2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 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 4WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
191–281 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic, automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
34 combined · 36 city / 31 hwy
Length
188.6 in
Curb weight
3,662–3,812 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2021 small SUV (23.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,812 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (36 city / 31 highway), 42% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 187 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2021

  • New hybrid version
  • Engines added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
  • Engines dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 25 to 34

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Santa Fe →

Trims, performance & features

Engine281 hp2.5L turbo 4-cyl
Engine191 hp2.5L 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic · automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

LimitedCalligraphySELSEL w/ Convenience Pkg

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Montgomery, Alabama

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Santa Fe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD188.6 in74.8 in67.3 in109.1 in64.6 / 65 in3,812 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD188.6 in74.8 in67.3 in109.1 in64.6 / 65 in3,662 lb58/42

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 Hybrid Blue Hybrid1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive36 / 31 / 34+42%$1,950264
Santa Fe Hybrid Hybrid1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive33 / 30 / 32+34%$2,100283
Santa Fe FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 28 / 26-2%$2,600344
Santa Fe FWD2.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 25-5%$2,700365
Santa Fe AWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive22 / 25 / 240%$2,800378
Santa Fe AWD2.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 240%$2,800375
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★14.7%
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car)34 MPG★★★★★8
2021 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated4
2021 Honda CR-V38 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Mazda CX-528 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (8)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Nov 21, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V879000 · 226,118 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 271.
Trailer Hitches · Mar 17, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V181000 · 584,784 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
Seat Belts › Front · Oct 31, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V816000 · 14,933 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Risk
An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Fix
Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 238/011G. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 22V-354 and 22V-458.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 6, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V746000 · 56,148 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Risk
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
Visibility › Windshield · Dec 28, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00M000 · 26,413 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Risk
A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jul 9, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V524000 · 15,752 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Risk
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · May 3, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V308000 · 2 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with 2.5-litre Turbo engines. The fuel pipe connecting the high pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may not have been tightened properly.
Risk
An insufficiently tightened fuel pipe may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers inspected and tightened the fuel pipe connection, free of charge. The affected vehicles have been repaired and therefore no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 206.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 17, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V185000 · 10 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Santa Fe vehicles. The Occupant Detection System (ODS) module may not deactivate the air bag upon detection of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ODS module, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied as of May 12, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 202.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

187Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
21,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train58
Unknown Or Other46
Engine45
Electrical System31
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking15
Fuel/Propulsion System13
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings7
Visibility/Wiper7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/06: 224/07: 324/09: 124/12: 325/01: 125/02: 225/03: 225/04: 125/05: 625/06: 125/07: 125/08: 225/09: 125/10: 426/01: 926/02: 326/03: 526/04: 326/05: 326/06: 226/07: 326/08: 226/09: 126/10: 124/0624/1225/0325/0625/0926/0226/0526/08max 9

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 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. Power Train — 58 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Engine — 45 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Electrical System — 31 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 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★★★★★2290
2022 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★8265
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
2016 Santa Fe23184.6 inNot rated3306
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 →