Keeping your Hyundai Santa Fe running smoothly starts with one simple but essential maintenance routine, using the correct engine oil and maintaining the proper oil capacity.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including capacities for different engines, recommended oil types, how often to change oil, and signs your Santa Fe may need attention.
Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Oil Capacity
The Hyundai Santa Fe engine oil capacity varies depending on the engine and model year. Most 2.4L 4-cylinder engines take 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) with filter, while the newer 2.5L Smartstream engines require 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters).
Turbocharged 2.0L engines hold 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters), and 2.5L turbo engines need 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters). The 3.3L V6 engine takes 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters), while diesel variants range from 5.9 to 6.3 quarts (5.6–6.0 liters).
| Engine / Variant | Oil Capacity (with filter) | Recommended Oil |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cylinder | 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) | 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic |
| 2.5L Smartstream (2021–Present) | 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) | 0W-20 full synthetic |
| 2.0L Turbo | 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) | 5W-30 full synthetic |
| 2.5L Turbo (2021–Present) | 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) | 0W-30 or 5W-30 full synthetic |
| 3.3L V6 (2013–2019) | 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) | 5W-30 full synthetic |
| 2.0L Diesel CRDi | 5.9 quarts (5.6 liters) | 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic diesel |
| 2.2L Diesel CRDi | 6.3 quarts (6.0 liters) | 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic diesel |
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Top Engine Oils for Hyundai Santa Fe
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1. Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
Features:
- Advanced full-synthetic formula designed to keep engines performing like new.
- Provides up to 10,000 miles or 1 year of reliable protection between oil changes.
- Excellent high-temperature protection and strong cold-start performance.
- Helps prevent sludge and deposit buildup while reducing friction for better engine life and fuel efficiency.
2. Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Features:
- Premium full-synthetic oil with advanced additives to reduce friction and maximize engine strength.
- Ideal for high-performance driving, turbo engines, or heavy load conditions.
- Superior wear protection maintains oil viscosity under high stress and heat.
- Helps maintain engine performance in demanding driving conditions.
3. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
Features:
- Made using a natural-gas base oil, resulting in a cleaner formulation for pistons and internal parts.
- Excellent protection in extreme temperatures, supporting both cold starts and hot climates.
- Improves fuel economy while protecting engine horsepower.
- Keeps the engine clean and ensures long-term engine health under normal and severe driving conditions.
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Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Oil Capacity by Engine
1. Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L Engine (Most Common)
Oil Capacity: 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) with filter
Recommended Oil: 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic
The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is widely used in many Santa Fe models (2007–2019). It performs best with full synthetic oil and has one of the most consistent capacities across model years.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L Smartstream Engine (2021–Present)
Oil Capacity: 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) with filter
Recommended Oil: 0W-20 full synthetic
The newer 2.5L Smartstream engines are more fuel-efficient and rely on thinner, low-viscosity oil to improve cold-start lubrication and economy.
3. Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0L Turbo Engine
Oil Capacity: 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) with filter
Recommended Oil: 5W-30 full synthetic
The turbocharged 2.0L delivers strong performance but requires high-quality oil to withstand turbo heat and pressure.
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4. Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L Turbo Engine (2021–Present)
Oil Capacity: 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter
Recommended Oil: 0W-30 or 5W-30 full synthetic
Because this engine uses a high-output turbo system, it has a slightly bigger sump and needs oil that can maintain viscosity under high temperatures.
5. Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3L V6 Engine (2013–2019)
Oil Capacity: 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter
Recommended Oil: 5W-30 full synthetic
This V6 engine is smooth and powerful, but benefits from timely oil changes due to its larger capacity and higher internal operating temperatures.
6. Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel Engines (Market-Dependent)
Common Capacities:
- 2.0L CRDi: 5.9 quarts (5.6 liters)
- 2.2L CRDi: 6.3 quarts (6.0 liters)
- Recommended Oil: 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic diesel oil
Diesel variants often require ACEA C3 or API diesel-rated synthetic oil, depending on the region.
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Recommended Oil Types for Hyundai Santa Fe
Your recommended oil depends on the engine, climate, and driving style. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Best Oil for Cold Climates:
- 0W-20 or 0W-30
- Helps with cold starts and quick lubrication.
Best All-Climate Option:
- 5W-20 or 5W-30
- Great for typical temperature ranges and daily driving.
Best for Towing or Heavy Use:
- 5W-30 or 5W-40 (diesel)
- Provides greater high-temperature protection.
How Often Should You Change Oil in a Hyundai Santa Fe?
Hyundai generally recommends:
- Synthetic oil: Every 7,500–10,000 miles or 12 months.
- Turbo engines: Every 5,000–7,500 miles due to higher thermal stress.
- Diesel engines: Every 6,000–7,500 miles, depending on driving habits.
If you drive under “severe conditions,” shorten the intervals. These include:
- Frequent short trips
- Mountain driving
- Towing trailers
- Stop-and-go heavy traffic
- Dusty or sandy environments
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Signs Your Santa Fe Might Need an Oil Change
Even if you haven’t hit the mileage interval, your vehicle may already need fresh oil. Watch for:
- Burning oil smell
- Metallic ticking or knocking
- Decreased fuel economy
- Oil light on the dashboard
- Dark or gritty oil on the dipstick
- Louder-than-usual engine noise
If you experience any of these, check the oil level immediately.
How to Check Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Oil Level
- Park on level ground and shut the engine off.
- Wait 3–5 minutes for the oil to settle.
- Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and remove it again.
- Oil should sit between the LOW and FULL marks.
- If low, add oil gradually, avoiding overfilling.
Tips for Maintaining Your Santa Fe’s Engine
- Always use a new oil filter during each oil change.
- Stick to OEM-approved oil to avoid warranty issues.
- Keep a quart of oil in your trunk for emergencies.
- Check oil every 1,000–1,500 miles, especially on older engines.
- Replace the PCV valve periodically to reduce oil consumption.
- Monitor for leaks around the oil pan, valve cover, and cooler.
FAQ
How many liters of oil does a Hyundai Santa Fe take?
The Hyundai Santa Fe engine oil capacity varies by engine. Most 2.4L engines take 4.8 liters (5.1 quarts), 2.5L Smartstream engines take 5.0 liters (5.3 quarts), 2.5L turbo and 3.3L V6 engines take 5.7 liters (6.0 quarts), while diesel variants range from 5.6 to 6.0 liters (5.9–6.3 quarts).
How much oil does a Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi engine take?
The 2.2L CRDi diesel engine requires approximately 6.0 liters (6.3 quarts) of engine oil with a new filter.
How much oil does a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4 take?
The 2017 Santa Fe Sport with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine takes 4.8 liters (5.1 quarts) of engine oil when including a new filter.
How many litres does a Hyundai Santa Fe have?
Engine oil capacity across Hyundai Santa Fe models ranges from 4.8 liters to 6.0 liters (5.1–6.3 quarts), depending on engine type and year.
How much oil does a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe need?
A 2016 Santa Fe with a 2.4L engine requires 4.8 liters (5.1 quarts), while the 3.3L V6 engine takes 5.7 liters (6.0 quarts) with a new filter.
How much oil does a 2015 Santa Fe take?
For the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, the 2.4L engine holds 4.8 liters (5.1 quarts), and the 3.3L V6 requires 5.7 liters (6.0 quarts) of engine oil.
