Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2018 review

A few years ago, those in the market for a seven-seat SUV had very little choice, and would often end up having to choose a more sober-looking MPV instead. However, SUVs more or less now rule the roost, with the Hyundai Santa Fe being a compelling option.

This third-generation Santa Fe did much to move the game on, offering a spacious and versatile interior, a long warranty and a robust build quality. Interestingly, buyers of the car when it was new could also specify to have it with just five seats, but again it seems most opted for the full seven.

Engines & Performance: The Santa Fe has but one engine, a 194bhp 2.2-litre diesel, and it provides the car with enough oomph to make light work of sharp inclines and heavy loads and even occasionally both at the same time, while still enabling reasonable fuel efficiency.

Every version of the Santa Fe came with four-wheel drive as standard, as well as a six-speed manual gearbox, although the optional automatic gearbox is the more popular option and, in our opinion, deservedly so.

The Santa Fe is also a useful proposition if you regularly use a car for towing. Its maximum towing capacity is 2.5 tonnes in manual cars and 2.0 tonnes in an automatic one.

Interior & Practicality: Inside is a solidly constructed interior that makes use of some good-quality materials and nicely damped switches. The driving position is multi-adjustable and the visibility is good, and the dashboard and its surrounding controls are all logically laid out and easy to use.

But its raison d’etre is the space on offer. There’s plenty of space for driver and passenger up front, while three adults will find the second row of seats manageable for short journeys. Likewise, the two third row seats are fine for children, and adults will be happy in them for shorter distances. These rear second and third row seats fold almost flat, and leave a large load bay. The boot opening is nice and wide, too, which means getting large things in and out is relatively easy.

Trims & Equipment: As with the engine, trim options are kept to a minimum. Earlier cars had an entry-level SE trim, but this was phased out and replaced by Premium. The entry-level Premium model included 18in alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, cruise control, electric windows, parking sensors and electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors on the outside, with dual-zone climate control, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, a premium sound system, heated front seats and a touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav included on the inside.

Opt for the seven-seat version and besides an extra row of seats, there is climate control in the rear and adaptive suspension included. The range-topping Premium SE models come with luxuries such as 19in alloys, blind spot detection system, heated steering wheel, xenon headlights, lane departure warning system, panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats.

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An early 2014 Santa Fe with a high mileage for the year might be bought for around £8000, but we’d stick with one that has an average mileage for the year and a full service history and spend a bit more, say around £10,000 to £12,000. Up the money to between £13,000 and £16,000 and you’re looking at good cars from 2015 to 2018 that satisfy the same criteria.

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MPG: There being the one engine option all the versions have the same claimed average fuel consumption figure of 47.1mpg, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 159g/km. This was according to the older NEDC fuel economy tests that were prevalent at the time.

Road tax: Tax on cars registered before April 2017 was reasonably high, but for cars registered after the tax changes came into force in April 2017 the standard flat rate will apply. This is currently £180 a year. Just make sure that the price of the top-spec Premium SE car when it was ordered new didn’t include too many options, as this could have taken it over the £40,000 barrier where it would automatically incur a tax surcharge between years two and six. This is currently £390 a year.

Insurance: Insurance groups range from 27 to 28, depending on trim. Service plans are available for the Sante Fe, and these allow you to pre-plan servicing costs and spread the price over a given period of time.

Reliability

Our 2023 Reliability Survey shows mixed reliability for Hyundai Santa Fe diesel models from 2013-2018, based on real-world owner reviews.

Some owners praised the Santa Fe's dependability, experiencing few issues over several years. However, others reported recurring problems, particularly with faulty DPFs and engine management system warning lights, leading to expensive repairs.

Experiences with Hyundai dealerships varied widely. Some owners appreciated the efficient service and quick fixes, but many faced long wait times, high costs, and inconsistent diagnostics, causing repeated dealership visits.

Discover more about used Hyundai Santa Fe reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page

As far as the engine goes, the choice is Hobson’s, as there is only the 2.2 diesel. With the trims, we’d seek out the SE version of the older cars, as it has all the goodies you could reasonably need, or the corresponding entry-level version in later cars, Premium.

Our favourite Hyundai Santa Fe: 2.2 Blue Drive SE

The Kia Sorento is a close sibling of the Santa Fe. Underneath its butch bodywork is a strong 2.2 diesel, just like the Hyundai, and it seats seven in relative comfort. It’s spacious and practical, and if it’s not brilliant to drive it is at least competent.

The Skoda Kodiaq is the firm’s first seven-seater car, and it’s spectacularly good in some areas. It’s good to drive, cheaper to run than most of the competition and it comes with a solidly built and classy feeling interior.

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Interested in buying a used Hyundai Santa Fe? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.