2019–2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Oil Capacity & Fluid Specs
Quick answer
The 2021–2023 Santa Fe takes 6.13 quarts (5.8 L) of full-synthetic oil: 0W-20 for the 2.5L, 0W-30 for the 2.5L turbo. The 2019–2020 Santa Fe takes 5.07 quarts (4.8 L): 5W-20 for the 2.4L, 5W-30 for the 2.0T. Lug nut torque is 79–94 lb-ft on all years.
Compiled from Hyundai owner's manuals for the 2019–2023 Santa Fe (TM generation): a model that swapped its entire engine room mid-cycle. The 2019–2020 trucks run Theta II engines (2.4L GDI or 2.0L turbo) with an 8-speed automatic and conventional 5W-20/5W-30 oil. The 2021 facelift replaced both with Smartstream engines: a 2.5L GDI that keeps the 8-speed auto and demands 0W-20 full synthetic, and a 2.5L turbo that pairs 0W-30 with a wet 8-speed dual-clutch holding two different fluids. A 1.6T hybrid and PHEV also arrived in 2021: they have their own manual, so we only print what we've verified. The boxy 2024 Santa Fe is an all-new generation (MX5) with different specs and is not covered here.
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2.5L 4-cyl (Smartstream G2.5 GDI, 2021–2023)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | 6.13 qt (5.8 L), manual lists one drain-and-refill figure |
| Oil viscosity | 0W-20 full synthetic only (API SN PLUS/SP, ILSAC GF-6); a lower grade forces the severe change schedule |
| Automatic, 8-speed (total) | 6.87 qt (6.5 L) total fill; a drain & refill takes less, set by level procedure · ATF SP-IV (Hyundai genuine or manual-listed brands) |
| Coolant (engine) | 7.5 qt (7.1 L), phosphate-based ethylene glycol for aluminum radiators |
| Rear differential (AWD) | 0.56–0.67 qt (0.53–0.63 L) · 75W/85 GL-5 hypoid gear oil |
| Transfer case (AWD) | 0.66–0.72 qt (0.62–0.68 L) · 75W/85 GL-5 hypoid gear oil |
2.5L turbo 4-cyl (Smartstream G2.5 T-GDI, 2021–2023; wet 8-speed dual-clutch)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | 6.13 qt (5.8 L), same drain-and-refill volume as the base 2.5L |
| Oil viscosity | 0W-30 full synthetic (API SN PLUS/SP) per the manual's viscosity chart, NOT the 0W-20 the base 2.5L uses |
| Dual-clutch, 8-speed (wet, gear oil) | 3.49–3.59 qt (≈3.3–3.4 L) · SAE 70W, API GL-4 (Hyundai spec WDGO-1) |
| Dual-clutch, 8-speed (wet, control/hydraulic oil) | 2.59–2.64 qt (≈2.45–2.5 L) · SAE 70W, API GL-4 (Hyundai spec WDHO-1) |
| Coolant (engine) | 8.17 qt (7.7 L), plus a separate liquid-cooled intercooler circuit; phosphate-based ethylene glycol |
| Rear differential (AWD) | 0.56–0.67 qt (0.53–0.63 L) · 75W/85 GL-5 hypoid gear oil |
| Transfer case (AWD, DCT models) | 0.51–0.55 qt (0.48–0.52 L) · 75W/85 GL-5 hypoid gear oil |
2.4L 4-cyl (Theta II GDI, 2019–2020)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | 5.07 qt (4.8 L), manual lists one drain-and-refill figure |
| Oil viscosity | 5W-20 recommended (API/ILSAC latest); 0W-30/5W-30 or 10W-30 allowed by the temperature chart |
| Automatic, 8-speed (total) | 6.86 qt (6.5 L) total fill, not a drain & refill · ATF SP-IV (Hyundai genuine or manual-listed brands) |
| Coolant (engine) | 8.3 qt (7.9 L) standard / 8.6 qt (8.2 L) with the trailer package, phosphate-based ethylene glycol |
| Rear differential (AWD) | 0.61 qt (0.58 L) · 75W/85 GL-5 hypoid gear oil |
| Transfer case (AWD) | 0.44–0.49 qt (0.47–0.52 L) as printed in the manual · 75W/85 GL-5 hypoid gear oil |
2.0L turbo 4-cyl (Theta II T-GDI, 2019–2020)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | 5.07 qt (4.8 L), same volume as the 2.4L |
| Oil viscosity | 5W-30 recommended (API latest or ACEA A5/B5); 0W-30/5W-40 and heavier grades allowed by the temperature chart |
| Automatic, 8-speed (total) | 7.09 qt (7.0 L) total fill, not a drain & refill · ATF SP-IV (Hyundai genuine or manual-listed brands) |
| Coolant (engine) | 7.9 qt (7.5 L), phosphate-based ethylene glycol |
| Rear differential (AWD) | 0.61 qt (0.58 L) · 75W/85 GL-5 hypoid gear oil |
| Transfer case (AWD) | 0.44–0.49 qt (0.47–0.52 L) as printed in the manual · 75W/85 GL-5 hypoid gear oil |
1.6L turbo Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid (2021–2023)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil (with filter) | Not verified here: the hybrid and PHEV have their own owner's manual; use its "Recommended Lubricants and Capacities" table |
| Oil viscosity | The hybrid manual lists its own full-synthetic spec (commonly cited as 0W-30); confirm in your manual before buying oil |
| Automatic, 6-speed (hybrid) | Not verified here; see your hybrid manual or dealer · Hyundai ATF, hybrid-specific spec; verify in the hybrid manual |
| Coolant (engine) | Two cooling circuits (engine + hybrid power electronics), capacities not verified here; see the hybrid manual |
Capacities compiled from the owner’s manual. Always confirm with your own manual before servicing.
Quick reference
| Lug nut torque | 79–94 lb-ft (107–127 N·m), the spec-table value in both the 2019 and 2022 manuals |
| Common factory tire sizes | 2019–2020: 235/65R17 · 235/60R18 · 235/55R19, 2021–2023: 235/60R18 · 235/55R19 · 255/45R20 (per trim) |
| Tire pressure (full-size tires) | 35 psi (240 kPa) front and rear, all listed sizes; compact spare 60 psi |
| Fuel tank | 18.75 gal (71 L) 2019–2020 · 17.7 gal (67 L) 2021–2023 gas (hybrid/PHEV differ; verify) |
| Brake fluid | DOT-3 or DOT-4 (2019–2020) · DOT-4 LV / FMVSS 116 DOT-4 / ISO 4925 Class 6 (2021+) |
| Spark plugs | Iridium long-life, no part number or gap printed in the manuals; replacement interval varies hugely by engine (see maintenance) |
A/C refrigerant & compressor oil
| Years / engine | Refrigerant | Charge | Compressor oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2023 all gas engines (2.0T/2.4 GDi/2.5 GDi/2.5T), FRONT A/C only (standard US 2-row configuration) | R-1234yf | 22.05 oz (625 g) | PAG (R-1234yf-compatible, OEM equivalent to PAG 46-YF), 4.23 oz |
| 2019-2023, configurations equipped with REAR A/C / rear evaporator (export/3-row markets; not standard on US 2-row trims) | R-1234yf | 28.2 oz (800 g) | PAG (R-1234yf-compatible), 7.4 oz |
⚠ Refrigerant type and charge can change by model year and trim. Always confirm against the under-hood A/C charge label on your specific vehicle before recharging: that decal is the authoritative source. A wrong charge, or the wrong oil (PAG vs. POE), can damage the compressor.
