Used Hyundai Santa Fe for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 270
Average Price: Around £27,000

Hyundai Santa Fe Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lots of standard equipment	Disappointingly low towing limit
Nicely trimmed interior	Cabin storage could be cleverer
Enormous space and versatility	Limited electric range for plug-in hybrid

Quick Summary

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a stylish and highly practical large seven-seat SUV that combines bold, boxy design with impressive versatility. Available as a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, it offers excellent interior space with sliding and reclining middle-row seats, genuine third-row comfort for adults on shorter journeys, and a commanding driving position. With 628 litres of boot space in five-seat mode and up to 1,949 litres with seats folded, it's one of the most versatile SUVs available. The cabin is well-appointed with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and robust, hard-wearing materials that balance classy design with countryside durability.

The Santa Fe drives with surprising refinement and composure, with smooth powertrain transitions and self-levelling suspension that keeps the ride cushy without feeling soft. The plug-in hybrid delivers 284bhp and reaches 62mph in eight seconds, whilst the standard hybrid offers 236bhp. Both versions handle twisty roads competently for their size, and all-wheel-drive models can tackle rutted farm tracks with ease. Running costs are reasonable for a vehicle of this calibre, with Hyundai servicing plans starting from £11 per month. However, early models suffer from disappointingly low towing capacities, though this was improved from September 2025 onwards. The plug-in hybrid's electric range is also somewhat limited for a PHEV of this size.

Best for: Families needing genuine seven-seat practicality, those seeking a stylish and well-equipped large SUV, and buyers wanting hybrid efficiency without premium pricing.

Not ideal for: Those requiring maximum towing capacity, buyers needing extensive electric range from a plug-in hybrid, or those prioritising maximum cabin storage solutions.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Santa Fe if: You need genuine seven-seat practicality, want a stylish and well-equipped large SUV, or seek hybrid efficiency without premium pricing.

Consider alternatives if: You require maximum towing capacity, need extensive electric range from a plug-in hybrid, or prioritise maximum cabin storage solutions.

Competitive Position: The Hyundai Santa Fe is a truly brilliant seven-seat SUV that stands out for its combination of style, practicality, and value. Whilst the Kia Sorento matches it on user ratings and the Skoda Kodiaq offers slightly better value, the Santa Fe's superior expert rating, generous standard equipment, and nicely trimmed interior make it a compelling choice. It's more spacious and versatile than the Peugeot 5008, and offers better reliability credentials than many rivals. If you want something useful and rugged that doesn't cost the earth and promises great reliability, it should be at the top of your list.

Read our full Hyundai Santa Fe Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.