Likes
- Huge array of standard features
- High-quality interior
- Diesel engine is a reasonably frugal and refined powerplant
Used Hyundai Santa Fe (TM) review
2018 - 2022
Dislikes
- No curtain airbags in the third row
- V6 petrol engines are thirsty
- Handful of issues that should be checked
Stuff you should know
The Australian-delivered 2018-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-sized SUV that came with several updates and variants to cater to a wide range of preferences. Over the years, the Santa Fe was available in multiple variants including the Active, Active X, Elite, and Highlander. The Active variant is the base model, equipped with essential features, while the Elite is a mid-range variant with added features and the Highlander is the top-spec variant with all the luxury and tech features.
In 2018, the Santa Fe underwent a significant redesign, with a new look and an updated cabin that features a more modern design and better quality materials. The most significant update in the 2018 model was the introduction of a new 2.2-litre diesel engine, which provided better fuel efficiency and performance. In 2019, Hyundai introduced additional safety features and slight tweaks to the design. The 2020 model did not see any significant updates, but it did receive minor tweaks to improve comfort and convenience.
One of the most notable aspects of the 2018-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is its technology and safety features. The SUV comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety features, which includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, all variants come with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and keyless entry. The higher-end models, such as the Elite and Highlander, come with additional features like leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.
The Australian-delivered 2018-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a variety of options for consumers, with multiple variants and a host of technology and safety features. The updates over these three years have helped to keep the SUV competitive in a crowded market.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- Some owners have reported the brackets holding the struts on the boot have rusted.
- Sporadic reports of some of the rubber seals degrading quickly, reading to water ingress.
Interior:
- There are reports of glitches with the electrical system. Manifesting as issues with the power windows, reversing camera, problems with the infotainment system and some sensors.
- Some reports of issues with the aircon system.
- A handful of owners have reported faults with the speakers.
Mechanically:
- There are sporadic reports of the engine losing power intermittently.
- Some owners have complained about the
Recalls:
- November 2018 – 668 Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 models are affected by a fault where the curtain airbag mounting bolt may protrude and interfere with the airbag fabric during deployment, potentially causing cushion damage, suboptimal protection, and serious injury to rear occupants.
- May 2020 – Due to a manufacturing error, an electronic control circuit board in the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module of 9,417 Hyundai Santa Fe units will short circuit when exposed to moisture, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire, accidents, serious injuries, and property damage even when the vehicle is turned off.
- June 2021 – The Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5MPi (2021) has a fault in the fuel supply pipe attached to the engines, affecting 198 units and potentially resulting in a fuel leak that could cause an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of accidents, serious injuries, or deaths to vehicle occupants and other road users.
- March 2022 – A voltage fluctuation at extremely low temperatures may cause the LCD instrument cluster screen of 19 HYUNDAI Santa Fe (TM) TM 2.2DSL, 2021 models to show an inverted image, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.
- July 2022 – Due to a manufacturing issue, the seat belt pre-tensioner inflator of 34 HYUNDAI Santa Fe (TM) 2021 models may fracture when deployed in an accident, causing metal fragments to be propelled at high speed towards vehicle occupants and potentially causing serious injury.
- December 2022 – 7,554 units of Hyundai Santa Fe (TM) from 2020-2022 are affected due to a manufacturing issue causing the seat belt pre-tensioner inflator cap to fracture when deployed, potentially propelling metal fragments at high speed towards vehicle occupants and causing serious injury.
- January 2023 – Due to a programming issue, 4,469 units of Hyundai Santa Fe, Kona N, i30N Sedan, and Sonata N-Line from years 2020-2022 may experience a fail-safe driving mode malfunction, resulting in reduced acceleration followed by a loss of power, increasing the risk of crash, injury, or death.
It’s important to note, not all Hyundai Santa Fes will have
Exterior:
- Some owners have reported the brackets holding the struts on the boot have rusted.
- Sporadic reports of some of the rubber seals degrading quickly, reading to water ingress.
Interior:
- There are reports of glitches with the electrical system. Manifesting as issues with the power windows, reversing camera, problems with the infotainment system and some sensors.
- Some reports of issues with the aircon system.
- A handful of owners have reported faults with the speakers.
Mechanically:
- There are sporadic reports of the engine losing power intermittently.
- Some owners have complained about the
Recalls:
- November 2018 – 668 Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 models are affected by a fault where the curtain airbag mounting bolt may protrude and interfere with the airbag fabric during deployment, potentially causing cushion damage, suboptimal protection, and serious injury to rear occupants.
- May 2020 – Due to a manufacturing error, an electronic control circuit board in the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module of 9,417 Hyundai Santa Fe units will short circuit when exposed to moisture, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire, accidents, serious injuries, and property damage even when the vehicle is turned off.
- June 2021 – The Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5MPi (2021) has a fault in the fuel supply pipe attached to the engines, affecting 198 units and potentially resulting in a fuel leak that could cause an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of accidents, serious injuries, or deaths to vehicle occupants and other road users.
- March 2022 – A voltage fluctuation at extremely low temperatures may cause the LCD instrument cluster screen of 19 HYUNDAI Santa Fe (TM) TM 2.2DSL, 2021 models to show an inverted image, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.
- July 2022 – Due to a manufacturing issue, the seat belt pre-tensioner inflator of 34 HYUNDAI Santa Fe (TM) 2021 models may fracture when deployed in an accident, causing metal fragments to be propelled at high speed towards vehicle occupants and potentially causing serious injury.
- December 2022 – 7,554 units of Hyundai Santa Fe (TM) from 2020-2022 are affected due to a manufacturing issue causing the seat belt pre-tensioner inflator cap to fracture when deployed, potentially propelling metal fragments at high speed towards vehicle occupants and causing serious injury.
- January 2023 – Due to a programming issue, 4,469 units of Hyundai Santa Fe, Kona N, i30N Sedan, and Sonata N-Line from years 2020-2022 may experience a fail-safe driving mode malfunction, resulting in reduced acceleration followed by a loss of power, increasing the risk of crash, injury, or death.
It’s important to note, not all Hyundai Santa Fes will have these issues, and these reports are also not widespread. Think of this more as a guide of things to look out for if you’re in the market for one.
Exterior:
- Some owners have reported the brackets holding the struts on the boot have rusted.
- Sporadic reports of some of the rubber seals degrading quickly, reading to water ingress.
Interior:
- There are reports of glitches with the electrical system. Manifesting as issues with the power windows, reversing camera, problems with the infotainment system and some sensors.
- Some reports of issues with the aircon system.
- A handful of owners have reported faults with the speakers.
Mechanically:
- There are sporadic reports of the engine losing power intermittently.
- Some owners have complained about the
Recalls:
- November 2018 – 668 Hyundai Santa Fe 2018 models are affected by a fault where the curtain airbag mounting bolt may protrude and interfere with the airbag fabric during deployment, potentially causing cushion damage, suboptimal protection, and serious injury to rear occupants.
- May 2020 – Due to a manufacturing error, an electronic control circuit board in the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) module of 9,417 Hyundai Santa Fe units will short circuit when exposed to moisture, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire, accidents, serious injuries, and property damage even when the vehicle is turned off.
- June 2021 – The Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5MPi (2021) has a fault in the fuel supply pipe attached to the engines, affecting 198 units and potentially resulting in a fuel leak that could cause an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of accidents, serious injuries, or deaths to vehicle occupants and other road users.
- March 2022 – A voltage fluctuation at extremely low temperatures may cause the LCD instrument cluster screen of 19 HYUNDAI Santa Fe (TM) TM 2.2DSL, 2021 models to show an inverted image, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.
- July 2022 – Due to a manufacturing issue, the seat belt pre-tensioner inflator of 34 HYUNDAI Santa Fe (TM) 2021 models may fracture when deployed in an accident, causing metal fragments to be propelled at high speed towards vehicle occupants and potentially causing serious injury.
- December 2022 – 7,554 units of Hyundai Santa Fe (TM) from 2020-2022 are affected due to a manufacturing issue causing the seat belt pre-tensioner inflator cap to fracture when deployed, potentially propelling metal fragments at high speed towards vehicle occupants and causing serious injury.
