“My Santa Fe has much to offer in the way of information to the driver. However, too much is crowded into the instrument cluster. The ambient temp does not belong in the vehicle gage area. The small LEDs for the gas quantity should be larger. Far too many different items in too small a space.”
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is a quiet carryover, led by the three-row GLS trim being renamed SE. Interior and color choices are also simplified, but there is no redesign or major mechanical update.
About the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
3rd generation Santa Fe / Santa Fe Sport, final pre-refresh year before the 2017 facelift.
Hyundai positions the Santa Fe family as a flexible family-crossover lineup with two personalities: the smaller five-passenger Santa Fe Sport for everyday family use and cargo room, and the larger V6-powered Santa Fe for buyers who need six or seven seats. The core pitch is strong value, generous standard equipment, easy-to-use controls, and family practicality without moving into a luxury-brand SUV.
For 2016, the range covers the smaller, five-passenger Santa Fe Sport and the larger, three-row Santa Fe. The Sport 2.0T pairs turbo power with leather seats and blind-spot monitoring, while the three-row Limited adds second-row captain’s chairs and a hands-free liftgate. The mainstream SE seats seven and uses a 3.3-liter V6.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The three-row GLS is renamed SE. It remains the mainstream seven-passenger Santa Fe rather than becoming a separate new model.
Packaging
Interior, color, and package choices are simplified across the 2016 lineup.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 19 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 265 hp | 190 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 252 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 3500 lb | 2000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 80 cu-ft | 71.5 cu-ft | 71.5 cu-ft | 80 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.5 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 31.5 in |
| Seats | 7 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe redesigned?
No. The 2016 Santa Fe keeps the same basic design, engines, body styles, and six-speed automatic transmission as the 2015 model. Its changes are limited to a trim rename and simplified interior, color, and package choices.
Did the 2016 Santa Fe SE replace the GLS?
Yes. The three-row GLS continues under the SE name for 2016. It remains the mainstream seven-passenger version with a 3.3-liter V6.
What changed from the 2015 Santa Fe to the 2016 model?
The main change is that the three-row GLS trim is renamed SE. Hyundai also simplifies interior, color, and package choices, while the engines, body styles, and six-speed automatic transmission carry over.
Did the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe get a new engine or transmission?
No. The three-row Santa Fe keeps its 3.3-liter V6, while the Santa Fe Sport retains its 2.4-liter and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. All continue with a six-speed automatic transmission.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe.
4.2
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
(266 reviews)
“I'm very happy with the Santa Fe it is every bit as nice as I hoped it would be very well built and comfortable.”
“The only issue I have had was the oil pressure sensor failed after the warranty went out. It is possible to fix at home as the part is cheap but it is a somewhat difficult fix. But I did it with my wife by learning from youtube. After we fixed it, the vehicle was great again. It was only down for 24 hours.”