Representative photo — may show another model year
Hybrid
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$36,977–$44,015
Fuel Economy33 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategoryHybrid
Est. Annual Fuel$1,591/yr
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid scores 7.9/10 at Carivo, ranking #111 of 135 hybrids, with 3 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $1,591/year fuel cost.
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.
5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Fuel (75,000 miles)
~$7,955 ($1,591/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies 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 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.
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
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Seat belts / Pretensioner 31/10/2022 · 22V816000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may…
Trailer hitches 17/03/2023 · 23V181000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an…
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 21/11/2024 · 24V879000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such,…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
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. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Which Santa Fe Hybrid years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 6 Santa Fe Hybrid model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.1/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seat belts, Trailer hitches, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
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More Hyundai Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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