carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $35,302–$45,006 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe S at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.3/10. 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. We score reliability at 8.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.4/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.6/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $35,302–$45,006, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Santa Fe S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. 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.
Our take: The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe S is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 S ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $35,302 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe S scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $39,959 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $38,795 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $37,630 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $36,466 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $35,302 | |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $34,138 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $32,975 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.7/10 | $31,811 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $30,647 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $29,483 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $28,319 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe S's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #293 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 88% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe S starts at $35,302 and ranges up to $45,006 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/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.