2012 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS V6 Auto AWD
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7L GL in Natural Khaki, front right, 2025-07-06 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe SE, front left, 03-22-2026 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: HYUNDAI SANTA FE (CM) China (8) by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Premium CRDi 2.2 Rear by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Hyundai Santa Fe interior by Corvettec6r, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS V6 Auto AWD is a 276-hp V6 with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $26,825 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.
It makes 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).
The Santa Fe measures 184.1 inches long on a 106.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,054 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $26,825 ($37,971 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $27,635 ($39,117 *) |
| Destination Charge | $810 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | Lambda II G6DC 3.5L DOHC V6, MPI, Dual-CVVT, naturally aspirated |
| Horsepower | 276 hp |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 24-valve with Dual-CVVT |
| Bore and Stroke | 92 x 87 |
| Injection Type | Multi-point fuel injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Differential Type | Electronically controlled AWD with driver-selectable 50/50 lock |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 20 MPG |
| Highway | 25 MPG |
| Combined | 22 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson strut with coil springs |
| Rear Suspension | Independent multi-link with trailing arms, coil springs, and gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers |
| Turning Diameter | 35.8 ft |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 17 in |
| Wheels Rear | 17 in |
| Tires Front | 235/65R17 |
| Tires Rear | 235/65R17 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 184.1 in |
| Width | 74.4 in |
| Height | 67.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Front Track | 63.6 in |
| Rear Track | 63.8 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 in |
| Cargo Volume | 34.2 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 4,054 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 40.2 in |
| Headroom Rear | 39.6 in |
| Legroom Front | 42.6 in |
| Legroom Rear | 36.8 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 59.5 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 58.6 in |
| Hip Room Front | 55.8 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 55 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS V6 Auto AWD with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (16.9 % risk) |
Other tested variants (1)
- 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD: 3 ★ overall
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Dec 1, 2020 · ENGINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Consequence: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
NHTSA campaign 20V746000
354 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE
Owner Complaints
354 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE (25 mention a crash, 17 a fire, 7 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Engine | 228 |
| Electrical System | 43 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 40 |
| Service Brakes | 28 |
| Power Train | 24 |
| Steering | 16 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2012 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.