You’re looking at a used car lot, and there it is. The T-shaped LED daytime running lights are staring you down. Honestly, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a weirdly polarizing machine. Some people think it looks like a futuristic tank; others think the grille is a bit much. But if you’re shopping for a mid-size SUV right now, you’ve probably realized that the "sensible" choices like the RAV4 or CR-V are often overpriced or just plain cramped.
That’s where the Santa Fe sneaks in.
It sits in this "goldilocks" zone. It is bigger than a compact crossover but smaller than those massive three-row haulers like the Palisade. You don't get a third row here. That is a dealbreaker for some, but for everyone else, it means a massive second row where adults can actually stretch their legs. Basically, it’s a luxury car masquerading as a family commuter.
Why the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Still Matters in 2026
We're a few years out from when this model first hit the streets. Most of the "new car smell" has faded into "spilled Cheerios," but the value proposition has actually gotten stronger. In 2022, Hyundai was at the top of its game with interior design. While other brands were sticking to cheap plastics, Hyundai was putting quilted leather and fake-suede headliners in their top trims.
Buying one used now is the ultimate "life hack" for someone who wants luxury features without the $50,000 price tag.
The 2022 model year was particularly interesting because it was the first full year we saw the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version join the lineup. It also solidified the XRT trim—which is mostly just a "rugged" appearance package, but people love that blacked-out look.
The Engine Gamble: Don't Pick the Wrong One
If you're hunting for a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe, you have to be careful about what’s under the hood. There are four different powertrains. Yes, four. It’s a lot to keep track of.
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The base 2.5L four-cylinder is... fine. It makes 191 horsepower. If you’re just driving to the grocery store or dropping kids at soccer, it’ll do the job. But let’s be real: it feels a bit sluggish when the car is fully loaded.
If you want the "good" one, you look for the 2.5L Turbo.
This engine is a beast. It puts out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It turns the Santa Fe from a "mom-taxi" into something that can actually merge onto the highway without a prayer. It uses a wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Some folks find DCTs a little jerky at low speeds—sorta like it's overthinking which gear to use—but once you’re moving, it’s buttery smooth.
Then you have the hybrids.
- The Standard Hybrid: Great for city dwellers. You get about 34 combined MPG.
- The PHEV: This gives you roughly 31 miles of all-electric range. If your office is 10 miles away, you might not buy gas for a month.
The Interior: Where the Magic Happens
Step inside a Calligraphy trim, and you’ll forget you’re in a Hyundai. Seriously. The center console rises up to meet the dashboard like a bridge, covered in physical buttons. Thank goodness for buttons. In a world where every manufacturer is hiding the AC controls behind three layers of touchscreen menus, the 2022 Santa Fe is a breath of fresh air.
The storage is also clever.
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There’s a huge pass-through area under the center console for a purse or a small bag. The 10.25-inch screen is crisp, though the lower trims get an 8-inch screen that actually supports wireless Apple CarPlay—ironically, the fancy big screen requires a cord. Make it make sense, right?
The legroom in the back is 41.7 inches. For context, that’s more than some luxury sedans. You can fit two car seats and still have room for a skinny teenager in the middle. Plus, the seats recline. It's a road trip machine.
Reliability and What to Look Out For
Nobody wants to buy a headache. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe generally scores well on reliability, but it isn't perfect.
One common complaint involves the 8-speed DCT in the turbo models. Some owners have reported "shuddering" at low speeds. If you’re test-driving one, pay attention to how it feels when pulling away from a stop sign. If it feels like it’s hesitating, move on to the next one.
The non-turbo engines are simpler and generally considered more bulletproof.
Also, check the tech. Hyundai’s "Highway Driving Assist" is fantastic—it basically steers for you on the highway—but ensure the sensors are clean and calibrated. These cars are tech-heavy, and a single faulty camera can throw a "Check Safety System" light that’s annoying to fix.
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Comparing the Rivals
Why pick this over a Toyota RAV4?
Space.
The RAV4 is tight. The Santa Fe feels like a living room.
Why pick this over a Honda CR-V?
Warranty and Features.
Even on the used market, you might still have a chunk of that 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty if you buy Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). Plus, the CR-V interior from 2022 feels a decade older than the Santa Fe’s cockpit.
Real-World Value in 2026
As of early 2026, a clean 2022 Santa Fe SEL is trading for somewhere between $16,000 and $20,000 depending on mileage. The top-tier Calligraphy models are still hovering in the mid-20s. Considering these were nearly $45k new, that’s a massive amount of car for the money.
Safety-wise, it’s a tank. It earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (for models built after July 2021 with the upgraded headlights). If you’re putting your family in this, you can sleep easy.
Actionable Steps for Buyers
If you’re ready to pull the trigger, don't just buy the first one you see on the lot.
- Check the Build Date: Look at the sticker inside the driver’s door. You want a model built after July 2021 to ensure you have the better LED headlights that earned the top safety marks.
- Pick Your Powertrain Wisely: If you do a lot of highway driving, get the 2.5L Turbo. If you’re a city commuter, hunt for the Hybrid. Avoid the base 2.5L if you plan on towing anything over 2,000 lbs.
- Inspect the DCT: On the turbo models, do a "creep test." Let the car roll forward slowly without gas. It should be steady. Any significant lurching is a red flag.
- Verify the Warranty: If buying from a non-Hyundai dealer, remember the 10-year warranty usually drops to 5-year/60,000-miles for the second owner. Only a CPO purchase keeps the full 10-year powertrain protection.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe isn't the flashiest SUV on the road anymore, but it might be the smartest purchase you make this year. It's comfortable, safe, and just weird enough to be interesting.
Search for local CPO inventory and prioritize the SEL with the Convenience/Premium packages—it’s the "sweet spot" of the entire lineup.