The 2018-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is well-regarded for its spacious interior, generous tech features, and strong safety ratings. Owners praise its comfort and practicality while highlighting the strong performance of its diesel engines. However, some mention that its bulky size can make city driving trickier, and there are criticisms around the infotainment system's user-friendliness.
Read full reviewHyundai Santa Fe SUV (2018 - 2024)
2018 – 2024· 5 owner Q&As
Excellent
The iconic Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is back, and this time it’s all electric! For budget-conscious commuters seeking a family-friendly ride without the hefty price tag, this retro icon reborn offers style, spaciousness, and sustainability—all without sacrificing comfort. Let’s dive into what makes this car tick!
At a glance
197
hp · Power
688
miles · Range / tank
9.1s
0–60 mph
£
Running costs
From £610/mo
Typical finance
Motoring.Today. verdict
Best for
- Spacious and comfortable interior suitable for families.
- Wide range of engine options, including hybrid and electric.
- Comprehensive safety and driver-assistance features.
- Award-winning design with a modern aesthetic.
Consider alternatives if
- Limited off-road capabilities compared to pure 4x4 vehicles.
- Infotainment system can be slightly cumbersome at first.
- Higher-end trims may increase overall cost.
- Lack of some luxury features found in competitors.
Finance snapshot
Typical monthly payment
£610/month
Based on PCP · 48 months · £3,600 deposit
Best suited for
- Company Car Drivers
- Petrol/Diesel Buyers
- High Mileage Drivers
- Families
Affordability
Premium
Above average monthly commitment.
Ratings breakdown
Theo's AI summary
Verdict: The Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is a compelling choice for families and individuals seeking a spacious, efficient, and technologically advanced vehicle. With its diverse engine choices, including eco-friendly electric options, it caters well to modern needs. Its combination of comfort, safety features, and design aesthetic make it a standout in the crowded SUV market. We wholeheartedly recommend the Santa Fe for those looking to make a wise investment in their next vehicle.
Best match for
- Practical families
- Performance enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious buyers
Estimated ownership costs
Based on 10,000 miles per year
£133/month
£157/month
£16/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£366/month
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With a focus on stability and control, the Hyundai Santa Fe’s handling capabilities are impressive. The SUV’s well-tuned suspension system absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road, ensuring a composed ride that instils a sense of security for drivers and passengers. Whether na
External voices
What the experts say
The Santa Fe's design is noted for its striking appearance and premium feel. AutoCar appreciates its bold front-end styling and smooth lines, providing a modern look. However, the interior quality is sometimes seen as inconsistent, with some materials feeling less premium. Overall, it offers a balance of style and functionality, suitable for family travel.
Read full reviewWhatCar rates the Santa Fe highly for reliability, with few reported issues among owners. The car is seen as durable, offering peace of mind for families who need a dependable SUV. Nonetheless, some critics express concerns about servicing costs and the potential for depreciation, which could impact long-term ownership value.
Ownership intelligence
The real cost of owning one
Finance: Hyundai offers attractive finance options for the Santa Fe, making it accessible to a broader audience. This includes personal contract purchase (PCP) schemes and leasing options, which allow drivers to enjoy the SUV without a long-term commitment. Coupled with a solid warranty, financing the Santa Fe is a practical choice.
Running Costs: The Hyundai Santa Fe is designed with efficiency in mind, delivering competitive running costs for an SUV of its size. Regular servicing and maintenance are relatively affordable, while its robust fuel economy, especially in the hybrid version, makes it a sensible option for families. The efficient engine options also contribute to reduced CO2 emissions, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
Charging/Fuel: For the petrol and diesel variants, the Santa Fe remains competitive in terms of fuel economy. However, the hybrid and electric models bring added convenience, allowing for reduced dependency on traditional fuel sources. Charging stations are increasingly becoming widespread, further bolstering the case for the electric model.
Heritage
Milestones & history
2018
Launch of the fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe.
2020
Introduction of hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
2023
Unveiling of the updated 2023 model with enhanced tech features.
Read full launch story
The Hyundai Santa Fe was created to meet the growing demand for spacious SUVs that provide comfort, practicality, and performance. It caters to families and active individuals, offering ample space for passengers and cargo without compromising on style. Since its inception in 2000, the Santa Fe has evolved significantly, adapting to new consumer trends and technological advancements. The latest incarnations embrace electrification and a focus on sustainability while retaining the model's hallmark affordability and practicality. The retro icon reborn aspect refers to the Santa Fe’s modern interpretations of classic SUV characteristics, blending nostalgia with forward-thinking design.
Compare with alternatives
The Hyundai Santa Fe (2018 - 2024) stands out for its balanced approach to comfort, technology, and reliability, competing well against rivals like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Toyota RAV4.
Honda CR-V
Popular compact SUV known for reliability and practicality.
- vs features
- The Honda CR-V offers a roomy interior and excellent cargo space, with a smooth ride and solid handling. It typically includes a suite of tech features, often on par with the Santa Fe, including standard safety features. Cabin quality is slightly better in the Honda, with a more upscale feel.
- vs price
- The CR-V is typically priced similarly to the Santa Fe, but can vary depending on the trim and options chosen.
Ford Escape
Versatile compact SUV aimed at families, with sporty driving dynamics.
- vs features
- The Ford Escape rivals the Santa Fe in driving engagement with its sporty feel. While it has a range of tech features, some may argue that its overall cabin quality is not as high-end as the Santa Fe.
- vs price
- The Escape is generally positioned at a slightly lower price point in comparison to the Santa Fe, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Toyota RAV4
Well-rounded compact SUV noted for its reliability and resale value.
- vs features
- The RAV4 comes with an impressive suite of standard safety features and has solid interior quality, often being comparable to the Santa Fe. However, some may find its infotainment system less intuitive.
- vs price
- The RAV4 can be slightly more expensive than the Santa Fe, especially in higher trims, but its high resale value can offset initial costs.
Available now
Hyundai Santa Fe SUV (2018 - 2024) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)Specs by trim
SE 2.2 CRDi 200PS 2WD 5dDiesel Manual · 2018–2020
- Power
- 197 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.1 s
- Top speed
- 127 mph
- Torque
- 440 Nm
- CO₂
- 156 g/km
- Insurance group
- 36
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £32,595
SE 2.2 CRDi 200PS 2WD auto 5dDiesel Automatic · 2018–2020
- Power
- 197 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9 s
- Top speed
- 127 mph
- Torque
- 440 Nm
- CO₂
- 158 g/km
- Insurance group
- 36
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £34,595
Premium SE 2.2 CRDi 200PS 2WD auto 5dDiesel Automatic · 2018–2020
- Power
- 197 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9 s
- Top speed
- 127 mph
- Torque
- 440 Nm
- Economy
- 42.2 mpg
- Range
- 659 mi
- CO₂
- 157 g/km
- Insurance group
- 40
- Road tax
- £600
- New price
- £40,665
Premium SE 2.2 CRDi 200PS 4WD auto 5dDiesel Automatic · 2018–2021
- Power
- 197 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.1 s
- Top speed
- 127 mph
- Torque
- 440 Nm
- Economy
- 38.7 mpg
- Range
- 604 mi
- CO₂
- 191 g/km
- Insurance group
- 27
- Road tax
- £600
- New price
- £42,615
Premium 2.2 CRDi 200PS 2WD 5dDiesel Manual · 2018–2020
- Power
- 197 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.1 s
- Top speed
- 127 mph
- Torque
- 440 Nm
- Economy
- 44.1 mpg
- Range
- 688 mi
- CO₂
- 150 g/km
- Insurance group
- 39
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £36,480
Premium 2.2 CRDi 200PS 2WD auto 5dDiesel Automatic · 2018–2020
- Power
- 197 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9 s
- Top speed
- 127 mph
- Torque
- 440 Nm
- CO₂
- 153 g/km
- Insurance group
- 40
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £38,165
+ 8 more trim variants
FAQs
- What is the main feature of the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV (2018 - 2024)?
- The main feature of the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is its all-electric powertrain, offering eco-friendliness, advanced safety features, and a spacious interior ideal for families.
- How does the running costs compare for the electric SUV?
- Running costs for the Hyundai Santa Fe electric SUV are impressively low due to reduced fuel expenditure and lower maintenance costs, making it a budget-friendly option.
- What advanced safety features are included in the Santa Fe?
- The Hyundai Santa Fe includes advanced safety features such as lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning, and impressive five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings.
- Is the Hyundai Santa Fe a suitable family SUV?
- Yes, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a suitable family SUV with its spacious interior, comfort, and features designed to cater to modern family needs.
- How does the charging work for the electric Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Charging the Hyundai Santa Fe is convenient, with options to charge at home, work, or through rapid chargers, providing a practical range for daily commutes and trips.














