The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor oil leaks and transmission computer issues. At $14,225 to $18,325, it’s a great value for a midsize SUV with a touch of luxury for the money.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2016 is a decent year for the Hyundai Santa Fe, improved reliability gives it an average overall score. Owner reviews praise the nice interior, powerful V6 engine, as well as the low ownership costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than other midsize SUVs, the seats are comfortable, although cargo space is lower than the competition.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are fewer issues with the 2016 Santa Fe than in earlier years. Buyers should avoid models from 2007–2014, which all have widespread engine failures. Models from 2015–2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is decent from the standard V6 engine, although it’s not very sporty to drive.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2016 Santa Fe is a safe midsize SUV earning a 5-star rating in all government crash tests. Standard safety technology includes a rear view camera & Blue Link telecommunications. Blind spot monitoring is available as an optional upgrade.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 21 MPG, giving 394 miles of range from the 18.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are only $3 higher than average at $258 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2016 Santa Fe is cheaper than many other midsize SUVs while offering good features for the money, making it a decent value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Consumer Reports says the Santa Fe is a very well-rounded three-row SUV, although owner satisfaction scores are slightly lower than other SUVs.
- Edmunds rates the Santa Fe at 4/5, praising the powerful V6 engine, but doesn’t like the low cargo capacity.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Santa Fe a 4.4/5 enjoying the passenger room for up to 7 people, but don’t like the poor all-wheel-drive capabilities.
What Common Problems Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
Common problems found on the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe include oil leaks, erratic shifting between gears, as well as frequent dead batteries. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs, leading to affordable repair costs too.
Oil leaks are the most common problem reported by owners at around 100,000 miles. Various gaskets throughout the engine start to fail as the Santa Fe gets older, and have to be replaced. Changing out the gaskets can cost $150 to $500, depending on the source of the problem, since some are difficult to access.
Erratic shifting from the transmission has also been mentioned by some owners in the first 20,000 miles. Usually when the transmission shifts poorly, it’s a sign of an issue with the transmission control module. Updating the software on the module fixes the problem, costing around $100.
Frequent dead batteries also show up on some Santa Fe models in the first 15,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Hyundai Santa Fe which can drain the battery while it sits. Diagnosing the electrical problems can usually be done by a shop for around $100. From there, repair costs can range from $20 to $300, depending on the source.
There are 3 recalls on the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is similar to other midsize SUVs from 2016. The most serious recall covers the ABS module, which can catch fire in the engine compartment. Hyundai will replace the ABS module for free on affected vehicles which solves the problem. The other recalls are fairly minor, covering a hood latch as well as a seat belt chime.
How Long Will the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Last?
A well-maintained 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe should last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $470 per year.
Since many 2016 Santa Fe models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the fuel pump for $1,000, the MAP sensor costing $210, as well as the fuel door release actuator, which costs $150.
It has been very reliable. The biggest problem I have had is with the windshield wipers. I have had to replace them twice a year and the original ones from the manufacturer only lasted a few months.
It is been a reliable vehicle, I have had minimal problems. The gas cap opener can be difficult to use and I wish there was more cargo room with the third row up.
Yes, it is reliable. No problems that I can think of. I have no complaints. I would only get a newer one for the captains chairs.
Yes it has worked well so far. Only problem is the configuration of the seat belts in the back make it difficult to fit 3 car seats even though it has the space.
It is very reliable. I have not had any problems with it. I can get it worked on anywhere if I needed to
It is reliable. I have trouble with it properly shutting off. The navigation system is not good at all. The remote entry is very inconsistent and needs improvement.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good in the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe with a standard 4.3-inch touchscreen stereo system with Bluetooth. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen. Safety technology is also decent with a standard rear view camera and Blue Link telematics. There’s an optional blind spot monitoring system available.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Value?
Yes, the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good value since it offers good features and nice materials for the money. Blue book prices range from $14,225 to $18,325, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $24,950 to $36,250. Depreciation is slightly worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
There are two models of the Hyundai Santa Fe offered for 2016, from the base SE up to the more well-equipped Limited.
SE is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows & Locks
- Cruise Control
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 3-Inch Touchscreen
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
Limited is the top-of-the line version which adds:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- Leather Eating
- Keyless Ignition & Entry
- Power Liftgate
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
- 8-Inch Touchscreen Stereo
- Optional 12-Speaker Infinity Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The engine found in the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is a reasonably strong 3.3L V6 which makes 290 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. The towing capacity is good for a midsize SUV, at up to 5,000 pounds.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is a comfortable midsize SUV with seating for up to 7 people. Seats throughout the cabin are supportive and comfortable for longer drives with high quality materials used as well.
Passenger room is good in the first two rows, especially with the second row captain’s chairs. The third row is best suited to small children since there’s not as much legroom as other midsize SUVs.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
Cargo space is a bit less than other midsize SUVs with enough space for 2-3 suitcases behind the third row, 5-8 behind the second, and over 15 with the seats all folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe came out in 2013, and was replaced by the fourth generation for 2019.
2014: Parking assistance system & ventilated front seats added.
2015: Hands-free power liftgate, upgraded smoother suspension.
2016: No major changes, GLS model was renamed to SE.
2017: Small exterior styling changes, standard 7-inch touchscreen, optional adaptive cruise control & 360 degree cameras added.
2018: Limited model removed from the lineup.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new interior, exterior, and technology.
2020: Better blind-spot monitoring system, Ultimate model discontinued.
How Does the Santa Fe Compare to the Competition?
The Hyundai Santa Fe ranks well in the competitive midsize SUV category since it offers an upscale interior for the money and improved reliability ratings from earlier years.
The Hyundai Tucson is a smaller SUV from Hyundai which costs around $500 less. Where the Hyundai Tucson stands out is that it’s easier to park in large cities, while the Hyundai Santa Fe offers better power and passenger room. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe for most shoppers since you get a lot more space for your money.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV which costs about $3,000 more. Where the CR-V stands out is with better standard technology, while the Hyundai Santa Fe has more room. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe, although the CR-V is a very dependable SUV worth checking out if you’re in the market.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe?
It is a great vehicle. It has a lot of space inside but does not feel large when driving it. The ride is very smooth. Love my radio system as well as the amazing heat.
I have liked it so far, the third row is a nice benefit for driving groups. The blue link service is ridiculous, I only need remote start and I have to buy extra packages to get it.
Yes, roomy and even some space when using the 3rd row. It has a smooth ride, sporty looking and safe!
Yes it has good storage space and is comfortable to drive. It has pretty good gas mileage. It fits car seats well.
Yes. It is all wheel drive and gets really good gas mileage. It is very easy to drive and I feel very safe in it
Yes it is reliable, comfortable, has upscale features but at a good price. Some of the technical features are clunky and inconsistent.