Used Hyundai SantaFe Import Guide (SM–MX5, 2000–2026) – Prices, Generations, Engines, & Buyer FAQ

Introduction

Looking for a Korean mid-size SUV with proven reliability, strong parts supply, and broad global demand? The Used Hyundai SantaFe has been a buyer favorite from SM (2000) to the MX5 (2023–) refreshes.

Debuted in 2000 using Sonata-based FWD architecture; Korea’s early monocoque SUV pioneer.
Grew through CM → DM → TM with better safety, space, and diesel/gasoline options.
The MX5 (5th gen) switches to a boxy design, adds Hybrid/PHEV (diesel discontinued in KR domestic), and continues annual spec updates through 2026.

Generations & Key Specs

1st Gen – Used Hyundai Santafe SM (2000.06–2005.11)

Highlights: Monocoque body for comfort/efficiency; early digital odometer; 200 km/h speedometer.
Powertrains (KR): 2.0 L Common-rail diesel (later VGT added in 2002), 2.7 L V6 gasoline, 2.7 L V6 LPG. FWD initially; 4WD added later.
Notable updates: 2003 MY interior/audio upgrades; 2004 wheel & lamp updates. Price is Used Hyundai Santafe SM USD1,000 EX-WORKS

2nd Gen – CM (2005.11–2009.07) → Santa Fe The Style (2009.07–2012.04)

Body/Packaging: +175 mm length, +45 mm width vs SM; forward-facing 3rd row; US/CAN local production.
Engines: 2.0 L & 2.2 L D (Euro IV); later R-diesel 2.0/2.2 and 2.4 L Theta II gasoline, 2.7 L Mu LPI (The Style).
Tech/Features: Smart Key, parking aids, DMB, USB/AUX/Bluetooth (’08), later 6-speed AT with R-diesel.
Milestone: First KR SUV to exceed 500k domestic sales. The Price is Used Hyundai Santafe CM : USD2,000~USD3,000 and The Style : USD4,500 EX-WORKS

3rd Gen – DM (2012.04–2015.06) → Santa Fe The Prime (2015.06–2018.02)

Reveal: 2012 NYIAS; KR launch 2012.04 (short body “Santa Fe”); long body marketed as Maxcruz/Grand Santa Fe abroad.
Engines: 2.0/2.2 R-diesel, 2.4 GDI; later The Prime meets Euro 6, NVH upgrades, LED DRL, ADAS expansion.
Safety/IT: 7 airbags incl. driver knee; EPB, Auto Hold, parking assist; early BlueLink integration.
Notes: Trim and wheel design updates, TPMS standardization (2015MY). The Price Used Hyundai Santafe DM : USD5,000~USD6,000 and The PRIME : USD8,000~USD9,000 EX-WORKS

4th Gen – TM (2018.02–2020.05) → The New Santa Fe (2020.06–2023.07)

Design: Split headlamps, larger cascading grille, stronger body (↑ tensile strength & torsional rigidity).
Driveline: 8-speed AT, rack-assist EPS; H-TRAC AWD with active coupling.
ADAS: Safety Exit Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keep/Follow, Smart Cruise (options by trim).
2020 Facelift (“The New”): New front fascia (T-DRL), 3rd-gen platform elements, revised powertrains: 2.2 R-diesel (DCT), 2.5T gasoline (DCT), 1.6T Hybrid (6-AT).
Interior: Elevated cabin with high center console and ambient lighting. The Price TM : USD9,000~USD10,000 and The New : USD13,000~USD15,000 EX-WORKS

5th Gen – MX5 (2023.08– )

Design/Seating: Boxy silhouette; 5-seater standard, 6/7-seater optional (US 3-row standard).
KR Engines: 2.5T gasoline (281 PS); 1.6T Hybrid (235 PS).
Global Additions: 2.5 NA gasoline (select markets), 1.6T Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).
Production: Korea; Montgomery (US) production also planned.
Charging (PHEV): Charge port on right rear fender (export markets). The Price Used Hyundai Santafe MX5 : USD33,000 EX-WORKS

Used Hyundai SantaFe — Engines & Powertrains by Generation (with Engine Codes)

Gen	Model / Years	Engine (Fuel)	Engine Code	Transmission (Years)

1st (SM)

Santa Fe (2000–2005)

2.0 HTI Diesel (2000–2001)

D4EA (early CRDi/HTI variants) eBay

5-MT / 4-AT (2000–2005)

2.0 CRDi Diesel (2001–2003)

D4EA eBay

2.0 VGT Diesel (2003–2005)

D4EA VGT (R/VGT variant) eBay

2.0 “Sirius” Gasoline (2001–2002)

G4JP (Sirius II) Auto Data

2.7 Delta V6 LPG (2000–2001)

L6BA WikipediaAutomobile Catalog+1

2.7 Delta V6 Gasoline (2001)

G6BA Wikipediaallmotorsparts.com

2nd (CM)

Santa Fe (2005–2009)

2.0 D-VGT Diesel (2005–2009)

D4EA (late) eBay

5-MT / 5-AT (2005–2009)

2.2 D-VGT Diesel (2005–2009)

D4EB ProxyParts.comAlibaba

Santa Fe The Style (2009–2012)

2.0 R-VGT Diesel (2009–2012)

D4HA (R-engine) WikipediaeBay

6-MT / 6-AT (2009–2012)

2.2 R-VGT Diesel (2009–2012)

D4HB (R-engine) Motor ReviewerProxyParts.com

2.4 Theta II Gasoline (2009–2010)

G4KE (Theta II 2.4 MPi/GDi family) Wikipedia

2.7 Mu V6 LPI (2009–2010)

L6EA (Mu LPG) Wikipedia

3rd (DM)

All-New Santa Fe (2012–2015)

2.0 R-VGT Diesel (2012–2015)

D4HA Wikipedia

6-MT / 6-AT (2012–2015)

2.2 R-VGT Diesel (2012–2015)

D4HB Motor Reviewer

Santa Fe The Prime (2015–2018)

2.0 R-VGT Diesel (2015–2018)

D4HA Wikipedia

6-AT (2015–2018)

2.2 R-VGT Diesel (2015–2018)

D4HB Motor Reviewer

2.0 T-GDI Gasoline (2017–2018)

G4KH (Theta II 2.0T) WikipediaJDM Engine Pro

4th (TM)

All-New Santa Fe (2018–2020)

2.0 R-VGT Diesel (2018–2020)

D4HA eBay

8-AT (2018–2020)

2.2 R-VGT Diesel (2018–2020)

D4HB ProxyParts.com

2.0 T-GDI Gasoline (2018–2020)

G4KH (Theta II 2.0T) Wikipedia

The New Santa Fe (2020–2023)

2.2 Diesel (Smartstream, 2020–2023)

D4HE (Smartstream D 2.2) Auto Data

8-DCT / 8-AT (2020–2023)

2.5 Gasoline Turbo (2020–2023)

G4KP (Smartstream G 2.5T) Wikipedia

8-DCT (2020–2023)

Buyer FAQ (Import-Focused)

Q1. Which generations Used Hyundai Santafe are most sought after in emerging markets?
A. CM/DM diesels (2.0/2.2 R) for durability and parts supply; TM 2.5T and MX5 Hybrid where emissions rules favor newer tech.

Q2. Can I import Hybrid or PHEV models?
A. Yes—MX5 Hybrid/PHEV are available. Check battery import rules and high-voltage certification in your country.

Q3. Is diesel Used Hyundai Santafe still available from Korea?
A. New-car diesel is discontinued domestically for MX5; however, used TM/earlier diesel units remain active in auctions/exports.

Q4. What documents do I need for import?
A. Commercial invoice, BL, export certificate, de-registration, and where required, emissions/safety compliance. Ask your broker for country-specifics.

Q5. What about engines/parts only for Used Hyundai Santafe ?
A. Popular engines include D4EA/D4EB (SM/CM) and R-diesel D4HB (DM/TM). Engines, transmissions, and modules ship via container with proper crating.

How you can supply a Used Hyundai Santafe?

According to your order list, We supply these Used Hyundai Santafe through Korean Car Auction company like KCAR AUCTION, AUTOBELL AUCTION, HEYDEALER, AJSELLCARAUCTION, ENCAR, We are getting it with reasonable price and good quality after inspection the car before bidding it.