DecodedCars2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 2.0l AWD, 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 185–235 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic, automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 187.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,591–4,063 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 188 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,063 lb (4dr SUV 2.0l AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 2% worse than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 218 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2020
- Engine dropped: 3.3L 6-cyl
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Santa Fe →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Santa Fe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 2.0l AWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 4,063 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV AWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 3,735 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 187.8 in | 74.4 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 3,591 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -2% | $2,700 | 362 |
| Santa Fe AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 24 | +2% | $2,800 | 377 |
| Santa Fe FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -10% | $2,900 | 399 |
| Santa Fe AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 411 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.6% |
| 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2020 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (2)
Trailer Hitches · Mar 17, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V181000 · 584,784 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
Visibility › Windshield · Dec 28, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V00M000 · 26,413 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
- Risk
- A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.
Not every 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Engine — 81 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 26 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 25 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Santa Fe years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Santa Fe | 36 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 58 |
| 2025 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 240 |
| 2024 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 191 |
| 2023 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 291 |
| 2022 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 265 |
| 2021 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 187 |
| 2019 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 229 |
| 2018 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 432 |
| 2017 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 1,327 |
| 2016 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 306 |
| 2015 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 339 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →