2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 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 4WD
Body styles
HEV 4dr SUV, PHEV 4dr SUV, 4dr SUV AWD Preferred, 4dr SUV AWD Urban / Ultimate
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
177–281 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic, automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
34 combined · 36 city / 32 hwy
Length
188.6 in
Curb weight
3,812–4,491 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2022 small SUV (24.5 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

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

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,204 lb (HEV 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (36 city / 32 highway), 39% better than the 2022 small SUV average of 24.5 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 265 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2022

  • New plug-in hybrid version

Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Santa Fe →

Trims, performance & features

Engine191 hp2.5L 4-cyl
Engine281 hp2.5L turbo 4-cyl
Engine177 hp1.6L turbo 4-cyl hybrid
Transmission8-speed automatic · automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SELLimitedCalligraphySEL w/ Convenience Pkg; XRT

Safety & driver-assist features

Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Ulsan, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 Santa Fe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
HEV 4dr SUV188.6 in74.8 in67.3 in109.1 in64.6 / 65 in4,204 lb58/42
PHEV 4dr SUV188.6 in74.8 in67.3 in109.1 in64.6 / 65 in4,491 lb58/42
4dr SUV AWD Preferred188.6 in74.8 in67.3 in109.1 in64.6 / 65 in3,812 lb57/43
4dr SUV AWD Urban / Ultimate188.6 in74.8 in67.3 in109.1 in64.6 / 65 in4,037 lb58/42

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 Hybrid Blue Hybrid1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive36 / 31 / 34+39%$1,950264
Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive33 / 32 / 33+35%$2,050111
Santa Fe Hybrid Hybrid1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive33 / 30 / 32+31%$2,100283
Santa Fe FWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 28 / 26-2%$2,600344
Santa Fe FWD2.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 25-6%$2,700365
Santa Fe AWD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive22 / 25 / 24-2%$2,800378
Santa Fe AWD2.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24-2%$2,800375
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.5 MPG2022 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★14.7%
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2022 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car)34 MPG★★★★★8
2022 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★2
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated3
2022 Honda CR-V38 MPG★★★★★6
2022 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★3
2022 Hyundai Tucson38 MPG★★★★★3
2022 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★1

Recalls (8)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Nov 21, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V879000 · 226,118 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 271.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Jan 25, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V028000 · 326 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The fuel tank may have been improperly molded, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 20, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 240.
Seat Belts › Front · Oct 31, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V816000 · 14,933 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Risk
An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Fix
Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 238/011G. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 22V-354 and 22V-458.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 6, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V746000 · 56,148 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Risk
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pipes, Hoses, And Fittings · Mar 28, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V197000 · 16 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Risk
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall 222.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Dec 28, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00K000 · 714 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Santa Fe HEV and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. The instrument cluster liquid-crystal display (LCD) may invert the image on the screen upon vehicle startup, making the display illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk
An illegible instrument cluster will not show information such as vehicle speed or safety system warnings, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 217.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jul 9, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V524000 · 15,752 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Risk
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

265Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
18,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine74
Power Train73
Unknown Or Other58
Electrical System43
Fuel/Propulsion System39
Vehicle Speed Control18
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking15
Service Brakes13
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 324/12: 725/01: 625/02: 425/03: 325/04: 525/05: 725/06: 1025/07: 425/08: 425/09: 225/10: 125/11: 325/12: 926/01: 526/02: 426/03: 526/04: 426/05: 326/06: 1126/07: 526/08: 926/09: 326/10: 224/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 11

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 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 — 74 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 73 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Electrical System — 43 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 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★★★★★2291
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
2015 Santa Fe23184.6 inNot rated4339

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