2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Sport AWD 4dr SUV, Sport FWD 4dr SUV, Xl AWD 4dr SUV, Xl FWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 290 hp
- 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
- 3 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 23 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 3,616 lb (Sport AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 7% worse than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 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 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 306 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Santa Fe — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Santa Fe →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Santa Fe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport AWD 4dr SUV | 184.6 in | 74 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,616 lb | 56/44 |
| Sport FWD 4dr SUV | 184.6 in | 74 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,459 lb | 56/44 |
| Xl AWD 4dr SUV | 192.9 in | 74.4 in | 66.9 in | 110.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,339 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 |
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 | -7% | $2,900 | 387 |
| Santa Fe Sport FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -11% | $3,050 | 403 |
| Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -11% | $3,050 | 409 |
| Santa Fe Sport AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Santa Fe FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -15% | $3,200 | 432 |
| Santa Fe Sport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -13% | $3,350 | 429 |
| Santa Fe Ultimate FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 20 | -19% | $3,350 | 457 |
| Santa Fe AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -13% | $3,350 | 446 |
| Santa Fe Ultimate AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -17% | $3,550 | 476 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Feb 3, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V056000 · 357,348 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- 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 multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
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.
Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices · Mar 10, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V145000 · 34,200 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015 to February 12, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses may be damaged by the seat's height adjuster mechanism, resulting in a failure to provide an audible warning when front seat occupants do not fasten their seat belts. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- Without a warning to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses to their proper locations, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 141.
Not every 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 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 — 194 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 24 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 64,000 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 2016 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 | 291 |
| 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 |
| 2015 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 339 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →