Hyundai Santa Fe Model Years and History

Following a comprehensive redesign in 2024, the Hyundai Santa Fe line-up, encompassing both gas-only and Hybrid variants, receives a refresh for the 2026 model year. Key updates include the introduction of a new 8-speed automatic transmission for the gas-only model and an expansion of standard driver assistance features across all trim levels. Dual wireless chargers become standard on the Limited and XRT trims. Most other changes involve updated equipment packages for the higher-tier Calligraphy, Limited, and XRT models. The Hybrid receives a new SE base trim.

After a redesign in 2024 the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid carryover with minimal changes for 2025.

The Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid are redesigned for 2024 with a new trim lineup and updated features.

For 2023, the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid carries over with minimal changes while the Santa Fe Hybrid gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen across all trims.

For 2022 the Santa Fe adds a new XRT trim and a new plug-in hybrid model.

For 2021 the Santa Fe gets a refreshed exterior as well as a hybrid version and a new Calligraphy trim.

For 2020, the Hyundai Santa Fe receives a few nice to have updates this year. All models now get a rear occupant alert while adding the convenience package to SEL models that includes a wireless charging pad and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Limited models are now come with more upscaled appointments and tinted chrome accents and a Blind-View monitor that displays a camera feed of the vehicles blind spots when a blinker is engaged.

For 2019, Hyundai has redesigned the Santa Fe lineup, as well as reshuffled their naming conventions. The 5-passenger Santa Fe Sport has been replaced with the Santa Fe and the bigger, three row 7-passenger Santa Fe is now dubbed the Santa Fe XL. The Santa Fe has gone through a pretty thorough redesign with all-new, modern and attractive styling with a brand new interior. The new 4th generation vehicle promises to continue the tradition of combining a great value with efficient packaging and an excellent track record of reliability.

In 2018 the Hyundai Santa Fe gets some trim adjustments since the Limited trim was removed, and Blue Link now includes all services standard for 3 years. On the other hand the Santa Fe Sport gets a new $1900 Value package for the base model that includes a power-operated driver's seat with lumbar support, auto-up for the front windows, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, dual zone automatic temperate control, heated front seats and roof rails. In 2018 the Hyundai Santa Fe gets some trim adjustments since the Limited trim was removed, and Blue Link now includes all services standard for 3 years. On the other hand the Santa Fe Sport gets a new $1900 Value package for the base model that includes a power-operated driver's seat with lumbar support, auto-up for the front windows, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, dual zone automatic temperate control, heated front seats and roof rails.

The 2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport both get several changes to their exterior, interior and safety features. The most noticeable change is a new front fascia with a tasteful new grill and headlight design. The rear of the car also gets new taillights and dual exhaust pipes. Inside, several new options make their way into the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport, including a seven-inch touch screen, matte-finish woodgrain interior and a third row power outlet. 2017 Santa Fe models now come with a rearview camera as standard while a multi-view camera system is optional.

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Sport are relatively unchanged for 2016, though the base GLS trim has been renamed SE.

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Sport receive a few new features for the 2015 model year. Daytime running lights are now standard, along with an automatic up/down feature for the driver's window. A power rear liftgate is available for the first time on the Santa Fe and various tweaks to the suspension and steering should help to improve handling.

Following a thorough redesign for the last model year, the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport feature some standard and optional equipment additions, including available parking sonar, blind spot detection, ventilated front seats and xenon headlights.

The Santa Fe is totally redesigned for 2013 and is a huge improvement over the outgoing model. Many of these improvements stem from its new lighter curb weight. Weighing 266 lbs less than the outgoing model pays big dividends in fuel economy and performance. The 2013 Santa Fe also significantly diverges from the 2012 model by being available in two body styles. A short wheelbase model dubbed the Santa Fe Sport features two row seating while a long wheelbase version features a third row. With attractive styling and a trio of modern engines, the 2013 Santa Fe has plenty of features to recommend it to buyers looking for a small or medium sized crossover SUV.

After getting a mid-cycle refresh for 2010 highlighted by all-new more powerful and more fuel-efficient engines, the Hyundai Santa Fe carries over to 2012 with only a few minor changes to the features list. The grille has been redesigned slightly, and Venetian Red and Cabo Bronze join the list of available colors. In addition, the GLS models have been fitted with low rolling resistance tires and a leather shift knob is now standard across the line.

After getting a mid-cycle refresh for 2010 highlighted by all-new more powerful and more fuel-efficient engines, the Hyundai Santa Fe carries over to 2011 with only a few minor changes to the features list. A 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 Surround Sound system with ten speakers, a CD changer and external amp is now standard on Limited models. All models have solar glass standard for 2011. Also, Moonstone Silver, Frost White Peal, Sonoran Red, Mineral Gray and Espresso Brown join the roster of exterior colors for 2011.

The Santa Fe gets a pretty thorough refresh for 2010, with two new engines replacing the 6-cylinders of recent years. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder is available for the very fuel-conscious, and a new 3.5-liter 6-cylinder offers decent fuel economy with more power for things like towing. An "eco indicator" light on models with an automatic transmission helps drivers get the best mileage from either engine. The exterior got a big upgrade, with new bumpers and body moldings, fog lights and a new grille. Inside, the optional third-row seat has been removed from the equipment list, but Bluetooth and steering-wheel mounted controls are now standard across all trim levels.

The Hyundai Santa Fe remains largely unchanged for 2009. The standard stereo has been upgraded, and now includes an auxiliary USB port. Steel gray is no longer available, as is silver blue. Willow gray is a new paint, as is medium silver blue, radiant silver and pearl white.

The Hyundai Santa Fe, all-new inside and out for 2007, remains largely unchanged for 2008. XM satellite, a mid-model year addition for 2007, is now standard across the model range. Last year's Premium Package, which was composed of a sunroof and distinct interior trim, is standard on Limited trims. The same is true of the Infinity Logic 7 six-disc CD changer. Power mirrors are now an upgrade on SE and Limited trims, and the Ultimate Package is no longer offered on the SE and Limited trims. The contents of the Premium Package on GLS models have been altered slightly.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is all-new inside and out for 2007. The exterior features more modern and shapely body panels, and the interior has higher quality materials than the previous version. An SE trim joins the GLS and Limited trims of 2006. A pair of V6 engines are offered for about the price of the competition's four-cylinder models. The 2.7L V6 makes 185 horsepower, while the 3.3L engine produces 242 horsepower. Standard side curtain air bags supplement the front and front side bags. Anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are standard as well. XM satellite became standard at mid-model year, and Hyundai's premium SUV still comes in FWD and AWD variants.