Hyundai Santa Fe Generations: Which Used Model Do You Want?

Since its debut in the early 2000s, the Hyundai Santa Fe has become a cornerstone within the Hyundai lineup. This midsize model slots in between the compact Tucson and the larger Palisade, making it a great fit for a wide range of drivers. The two most recent generations have been some of the best yet, delivering significant improvements and an impressive evolution from a rugged utility vehicle into a refined, family-friendly SUV.

If you’re considering a used Santa Fe but are stuck between the fourth and fifth generation models, let us help you. We’ll go over every detail and explore the similarities and differences of each generation to help guide you in the direction of whichever one will work the best for your lifestyle and needs. There is a lot to go over, but we’ll make it simple.

When you’re looking for a used Hyundai Santa Fe for sale, you won’t find a more diverse, impressive inventory than here at Hyundai Montgomery. If you have any questions, just reach out to our team for the answers you are looking for.

The Fourth-Generation Santa Fe

The fourth-generation Santa Fe launched in 2019 with a dramatic design evolution. It was out with the old, in with the new, both inside and out. With its new “Sensuous Sportiness” design language, it delivered a sleeker, more modern look than previous generations. The exterior combines rugged features with sophisticated lines and a bold front grille with a 3D pattern, sharp LED lights, and a sculpted profile.

The interior provides a comfortable and spacious ride, featuring two-row seating that accommodates up to five passengers. The whole family can enjoy plenty of room in the impressively spacious cabin. The cargo space is impressive, too, allowing you to fit every backpack, school project, and piece of sports equipment.

With 60/40 split rear seats, you can turn your Santa Fe into a cargo hauler with ease, which means no matter where the road takes you, you’ll be prepared. However, one key component that the fourth generation failed to offer was available third-row seating, which comes standard in the fifth-generation model. That means larger families will probably want to focus their search on our newer used options rather than looking for a fourth-generation Santa Fe.

The fourth generation also introduced the latest technology and features, ushering the Santa Fe into the modern era and being one of the reasons drivers are still drawn to used examples today. With an easy-to-use, readily accessible eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports, these models offer smartphone integration for you and your passengers.

The safety features were also upgraded with the new Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of driver assistance features that include forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and driver attention warning, to give you peace of mind and keep you and your passengers safe.

The Fifth-Generation Santa Fe

The fifth-generation, which launched in 2024 and is still in production, debuted with a radical redesign that many Santa Fe enthusiasts felt was polarizing. With a more rugged exterior, the new generation departed from its predecessors and offered a boxy, upright silhouette inspired by utility and adventure, featuring an “H” motif in the headlights. While jarring at first, a lot of drivers came around and ended up appreciating the changes. But if you’re more of a Santa Fe purist, you may not love the new look.

With standard third-row seating, a spacious cabin, a huge tailgate, and advanced tech, the newer Santa Fe models offer tons of variety for every type of driver. It focuses more on striking a balance between city practicality for everyday driving and adventure capability for when you and the family decide to drive up to the mountains for the weekend.

The entire family will enjoy the sheer spaciousness offered throughout the cabin, with plenty of leg room to stretch out, especially in the back. The middle row slides forward, making accessing the third row a breeze, and the large windows and panoramic sunroof make it feel even bigger. You can fit up to seven passengers, which means you can bring along grandma, grandpa, and even the family dog! The cargo space is more impressive than previous generations, too.

The dashboard has also been reimaged, now featuring dual 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster across all trims. It comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports for wired charging, and available dual wireless smartphone charging in the center console. Multiple storage spaces have been added throughout the cabin for even more convenience. The fifth-generation Santa Fe still comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, retaining the same impressive safety features as the previous generation.

Comparing the Specs

When the fourth-generation Santa Fe arrived in 2019, it offered a standard 2.4L engine producing 185 hp, as well as an available 2.0L turbocharged powertrain that produced 235 hp, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. These are solid powertrains, but we’d suggest looking for newer models, which come with even better options.

In 2021, the lineup was revamped, and new engines were added. Models from this year offer a new 2.5L engine delivering 191 hp or a 2.5L turbocharged engine with 281 hp. Interestingly, the turbocharged engine comes with a dual-clutch transmission instead of a traditional automatic, giving your sharper shifts. The 2021 refresh also introduced a hybrid powertrain for the first time.

This new Santa Fe hybrid combined a 1.6L turbocharged engine with an electric motor, generating 226 hp. This combination was rated for an EPA-estimated 34 MPG combined, which is remarkable for such a spacious vehicle. In 2022, a plug-in hybrid was added with 261 hp and an estimated 31 miles of all-electric range. Every fourth-generation Santa Fe hybrid model has a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, making them quick on the road.

The 2.5L turbocharged engine and the 1.6L hybrid carried over into the fifth-generation Santa Fe in 2024. Some enhancements were made to both powertrains, and the hybrid became both more powerful and more efficient. However, the 2.5L base engine and the plug-in hybrid option were both discontinued without replacement. This means that a base fifth-generation model will be more powerful; however, if you want the all-electric range of a plug-in hybrid, you will need to shop for an older model.

Which Santa Fe Are You Driving Home?

Now that we’ve gone over everything the fourth-generation and fifth-generation Santa Fe models have to offer, the only thing left is choosing which one is right for you. Over the years, this midsize SUV has consistently delivered great value, with affordable prices, spacious cabins, ample cargo space, advanced technology, and everyday functionality to elevate every drive.

If you’re interested in a used Hyundai Santa Fe for sale, you’ve come to the right place. At Hyundai Montgomery, we offer an exceptional selection of used Santa Fe models, featuring a wide variety and expansive inventory to suit every lifestyle and need. No matter which generation you’re leaning towards, you’ll find plenty of high-quality, pre-owned options to choose from when you partner with us. Visit us today, and we’ll help you find your perfect used Santa Fe.