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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.6L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 33 / 30 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 283 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Hybrid |
| Base Price | $36,977–$44,015 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a hybrid that earns a Carivo score of 7.9/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 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: 8.1/10, 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 7.0/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.8/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $36,977–$44,015, 33 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Its value score of 8.1/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 5 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 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good hybrid 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 →
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid ranks #111 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 19% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $36,977 starting price is about 17% above the segment's median of $31,584.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking → · Best Hybrids under $50k →
Across the Santa Fe Hybrid model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.1/10 | $41,854 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $41,854 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $40,635 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $39,415 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $38,196 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $36,977 |
We rate the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #111 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 19% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid starts at $36,977 and ranges up to $44,015 across trims (MSRP when new). At 33 MPG, expect roughly $1,591/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.