2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid — Carivo review carivo.co
Hybrid

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $36,977–$44,015
Fuel Economy 33 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Hybrid
Est. Annual Fuel $1,591/yr

Key Specifications — 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Engine1.6L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S6)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG33 / 30 MPG
Combined MPG32 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,100
CO₂ Emissions283 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleHybrid
Base Price$36,977–$44,015

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

About the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

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 →

How It Ranks Among Hybrids

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 →

Which Santa Fe Hybrid Year Should You Buy?

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.

YearScoreStarting 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

Pros & Cons — 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

✓ 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
  • Strong fuel economy at 33 MPG, keeping running costs low

✗ 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 — 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid reliable?

We rate the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid worth buying?

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.

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid cost?

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.

More Hyundai Reviews

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