Hyundai Santa Fe (2021)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,002 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,281

£190/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2199cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,281/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Diesel2199cc5 years old1,002 tests29k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2199cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,281

Per month£190/mo

Per week£44/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Hyundai brand average of 83%.

89% of MOT tests on Hyundai Santa Fes from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 1,002 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 29,234 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 models2642nd of 3,336(bottom 21%)

Rank among Hyundai models185th of 414(top half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2021 models average-3%(92% avg)

vs Hyundai average+6%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

29,234

Average miles

22,200

Expected for age

The average 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe had 29,234 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2021 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Hyundai Santa Fe by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	1,002	29,234 mi
2020	94%	1,279	35,189 mi
2019	89%	2,285	43,694 mi
2018	90%	3,459	52,064 mi
2017	88%	4,595	61,527 mi
2016	86%	7,907	67,815 mi
2015	85%	5,704	76,900 mi
2014	79%	4,992	88,159 mi
2013	76%	2,963	95,138 mi
2012	74%	6,090	103,389 mi
2011	72%	6,616	113,847 mi
2010	72%	6,348	118,050 mi
2009	73%	1,368	112,515 mi
2008	72%	1,527	121,485 mi
2007	72%	2,446	126,098 mi
2006	69%	2,452	115,781 mi
2005	69%	1,436	122,489 mi
2004	70%	1,054	119,124 mi
2003	68%	620	117,994 mi
2002	69%	254	114,308 mi
2001	61%	138	99,758 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Kuga

2019 · 1997cc Diesel

£1,852/year

91%

+2%

BMW 118

2020 · 1995cc Diesel

£1,852/year

93%

+4%

Volkswagen T-Roc

2019 · 1968cc Diesel

£1,852/year

94%

+5%

BMW 1 Series

2019 · 1995cc Diesel

£1,852/year

91%

+2%

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About the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a family car. Our records list a 2199cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,002 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 21% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 29,234 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Hyundai Santa Fe owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Costs

The 2199cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,281 (£190/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Hyundai Santa Fe Reliability Trend

Newer Hyundai Santa Fes pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

At 5 years old, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Medium risk

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Low risk

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Medium risk

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Hyundai Santa Fe(2021)	89%	£1,676	£200	Grp 25-38	£2,281
Ford Kuga(2019)	91%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£1,852-£429
BMW 118(2020)	93%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£1,852-£429
Volkswagen T-Roc(2019)	94%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£1,852-£429
BMW 1 Series(2019)	91%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£1,852-£429

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2021 Hyundai Santa Fes ended in a pass, from 1,002 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,281 a year (£190 a month): £1,676 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

89% of 1,002 MOT tests on the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 2642nd of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 21%).

Which year Hyundai Santa Fe has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2001 the lowest at 61%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is 29,234 miles, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.