- January 2023 – Due to a programming issue, 4,469 units of Hyundai Santa Fe, Kona N, i30N Sedan, and Sonata N-Line from years 2020-2022 may experience a fail-safe driving mode malfunction, resulting in reduced acceleration followed by a loss of power, increasing the risk of crash, injury, or death.
It’s important to note, not all Hyundai Santa Fes will have these issues, and these reports are also not widespread. Think of this more as a guide of things to look out for if you’re in the market for one.
Should you buy it?
When this iteration of the Hyundai Santa Fe landed in 2018 it was clear that Hyundai had spent plenty of effort on making it far more plush and luxurious than its predecessor. Especially if you shop higher than the entry grade, the caban is especially nice. That said, there are plenty of standard features if you’re only after the entry grade.
There are a bunch of engine options available, from the small 4-cylinder petrol and diesels to larger 6-cylinder options, even hybrid options. While the V6 offers fantastic power, the diesels are more refined and frugal at the pump. Which one you want is up to you, but you’re certainly spoiled for choice.
In terms of reliability, there are a handful of reported issues you should be mindful of, but luckily (at time of publish), many TM Santa Fes will have some factory support left on them. Regardless, it’s important to get a pre-purchase inspection carried out before handing over you cash. It’s worth spending the money for peace of mind.
When this iteration of the Hyundai Santa Fe landed in 2018 it was clear that Hyundai had spent plenty of effort on making it far more plush and luxurious than its predecessor. Especially if you shop higher than the entry grade, the caban is especially nice. That said, there are plenty of standard features if you’re only after the entry grade.
There are a bunch of engine options available, from the small 4-cylinder petrol and diesels to larger 6-cylinder options, even hybrid options. While the V6 offers fantastic power, the diesels are more refined and frugal at the pump. Which one you want is up to you, but you’re certainly spoiled for choice.
In terms of reliability, there are a handful of reported issues you should be mindful of, but luckily (at time of publish), many TM Santa Fes will have some factory support left on them. Regardless, it’s important to get a pre-purchase inspection carried out before handing over you cash. It’s worth spending the money for peace of mind.
Should you buy it?
When this iteration of the Hyundai Santa Fe landed in 2018 it was clear that Hyundai had spent plenty of effort on making it far more plush and luxurious than its predecessor. Especially if you shop higher than the entry grade, the caban is especially nice. That said, there are plenty of standard features if you’re only after the entry grade.
There are a bunch of engine options available, from the small 4-cylinder petrol and diesels to larger 6-cylinder options, even hybrid options. While the V6 offers fantastic power, the diesels are more refined and frugal at the pump. Which one you want is up to you, but you’re certainly spoiled for choice.
In terms of reliability, there are a handful of reported issues you should be mindful of, but luckily (at time of publish), many TM Santa Fes will have some factory support left on them. Regardless, it’s important to get a pre-purchase inspection carried out before handing over you cash. It’s worth spending the money for peace of mind.
Need help with finance?
Powered by
Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 138kW / 241Nm (Active 2018 – 2019)
- 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 147kW / 440Nm (Active 2018 – 2020, Elite 2018 – 2020, Highlander 2018 – 2020, Active X 2020)
- 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 206kW / 336Nm (Active 2019 – 2020, Elite 2019 – 2020, Highlander 2019 – 2020, Active X 2020)
- 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 200kW / 331Nm (Santa Fe 2020 – 2022, Active 2020 – 2022, Elite 2020 – 2022, Highlander 2020 – 2022)
- 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 148kW / 440Nm (Santa Fe 2020 – 2022, Active 2020 – 2022, Elite 2020 – 2022, Highlander 2020 – 2022)
- 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 132kW / 265Nm (Hybrid Elite 2022, Hybrid Highlander 2022)
Transmission
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (Active, Hybrid Elite, Hybrid Highlander)
- 8-speed Sports Automatic (Active, Elite, Highlander, Active X, Santa Fe)
- 8-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (Santa Fe, Active, Elite, Highlander)
Fuel Consumption
- 5.3 – 7.5 / 100km (Active, Elite, Highlander, Santa Fe)
- 6.2 – 9.9 / 100km (Active X)
- 5.9 – 6.2 / 100km (Hybrid Elite, Hybrid Highlander)
Length
- 4770mm – 4785mm (All Models)
Width
- 1890mm – 1900mm (All Models)
Height
- 1685mm – 1710mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2765mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1845kg – 1995kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 2500kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (Active, Hybrid Elite, Hybrid Highlander)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 138kW / 241Nm (Active 2018 – 2019)
- 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 147kW / 440Nm (Active 2018 – 2020, Elite 2018 – 2020, Highlander 2018 – 2020, Active X 2020)
- 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 206kW / 336Nm (Active 2019 – 2020, Elite 2019 – 2020, Highlander 2019 – 2020, Active X 2020)
- 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 200kW / 331Nm (Santa Fe 2020 – 2022, Active 2020 – 2022, Elite 2020 – 2022, Highlander 2020 – 2022)
- 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 148kW / 440Nm (Santa Fe 2020 – 2022, Active 2020 – 2022, Elite 2020 – 2022, Highlander 2020 – 2022)
- 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 132kW / 265Nm (Hybrid Elite 2022, Hybrid Highlander 2022)
Transmission
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (Active, Hybrid Elite, Hybrid Highlander)
- 8-speed Sports Automatic (Active, Elite, Highlander, Active X, Santa Fe)
- 8-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (Santa Fe, Active, Elite, Highlander)
Fuel Consumption
- 5.3 – 7.5 / 100km (Active, Elite, Highlander, Santa Fe)
- 6.2 – 9.9 / 100km (Active X)
- 5.9 – 6.2 / 100km (Hybrid Elite, Hybrid Highlander)
Length
- 4770mm – 4785mm (All Models)
Width
- 1890mm – 1900mm (All Models)
Height
- 1685mm – 1710mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2765mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1845kg – 1995kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 2500kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (Active, Hybrid Elite, Hybrid Highlander)
- 5 stars, tested 2018 (Active, Elite, Highlander, Active X, Santa Fe)
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 138kW / 241Nm (Active 2018 – 2019)
- 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 147kW / 440Nm (Active 2018 – 2020, Elite 2018 – 2020, Highlander 2018 – 2020, Active X 2020)
- 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 206kW / 336Nm (Active 2019 – 2020, Elite 2019 – 2020, Highlander 2019 – 2020, Active X 2020)
- 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 200kW / 331Nm (Santa Fe 2020 – 2022, Active 2020 – 2022, Elite 2020 – 2022, Highlander 2020 – 2022)
- 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 148kW / 440Nm (Santa Fe 2020 – 2022, Active 2020 – 2022, Elite 2020 – 2022, Highlander 2020 – 2022)
- 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 132kW / 265Nm (Hybrid Elite 2022, Hybrid Highlander 2022)
Transmission
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (Active, Hybrid Elite, Hybrid Highlander)
- 8-speed Sports Automatic (Active, Elite, Highlander, Active X, Santa Fe)
- 8-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (Santa Fe, Active, Elite, Highlander)
Fuel Consumption
- 5.3 – 7.5 / 100km (Active, Elite, Highlander, Santa Fe)
- 6.2 – 9.9 / 100km (Active X)
- 5.9 – 6.2 / 100km (Hybrid Elite, Hybrid Highlander)
Length
- 4770mm – 4785mm (All Models)
Width
- 1890mm – 1900mm (All Models)
Height
- 1685mm – 1710mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2765mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1845kg – 1995kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 2500kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (Active, Hybrid Elite, Hybrid Highlander)
- 5 stars, tested 2018 (Active, Elite, Highlander, Active X, Santa Fe)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited km (All Models)
Servicing
- 15,000 km / 12 months (Active, Elite, Highlander, Active X, Santa Fe)
- 10,000 km / 12 months (Hybrid Elite, Hybrid Highlander)
Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.
Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.
In the market?
Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Sep 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.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
