Before You Buy

Hyundai Santa Fe: Buy Score, Reliability & Ownership Costs

Midsize SUV · SUV

MSRP Range$35,050–$48,700
A dark gray 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV parked in a suburban driveway in soft evening light, shot candidly at a three-quarter angle.
Engine2.5L 4-cylinder
Hybrid Powertrain1.6L turbo hybrid, up to 231 hp
Transmission8-speed automatic (hybrid trims, 2026)
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available (+$1,800)

Our Verdict

Based on model-specific reliability data, ownership costs, and longevity signals.

Buy
85/100

Buy Score™

Pros

  • RepairPal ranks it 2nd of 26 midsize SUVs — one of the strongest class-relative reliability positions researched for this site
  • 2026 model earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and 5-star NHTSA overall rating
  • Hybrid trim available with roughly 230 hp combined output
  • 10 yr/100,000 mi powertrain warranty

Cons

  • iSeeCars shows the steepest 5-year depreciation of the Hyundai vehicles reviewed here (48.3%)
  • AWD costs an additional $1,800 on top of the base FWD price
  • Turbo-hybrid powertrain requires more careful maintenance tracking than a simple naturally aspirated engine

Can this car reach 300,000 miles?

Likely

RepairPal's model-specific score (4.0/5.0) ranks the Santa Fe an excellent 2nd of 26 midsize SUVs — one of the strongest class-relative reliability positions of any 3-row-capable vehicle in this research.

First-Time Buyer Friendly

68/100

Approachable overall, though a first-time buyer should budget a little extra for insurance or upkeep.

Reliability Timeline

What tends to need attention, and when — based on model-specific reliability data.

RoutineModerateMajor

30,000 miles

Oil changes, tire rotations

60,000 miles

Brake pads
Battery

100,000 miles

Spark plugs and turbo components on turbo-hybrid trims

150,000 miles

Suspension bushings and shocks

200,000+ miles

Commonly still running well with routine upkeep, per its class-leading RepairPal ranking

What It Actually Costs to Own

Repair costs are among the lowest of any midsize SUV on this site, though iSeeCars shows steeper-than-average 5-year depreciation — the strong reliability record helps offset that over a long hold.

Estimated Annual Fuel Cost$1,550
Estimated Annual Insurance$1,500
Estimated Annual Maintenance$460
Estimated Annual Repairs$515
Estimated Annual Registration$200
5-Year Depreciation~48% of purchase price

Full Specifications

Engine2.5L 4-cylinder
Hybrid Powertrain1.6L turbo hybrid, up to 231 hp
Transmission8-speed automatic (hybrid trims, 2026)
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available (+$1,800)
Seating5
Warranty5 yr/60,000 mi basic, 10 yr/100,000 mi powertrain

Check for open recalls before you buy

We don't yet have a live recall feed wired up for the Hyundai Santa Fe, so we won't guess at a number here. Before you buy any specific Santa Fe, run its VIN throughNHTSA's free recall lookup tool— it takes about 30 seconds and confirms whether that exact vehicle has any open, unrepaired safety recalls.

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Sources: RepairPal model reliability score (4.0/5.0), annual repair cost ($515), and 2nd-of-26 midsize SUV ranking: repairpal.com/reliability/hyundai/santa-fe (live lookup, 2026). 2026 MSRP ($35,050-$48,700), gas/hybrid trims, and engine specs: cargurus.com and hyundaiofsaco.com 2026 Santa Fe/Santa Fe Hybrid pricing pages (live lookup, 2026). 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and 5-star NHTSA rating: hyundainews.com IIHS press release (live lookup, 2026). iSeeCars 5-year depreciation (48.3%): iseecars.com Santa Fe resale-value and Santa Fe-vs-Outback/Ascent comparison pages (live lookup, 2026).