2010 Hyundai Santa Fe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe gets a substantial mid-cycle refresh led by an entirely new engine lineup. It is a meaningful update rather than a carryover year.
About the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
2nd generation (2007-2012), mid-cycle refresh year.
Hyundai positioned the Santa Fe as a practical midsize crossover for families who wanted useful space, solid safety equipment, and strong value without moving into a larger SUV. The message centered on versatility: a roomy five-passenger cabin, flexible cargo space, available AWD, and a generous list of standard features. Against rivals, Hyundai leaned hard on value, everyday comfort, and a feature-rich cabin to make the Santa Fe feel like more vehicle for the money.
The GLS is the practical starting point, with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, Bluetooth, USB audio connections, alloy wheels, roof rails, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The SE pairs a 3.5-liter V6 with 18-inch wheels and upgraded seating, while the comfort-focused Limited adds leather, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a sunroof.
What changed, by category
2010 Hyundai Santa Fe specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD | AWD / 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 28 mpg | 26–28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 276 hp | 175 hp | 175–276 hp |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft | 169 lb-ft | 169–248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 2000 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 78.2 cu-ft | 78.2 cu-ft | 78.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.8 in | 36.8 in | 36.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Windshield | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe significantly different from the 2009 model?
Yes. The 2010 Santa Fe has two new engines, six-speed transmissions, revised exterior styling, more standard connectivity features, rollover-sensing side-curtain airbags, and a five-seat-only interior.
What engines does the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
The 2010 Santa Fe uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6. These replaced the 2.7-liter and 3.3-liter V6 engines used for 2009; the GLS uses the four-cylinder, the SE uses the V6, and Limited models were sold with either engine.
Does the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe have a third-row seat?
No. Hyundai dropped the small third-row seat for 2010, so every U.S. Santa Fe from this model year has five-passenger seating.
Did Bluetooth become standard on the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes. Bluetooth hands-free calling became standard on every 2010 Santa Fe, along with USB/iPod connectivity and steering-wheel audio controls.
What safety feature changed on the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Rollover sensors were added to the side-curtain airbags for 2010. The sensors help the airbag system respond when it detects a rollover.