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If you’re looking for a used SUV that’s spacious, affordable, and dependable, consider the Hyundai Santa Fe. Older models (2012 to 2019) offer third-row seating, user-friendly features, and high-end interiors. Here are three reliable Hyundai Santa Fe model years under $15,000.

Note: Regardless of a model’s reliability score, obtain a vehicle history report and have a trusted mechanic perform an inspection to uncover potential problems before purchasing any used car.

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe

U.S. News ranked the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe as the No. 1 affordable midsize SUV among 23 other vehicles. Available in a two-row or three-row configuration, the 2014 model earned praise for its “top-notch cabin materials, comfortable ride, and powerful engine lineup.”

And J.D. Power gave this highly rated SUV a “great” reliability score of 83/100, indicating few problems in the 2014 model.

The average price range for a used 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe is about $11,800 and $14,900, depending on the trim level and engine. It’s a dependable pick under $15,000.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2015 Santa Fe won U.S. News’ “2015 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money.” It also received high performance and safety scores and a reliability rating of four out of five. 

Like the 2014 model, the 2015 Santa Fe earned a “great” reliability score of 83/100 from J.D. Power. The market research firm evaluates the entire vehicle and considers the performance of all components before assigning a score. It also measures all occurrences of design flaws, defects, and malfunctions to make its determination. The higher the rating, the lower the chance the vehicle will have recurring problems.

Used 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe models range from $12,800 to $16,600. However, a fully loaded trim can list as high as $23,176. With the 2015 model year scoring so well, it will likely offer a good value for a used SUV with high predicted reliability.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2016 Santa Fe boasts higher reliability scores than the two older models on this list.

J.D. Power gave the 2016 model an 85/100 reliability rating and ranked it second to the Dodge Durango among 17 midsize SUVs.

And U.S. News says, “For a small family in need of a two-row SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a solid option. It has an upscale interior, lots of features, and comfortable performance.”

Finding a used 2016 Santa Fe on a $15,000 budget might be challenging, but it’s worth considering. Many models sell for about $14,500 to $19,000.

Used 2014 to 2016 Santa Fe SUVs offer excellent reliability and, with regular maintenance and proper care, can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles.

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Contributing Writer

Rita DeMichiel

Rita DeMichiel began as a contributing writer for MotorBiscuit in 2018. She has her associate’s degree in film and television production, with extensive coursework in journalism, from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

Rita’s work on MotorBiscuit is varied, but she particularly enjoys the RV content she writes, since she and her family have lived full-time in an RV for the past 14 years. As a result, she has a bevy of experience to add to that content in particular. Together, her family has traveled to all 50 states and 18 countries.