2016 Hyundai Santa Fe

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

Hyundai Santa Fe
Pictured: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Luxury AWD in Hampton Grey, front left, 2024-06-30. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine–2.4L
Engine290 hp3.3L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Popular/Turbo Base/Turbo LeatherBaseTOP

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Sport AWD 4dr SUV184.6 in74 in66.5 in106.3 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,616 lb56/44
Sport FWD 4dr SUV184.6 in74 in66.5 in106.3 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,459 lb56/44
Xl AWD 4dr SUV192.9 in74.4 in66.9 in110.2 in64.2 / 64.6 in4,339 lb56/44
Xl FWD 4dr SUV192.9 in74.4 in66.9 in110.2 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,946 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Santa Fe Sport FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-7%$2,900387
Santa Fe Sport FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-11%$3,050403
Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-11%$3,050409
Santa Fe Sport AWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21-9%$3,200415
Santa Fe FWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-15%$3,200432
Santa Fe Sport AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-13%$3,350429
Santa Fe Ultimate FWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 20-19%$3,350457
Santa Fe AWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-13%$3,350446
Santa Fe Ultimate AWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19-17%$3,550476
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.6 MPG2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car)23 MPGNot rated3
2016 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2016 Honda CR-V29 MPG★★★★★3
2016 Toyota 4Runner19 MPG★★★★★8
2016 Hyundai Tucson28 MPG★★★★★5
2016 Subaru Forester27 MPG★★★★★3
2016 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★4

Recalls (3)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

306Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
13Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
64,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine194
Unknown Or Other39
Power Train24
Electrical System16
Air Bags13
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12
Service Brakes11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 524/11: 124/12: 225/01: 125/02: 225/03: 325/04: 325/05: 125/06: 225/07: 525/08: 325/09: 625/11: 425/12: 226/01: 226/02: 326/03: 326/04: 226/05: 426/06: 526/07: 226/08: 126/09: 426/10: 124/1025/0125/0425/0725/1126/0226/0526/08max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. 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.
  3. Engine — 194 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 24 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 64,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Santa Fe36–Not rated00
2026 Santa Fe36190.2 inNot rated458
2025 Santa Fe36190.2 in★★★★★5240
2024 Santa Fe36190.2 in★★★★★7191
2023 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★2291
2022 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★8265
2021 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★8187
2020 Santa Fe25187.8 in★★★★★2218
2019 Santa Fe25187.8 in★★★★★3229
2018 Santa Fe24184.6 in★★★★★5432
2017 Santa Fe24184.6 inNot rated71,327
2015 Santa Fe23184.6 inNot rated4339

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →