Hyundai Santa Fe IV (TM) (2018–2025) (2018 – 2024)

Reliability score : 7.8/10

The fourth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe (code name TM) marks a spectacular move upmarket for the Korean manufacturer. Launched in 2018, it underwent a major facelift (almost a new generation) at the end of 2020, adopting the new N3 platform shared with the Kia Sorento to integrate hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This family SUV (available in 5 or 7 seats) stands out for its supreme comfort, advanced sound insulation, and abundant technological features. While Europe primarily saw Diesel and then Hybrid (HEV/PHEV) versions, the North American and Asian markets benefited from a wide range of gasoline engines (naturally aspirated and turbocharged). Overall reliability is good, but some early-career gasoline engines (Theta II family) and the DCT-8 gearbox require particular vigilance.

✅ Strengths

Excellent spaciousness and trunk volume
Interior finish and sound insulation worthy of the premium segment (especially post-2020)
Very comprehensive technological features and driving aids (ADAS)
Manufacturer's warranty of 5 years (Europe) or 10 years/100k miles (USA)
Remarkable efficiency of hybrid versions (HEV/PHEV)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Uncertain reliability of Theta II gasoline engines (2018-2020)
Early issues with the wet DCT-8 gearbox (2021+)
Clumsy road behavior, focused solely on comfort
High fuel consumption of non-hybrid gasoline versions (especially 2.0T and V6)
Infotainment system sometimes slow on pre-facelift models

🎯 Verdict

The Hyundai Santa Fe IV is an excellent family SUV that has reinvented itself during its career. If you are looking for a gasoline engine, avoid 2018-2020 models equipped with 2.4 GDi and 2.0 T-GDi (Theta II) engines due to their reliability track record. Prioritize facelifted models (from 2021 onwards). The 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid (HEV) represents the best overall compromise: reliable, smooth, and economical. The 2.5 T-GDi is powerful but requires ensuring that the DCT-8 gearbox has undergone its recalls. In summary: a highly recommendable purchase in its Hybrid version, but one that requires vigilance regarding 100% thermal powertrains.

Common issues

Encrassement des soupapes d'admission / Consommation d'huile (moteurs GDI) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 300 – 600 € (décalaminage) ; 2 000 – 4 000 € (si réfection plus lourde)

Suivre scrupuleusement les vidanges, utiliser carburant de qualité, envisager décalaminage préventif.

Dysfonctionnements de la transmission automatique (hésitations, à-coups) Medium

🔧 50 000 – 120 000 km

💶 100 – 300 € (mise à jour logicielle) ; 300 – 600 € (vidange boîte) ; 2 000 – 4 000 € (si réparation majeure)

Vérifier l'historique des mises à jour logicielles et l'entretien de la boîte.

Problèmes du système d'infodivertissement (bugs, lenteurs, plantages) Low

🔧 Dès 20 000 km

💶 0 – 150 € (mise à jour logicielle) ; 500 – 1 500 € (remplacement module)

S'assurer des dernières mises à jour logicielles du système.

Décharge prématurée de la batterie / Problèmes électriques mineurs Medium

🔧 40 000 – 100 000 km

💶 150 – 300 € (remplacement batterie) ; 200 – 600 € (diagnostic et réparation fuite de courant)

Vérifier l'état de la batterie et l'historique des remplacements.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£650 – 1 300 (si nécessaire, non routinier)
Complete brakes	£300 – 550
Estimated annual budget	£650 – 1 200

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.