2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Hyundai Santa Fe
Pictured: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Luxury AWD in Hampton Grey, front left, 2024-06-30. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
Sport FWD 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t, Xl FWD 4dr SUV, Sport AWD 2.4l Premium/2.4l Luxury/2.0t Premium/2.0t Se/2.0t Limited, Xl AWD 4dr SUV Premium/Luxury/Limited
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
Length
184.6–192.9 in
Curb weight
3,459–4,339 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,459 lb (Sport FWD 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 4% worse than the 2015 small SUV average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 339 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2015

  • Lightest version 267 lb lighter

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Santa Fe →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Sport FWD 2.4l/2.4l Premium/2.0t184.6 in74 in66.5 in106.3 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,459 lb56/44
Xl FWD 4dr SUV192.9 in74.4 in66.9 in110.2 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,946 lb56/44
Sport AWD 2.4l Premium/2.4l Luxury/2.0t Premium/2.0t Se/2.0t Limited184.6 in74 in66.5 in106.3 in64.2 / 64.6 in3,616 lb56/44
Xl AWD 4dr SUV Premium/Luxury/Limited192.9 in74.4 in66.9 in110.2 in64.2 / 64.6 in4,339 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Santa Fe Sport FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-4%$2,900387
Santa Fe Sport FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-8%$3,050403
Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-8%$3,050409
Santa Fe FWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-12%$3,200432
Santa Fe Sport AWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21-7%$3,200415
Santa Fe Ultimate FWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 20-17%$3,350457
Santa Fe AWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-12%$3,350445
Santa Fe Sport AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-12%$3,350429
Santa Fe Ultimate AWD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19-16%$3,550476
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24 MPG2015 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Similar 2015 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car)23 MPGNot rated4
2015 Toyota RAV426 MPGNot rated4
2015 Honda CR-V29 MPGNot rated3
2015 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated9
2015 Subaru Forester27 MPGNot rated3
2015 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated3
2015 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (4)

Safety advisory: 3 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Apr 28, 2021 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 21V303000 · 151,205 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk
An electrical short in the ABS module can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, and inspect and replace the ABS module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 25, 2021. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-520. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 205.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Aug 27, 2020 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 20V520000 · 151,205 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk
If the ABS module short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began December 22, 2020. Note: This recall has been superseded by NHTSA Recall 21V-303 and all affected vehicles will now be repaired under 21V-303. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 194.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Jun 5, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V358000 · 437,400 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch actuating cable may corrode and bind, causing the secondary hood latch to remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Risk
If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary latch cable, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for the recall is 163.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

339Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
19Involved a fire
10Injuries reported
67,430 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine202
Unknown Or Other29
Electrical System28
Service Brakes28
Power Train27
Service Brakes, Hydraulic22
Fuel/Propulsion System16
Steering10
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/08: 424/09: 124/10: 324/11: 224/12: 225/02: 125/04: 125/05: 225/06: 225/07: 425/08: 125/09: 125/10: 225/11: 125/12: 126/01: 126/02: 226/03: 126/04: 526/05: 226/06: 326/07: 426/08: 226/10: 324/0824/1125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0426/07max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 202 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 28 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Service Brakes — 28 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 67,430 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Santa Fe years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Santa Fe36–Not rated00
2026 Santa Fe36190.2 inNot rated458
2025 Santa Fe36190.2 in★★★★★5240
2024 Santa Fe36190.2 in★★★★★7191
2023 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★2290
2022 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★8265
2021 Santa Fe34188.6 in★★★★★8187
2020 Santa Fe25187.8 in★★★★★2218
2019 Santa Fe25187.8 in★★★★★3229
2018 Santa Fe24184.6 in★★★★★5432
2017 Santa Fe24184.6 inNot rated71,327
2016 Santa Fe23184.6 inNot rated3306

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →