2022 Hyundai Santa Fe — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $31,710–$36,915
Fuel Economy 24 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,188/yr
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe scores 7.8/10 at Carivo, ranking #428 of 2454 suvs and an estimated $2,188/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$31,710–$36,915

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Performance at 7.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.9/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.5/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.4/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.5/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $31,710–$36,915, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Santa Fe sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks #428 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 83% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,710 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 12%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$10,940 ($2,188/year at $3.50/gal)
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Santa Fe Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.8 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.0/10$34,747 Read review →
2025 8.0/10$34,747 Read review →
2024 7.9/10$33,735 Read review →
2023 7.9/10$32,722 Read review →
2022 (this review) 7.8/10$31,710
2021 7.9/10$30,698 Read review →
2020 7.7/10$29,686 Read review →
2019 7.7/10$28,674 Read review →
2018 7.7/10$27,662 Read review →
2017 7.7/10$26,650 Read review →
2016 7.6/10$25,638 Read review →
2015 7.5/10$24,626 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

Common Questions — 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

We rate the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe worth buying?

It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #428 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 83% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at $31,710 and ranges up to $36,915 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Santa Fe years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Santa Fe years we've rated are 2015 (7.5/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.0/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

Owner Essentials — Hyundai Santa Fe

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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