2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Sport FWD 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t, Xl FWD 4dr SUV, Sport AWD 2.4l Premium/2.4l Luxury/2.0t Premium/2.0t Se/2.0t Limited, Xl AWD 4dr SUV Premium/Luxury/Limited
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 184.6–192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,459–4,339 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,459 lb (Sport FWD 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 4% worse than the 2015 small SUV average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 339 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2015
- Lightest version 267 lb lighter
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Santa Fe →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport FWD 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t | 184.6 in | 74 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,459 lb | 56/44 |
| Xl FWD 4dr SUV | 192.9 in | 74.4 in | 66.9 in | 110.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,946 lb | 56/44 |
| Sport AWD 2.4l Premium/2.4l Luxury/2.0t Premium/2.0t Se/2.0t Limited | 184.6 in | 74 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,616 lb | 56/44 |
| Xl AWD 4dr SUV Premium/Luxury/Limited | 192.9 in | 74.4 in | 66.9 in | 110.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,339 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Sport FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 387 |
| Santa Fe Sport FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 403 |
| Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 409 |
| Santa Fe FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 432 |
| Santa Fe Sport AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -7% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Santa Fe Ultimate FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 20 | -17% | $3,350 | 457 |
| Santa Fe AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -12% | $3,350 | 445 |
| Santa Fe Sport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -12% | $3,350 | 429 |
| Santa Fe Ultimate AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -16% | $3,550 | 476 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Similar 2015 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2015 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Apr 28, 2021 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 21V303000 · 151,205 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Aug 27, 2020 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 20V520000 · 151,205 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. Note: This recall has been superseded by NHTSA Recall 21V-303 and all affected vehicles will now be repaired under 21V-303. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Jun 5, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V358000 · 437,400 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
- Risk
- If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Not every 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 202 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 28 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 28 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 67,430 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Santa Fe years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Santa Fe | 36 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 58 |
| 2025 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 240 |
| 2024 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 191 |
| 2023 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 290 |
| 2022 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 265 |
| 2021 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 187 |
| 2020 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 218 |
| 2019 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 229 |
| 2018 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 432 |
| 2017 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 1,327 |
| 2016 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 306 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →