2012 Hyundai Santa Fe — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 25–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Hyundai Santa Fe workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 28 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 3★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.4L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.4L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4770 mm |
| Height | 1703 mm |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 24 urban / 32 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 20 city / 27 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 240 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe across 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 21 to 23 mpg (US), or 25 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/25) | 251 | $3,050 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/27) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/26) | 263 | $3,200 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/25) | 251 | $3,050 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (20/26) | 251 | $3,050 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
Running Costs: 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Engine — campaign 20V746000, reported 1 December 2020. Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 353 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The most-reported areas are Engine (228), Electrical system (43), Vehicle speed control (40). Complaints include 25 reported crashes, 17 reported fires, 7 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 263 complaints across the 17 Hyundai Santa Fe model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (1 recall campaign · 228 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (43 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Throttle & cruise control (40 owner complaints) — Check throttle response and cruise control are smooth, and ask about any software or throttle recalls.
- Brakes (25 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Hyundai Santa Fe compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 240 g/km CO₂ figure is 13 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Hyundai models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe's 28 mpg is 6 mpg below that make average. Its 240 g/km CO₂ figure is 33 g/km higher than the 207 g/km Hyundai average.
Of the 17 Hyundai Santa Fe model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 12th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (28 mpg UK combined, against a high of 31 mpg). See every Hyundai Santa Fe year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.4L 4-cyl with a automatic 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 25 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 3 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Among the 353 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (228 complaints), Electrical system (43 complaints), Vehicle speed control (40 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.