seen reports of EGR valve and cooler issues Injector plus glow plug problems, however not really any more common than most other small diesels in this class.

The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (G4KJ) is the dreaded Theta 2 engine which is plagued with catastrophic engine failures usually caused by big end bearing failure which in turn is cause by either manufacturing defects or low oil from excessive oil consumption.

Aside from that they do occasionally have timing chain complications, clogged up inlets because direct injection and like the diesels, things like water pumps and thermostat housing do fail but again, not any worse than similar Japanese or South Korean vehicles.

The 3.3-litre petrol V6 (G6DF) is arguably the pick of the bunch in terms of reliability however, it is the least fuel efficient and available as a front-wheel drive only.

Overall it is a good engine but it’s not perfect. Engine failures are not unheard of, but statistically more reliable than the 2.4-litre.

Oil consumption is common complaint and the occasional timing chain complication.

Across the range there are a few recalls with the most serious relating to engine failures and an electrical fault in the ABS module that is claimed to be a fire hazard so it is critical these are seen to.

The transfer case in all-wheel drive models can fail resulting in the Santa Fe becoming front-wheel drive only. Many owners can be unaware if this until they require drive from the rear wheels. Many owners choose not to fix this issue so it is imperative to have the Santa Fe

thoroughly inspected for a pre-purchase inspection before buying.

If you are seriously considering buying one, or already own one, it is imperative to check the oil every week and top it up. This won’t guarantee not having an engine failure but it will definitely improve your odds, and it might just save you a $10k engine replacement bill.

Recalls:

  • August 2017 – Corrosion risk with HYUNDAI SANTA FE (2012-2016) secondary bonnet latch cable may lead to inadequate bonnet securing, posing hazards to vehicle occupants and other road users.
  • October 2017 – Manufacturing defect in fuel feed hose assembly in Hyundai ix35 and Santa Fe (2011) models leads to fuel leakage, posing a fire hazard. 446 units affected.
  • April 2018 – Steering wheel assembly and column separation in 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport (2,945 affected units). A manufacturing fault in the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport models may result in the separation of the steering wheel assembly and column. This defect poses a hazard as it can cause a loss of steering control while the vehicle is in use, potentially leading to accidents.
  • November 2018 – It was reported that certain Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles manufactured in 2018 were affected by a defect. The protrusion of the curtain airbag mounting bolt had the potential to interfere with the airbag fabric during deployment. As a result, the rear side curtain airbag cushion could sustain damage when the airbag was deployed. This defect posed a hazard as the damaged airbag may not offer optimal protection and could potentially cause serious injuries to the rear occupant. A total of 668 units were affected by this issue.
  • May 2020 – It was discovered that certain HYUNDAI SANTA FE vehicles (9,417 units) had a manufacturing error in the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module. This defect caused the electronic control circuit board to short circuit when exposed to moisture, posing a fire risk in the engine compartment. The brake system remained unaffected.

Body Style:

5-door SUV

Engines:

2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (Active)
2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (Active, Elite, Highlander, SR)
3.3 litre V6 petrol (30, Active X)

Power:

138kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (Series II onwards)
141kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol
145kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel
147kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (Series II onwards)
199kW – 3.3 litre V6 petrol

Torque:

241Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (Series II onwards)
242Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol
421Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel
440Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (Series II onwards)
318Nm – 3.3 litre V6 petrol

Transmission & Drivetrains:

6-speed manual, four-wheel drive (4WD) – Active
6-speed automatic, front wheel drive (FWD) – 30, Active X
6-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4WD) – Elite, Highlander, SR

Fuel Consumption:

6.3 -10.5L/100km

Length:

4690mm

Width:

1880mm

Height:

1690mm

Kerb Weight:

1834 – 1984kg (5 door Wagon)

Towing (braked/unbraked):

2500/750kg (6-speed manual)
2000/750kg (6-speed automatic)

Body Style:

5-door SUV

Engines:

2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (Active)
2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (Active, Elite, Highlander, SR)
3.3 litre V6 petrol (30, Active X)

Power:

138kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (Series II onwards)
141kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol
145kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel
147kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (Series II onwards)
199kW – 3.3 litre V6 petrol

Torque:

241Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (Series II onwards)
242Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol
421Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel
440Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (Series II onwards)
318Nm – 3.3 litre V6 petrol

Transmission & Drivetrains:

6-speed manual, four-wheel drive (4WD) – Active
6-speed automatic, front wheel drive (FWD) – 30, Active X
6-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4WD) – Elite, Highlander, SR

Fuel Consumption:

6.3 -10.5L/100km

Length:

4690mm

Width:

1880mm

Height:

1690mm

Kerb Weight:

1834 – 1984kg (5 door Wagon)

Towing (braked/unbraked):

2500/750kg (6-speed manual)
2000/750kg (6-speed automatic)

Body Style:

5-door SUV

Engines:

2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (Active)
2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (Active, Elite, Highlander, SR)
3.3 litre V6 petrol (30, Active X)

Power:

138kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (Series II onwards)
141kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol
145kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel
147kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (Series II onwards)
199kW – 3.3 litre V6 petrol

Torque:

241Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol (Series II onwards)
242Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol
421Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel
440Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (Series II onwards)
318Nm – 3.3 litre V6 petrol

Transmission & Drivetrains:

6-speed manual, four-wheel drive (4WD) – Active
6-speed automatic, front wheel drive (FWD) – 30, Active X
6-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4WD) – Elite, Highlander, SR

Fuel Consumption:

6.3 -10.5L/100km

Length:

4690mm

Width:

1880mm

Height:

1690mm

Kerb Weight:

1834 – 1984kg (5 door Wagon)

Towing (braked/unbraked):

2500/750kg (6-speed manual)
2000/750kg (6-speed automatic)

Warranty:

5 years/unlimited kms

Servicing:

12 months/15,000km

Model range, pricing & features

Hyundai Santa Fe-2

Active (2012-2018)

Price when new: $36,990 - $44,850

Price used: $9,700 - $32,300

The entry-level Active model is available in either the 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol or 2.2-litre turbo diesel with a choice of the 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Key features include 17-inch alloy wheels (with full-size spare), six airbags, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, a 4.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 6-speaker sound system; and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Active received a set of updates throughout the DM generation’s lifetime including LED daytime running lights in the MY15 update; a new-look grille, a 3.5-inch TFT driver’s display, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and voice recognition in the Series II update, and Hyundai’s Safety Sense Suite comprising of AEB, forward collision warning, blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control – made available on MY18 models.

Standard features:

17-inch alloy wheels
Full-size spare wheel
Body coloured side mirrors
Body coloured door handles
Body coloured grille
Roof rails
Front mudflaps
Rear mudflaps
Electric sterring system
Multi-link rear suspension
Twin exhaust
5-star ANCAP safety rating (tested 2012)
Driver and front passenger airbags
Front side airbags
Full-length curtain airbags
Driver’s knee airbag
3-point (lap sash) seatbelt for all occupants
Height adjustable seatbelts for driver and front passenger
Seat pretensioners and load limiters for for driver and front passenger
Child seat anchor points
Seatbelt reminder for driver and front passenger’s seat
Headrests for all occupants
Active head restraints for driver and front passenger
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
Brake assist
Electronic stability program (ESP)
Traction control
Hill descent control (HDC)
Hill holder
Rear parking sensors
Reversing camera – in infotainment system
Rear vision mirror
Electric side mirrors
Electric windows – front and rear with driver’s auto up/down function
Cruise control
Projector headlights
Front fog lights
Rear Fog Lights
LED side indicators integrated into side mirrors
Automatic headlights
High-mounted stop light
Interior lights – courtesy lamps, interior lights, glovebox light, vanity mirror lights
Intermittent wipers with speed settings
Rear wiper
Remote central locking
Engine immobiliser
Alarm
Tachometer
Fuel gauge
Manual handbrake
Trip computer
Digital clock
Power steering
Steering wheel – tilt (up/down) and telescopic (reach) adjust
Multi-functional leather sterring wheel
Leather gear knob and handbrake
Manual air conditioning
Rear air vents
Cloth upholstery
Manually adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seat
Electric lumbar support adjustment for driver
4.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
6-speaker sound system
AM/FM radio
CD player
Bluetooth connectivity – phone and audio streaming
AUX (3.5mm) input
iPod connectivity
USB connectivity
12V power outlets – 4x
Front cup holders – 2x
Rear cup holders – 2x
Front bottle holders – 2x
Rear bottle holders – 2x
Third row bottle holders – 2x
Centre console storage
Glovebox
Front seat map pockets
Sunglasses holder
40:40:20 rear folding seats with through loading system
Retractable cargo blind
Vanity mirror for driver and front passenger

MY15 updates:

Darker chrome grille
LED daytime running lights

Series II update:

New look grille
3.5-inch mono TFT display with digital speedometer
7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Voice recognition (Siri and Google Now)

MY18 updates:

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Forward collision warning (FCW)
Blind spot detection
Lane change assist
Rear cross traffic alert
Adaptive cruise control
4.2-inch colour driver’s display

30 Special Edition (2016)

Price when new: $40,790

Price used: $17,500 - $24,500

The 30 Special Edition model was introduced in 2016 to mark 30 years of Hyundai in Australia. This special edition model introduced the 3.3-litre Lambada V6 to the Santa Fe range, pairing it with a 6-speed automatic in front-wheel drive (FWD).

Additional equipment included: 19-inch alloy wheels, tyre pressure monitoring, exclusive “Ash Blue” metallic paint, “30” badging, rear privacy glass, heated side mirrors, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and a cooled glovebox.

In addition to Active:

19-inch alloy wheels
Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Exclusive “Ash Blue” metallic paint
30′ badging
Chrome exterior door handles
Rear privacy glass
Side mirrors – heated
Dual zone climate control
Leather upholstery
Cooled glovebox

Active X (2017-2018)

Price when new: $40,990

Price used: $18,750 - $25,800

The Active X was introduced from 2017 and reintroduced the 3.3 litre V6 petrol engine and added 19-inch alloys, tyre pressure monitoring, rear privacy glass, rain sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, dual zone climate control and leather upholstery.

MY18 models also gained Hyundai’s Safety Sense suite of active safety including: AEB, forward collision warning, blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.

In addition to Active:

19-inch alloy wheels
Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Rear privacy glass
Rain-sensing wipers
Side mirrors – heated
Dual zone climate control
Leather upholstery

MY18 updates:

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Forward collision warning (FCW)
Blind spot detection
Lane change assist
Rear cross traffic alert
Adaptive cruise control
4.2-inch colour driver’s display

Elite (2012-2018)

Price when new: $45,990 - $51,990

Price used: $13,000 - $35,450

The mid-range Elite was available with the 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic and added 18-inch alloys, chrome grille and door handles; scuff plates with Santa Fe badging, rear privacy glass, anti-glare rear vision mirror, puddle lamps, electrically folding, heated and dipping side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and glovebox cooling.

MY15 update saw LED tail lights and an electric tailgate fitted as standard; and a Series II update added driver’s seat memory function, front parking sensors, electrically adjustable front passenger’s seat, 550-watt 10-speaker Logic7 sound system, larger touchscreen infotainment system and satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic.

A 2016 update saw Android Auto and Apple CarPlay fitted as standard and the MY18 update saw Hyundai’s Safety Sense suite fitted as standard.

In addition to Active:

18-inch alloy wheels
Chrome front radiator grille
Chrome exterior door handles
Scuff plates with Santa Fe badging
Solar glass
Rear privacy glass
Puddle lamps – side mirrors and door handles
Electrochromatic rear vision mirror
2nd row map lights
Side mirrors – electrically folding & heated
Side mirrors – auto dipping
Rain sensing wipers
Trip computer – colour display
Dual-zone climate control
Leather upholstery
Driver’s seat – 8 way electrically adjustable
Driver’s lumbar support – 4 way electrically adjustable
10-speaker sound system
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Satellite navigation
Glovebox cooling

MY15 updates:

Darker chrome grille
LED daytime running lights
Electric tailgate

Series II update:

Memory functions – driver’s seat
Front parking sensors
Front passenger’s seat – electrically adjustable
550W 10-speaker Logic7 sound system
8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic

2016 update:

Android Auto
Apple CarPlay

MY18 updates:

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Forward collision warning (FCW)
Blind spot detection
Lane change assist
Rear cross traffic alert
Adaptive cruise control
4.2-inch colour driver’s display

Highlander (2012-2018)

Price when new: $49,990 - $57,090

Price used: $14,250 - $38,250

The top-of-the-range Highlander adds 19-inch alloys, LED rear tail lights, HID headlights (with auto-levelling and headlight washers), electrically adjustable front passenger’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats.

MY15 models gained LED daytime running lights, electric tailgate, lane departure warning, parking assist and front parking sensors, while the Series II update adds an upgraded park assist system, AEB, forward collision warning, blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control.

In addition to Elite:

19-inch alloy wheels
LED rear tail-lights
HID headlights
Auto-levelling headlights
Headlight washer
Front passenger’s seat – electrically adjustable
Heated front seats
Ventilated front seats

MY15 updates:

Darker chrome grille
LED daytime running lights
Electric tailgate
Lane departure warning
Auto reverse parallel parking assist
Front parking sensors
Panoramic sunroof

Series II update:

Revised parking system system
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Forward collision warning (FCW)
Blind spot detection
Lane change assist
Rear cross traffic alert
Adaptive cruise control

2016 update:

Android Auto
Apple CarPlay

SR (2014-2017)

Price when new: $59,990 - $64,250

Price used: $21,900 - $40,200

The sports-orientated SR model joined the Santa Fe range in 2014 and was available until 2017. It adds 19-inch Oz Racing alloys, Brembo brakes, H&R sports springs and a sports body kit.

In addition to Highlander

19-inch Oz Racing ‘Versila’ alloy wheels
Brembo brakes
H&R sports springs
Sports body kit

2016 update:

Android Auto
Apple CarPlay

Should you buy one? If you do, it is absolutely critical that the example you’re considering has a full and thorough service history and has been fastidiously maintained.

The engine dramas we hear about won’t impact every Santa Fe on the market, but they are happening regularly. The easiest way to hopefully mitigate any disaster is to be vigilant when looking after it.

Aside from that, the right Santa Fe is still an excellent SUV.

It is one of the key vehicles that helped turn Hyundai’s reputation around from being a manufacturer of cheap and dodgy runabouts to one of THE big players in the auto industry and even when used, you can see why.

However, even though the Santa Fe can be great, at least when they don’t break, a Toyota Kluger or Highlander is equally as good at all the important SUV things, and they have a nearly bulletproof reputation for reliability.

Should you buy one? If you do, it is absolutely critical that the example you’re considering has a full and thorough service history and has been fastidiously maintained.

The engine dramas we hear about won’t impact every Santa Fe on the market, but they are happening regularly. The easiest way to hopefully mitigate any disaster is to be vigilant when looking after it.

Aside from that, the right Santa Fe is still an excellent SUV.

It is one of the key vehicles that helped turn Hyundai’s reputation around from being a manufacturer of cheap and dodgy runabouts to one of THE big players in the auto industry and even when used, you can see why.

However, even though the Santa Fe can be great, at least when they don’t break, a Toyota Kluger or Highlander is equally as good at all the important SUV things, and they have a nearly bulletproof reputation for reliability.

Should you buy one? If you do, it is absolutely critical that the example you’re considering has a full and thorough service history and has been fastidiously maintained.

The engine dramas we hear about won’t impact every Santa Fe on the market, but they are happening regularly. The easiest way to hopefully mitigate any disaster is to be vigilant when looking after it.

Aside from that, the right Santa Fe is still an excellent SUV.

It is one of the key vehicles that helped turn Hyundai’s reputation around from being a manufacturer of cheap and dodgy runabouts to one of THE big players in the auto industry and even when used, you can see why.

However, even though the Santa Fe can be great, at least when they don’t break, a Toyota Kluger or Highlander is equally as good at all the important SUV things, and they have a nearly bulletproof reputation for reliability.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of May 19, 2023.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

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