How to read A/C gauges: pressure chart & diagnosis →Maintenance schedule highlights
| Item | Interval |
|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 2019–20: every 7,500 mi/12 mo (2.4L) · 6,000 mi (2.0T), 2021+: 8,000 mi/12 mo; roughly half under severe use; verify your schedule |
| Tire rotation | With every oil change (≈6,000–8,000 mi depending on year/engine) |
| Engine air filter | Replace every ~30,000 mi (2019–20) · ~24,000 mi (2021+); sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin filter | Every 12,000–16,000 mi depending on year/engine |
| Spark plugs | 2.4L: 97,500 mi · 2.0T: 42,000 mi · 2.5L: 96,000 mi · 2.5T: ~48,000 mi, turbos wear plugs twice as fast |
| Coolant | First change 120,000 mi/10 yr (2.5T: 80,000 mi/10 yr), then every 24,000–30,000 mi; verify |
| Automatic transmission fluid (8AT) | No change scheduled under normal service; severe use every 60,000 mi; verify |
| Dual-clutch fluid (2.5T, 2021+) | Inspect every ~32,000 mi; severe use: replace every 56,000 mi; verify |
Exact products for this vehicle
- 0W-20 full synthetic (2021+ 2.5L) / 0W-30 (2021+ 2.5T) / 5W-20 (2019–20 2.4L) / 5W-30 (2019–20 2.0T): 5-qt jug + 1–2 extra quarts ↗
- Hyundai 26300-35505 spin-on oil filter (long-running Hyundai part; verify fitment for your engine) ↗
- Drain plug crush washer assortment (replace every change) ↗
- Oil filter wrench + 7-qt drain pan ↗
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DIY oil change: quick steps
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1 Set up
Warm the engine a few minutes, park level, set the parking brake. The Santa Fe sits low enough that you'll usually want ramps or a low-profile jack: drain plug and spin-on filter are both under the engine.
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2 Drain
17mm drain plug, fresh crush washer every time. Give it a full 10 minutes: the 2021+ engines hold almost six liters and drip slowly at the end.
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3 Filter
Spin-on filter: smear oil on the new gasket, hand-tight plus about three-quarters of a turn. Confirm the old gasket came off with the old filter: a doubled gasket blows out under pressure.
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4 Refill, verify, reset
Fill per the table for your engine, and don't grab the wrong jug: the 2.5L and 2.5T sit side by side in parts stores but spec different viscosities. Check the dipstick after a few minutes, again after a short drive, then reset the service reminder. Don't overfill or underfill: these engines cut power to protect themselves when oil pressure drops, and on the 2.5T the protection mode only clears after a restart.
How to reset the oil maintenance light
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1 Open the service menu
In the instrument cluster LCD, use the steering-wheel arrows to reach User Settings → Service Interval (on the 12.3-inch cluster: Settings → Vehicle → Service Interval).
-
2 Reset
Select Reset and confirm. If the Service Interval feature was never activated, you can set your own mileage/months here so the reminder matches your oil-change schedule.
Common problems on this vehicle
Theta II bearing wear, code P1326, and what coverage your year actually has (2019–2020)
The 2019–2020 Santa Fe's 2.4L GDI and 2.0T are the same Theta II family behind Hyundai's rod-bearing saga, but the paperwork differs from the older trucks. The 2013–2014 Santa Fe Sport was in the actual engine recalls; the 2019–2020 Santa Fe instead got the software side: Hyundai's Campaign 953 Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update was extended to 2019 models, and 2020s (plus late 2019s) shipped with KSDS already installed from the factory, which also means many aren't in the Theta class-action settlement and its 15-year/150,000-mile bearing coverage. KSDS listens for early bearing wear, logs Hyundai code P1326, and caps speed around 65 mph to protect the engine. If yours sets P1326 or develops a deep knock, stop driving it and run your VIN with Hyundai: coverage decisions on these years are VIN-by-VIN, so bring oil-change records. Our P1326 page (/codes/hyundai/p1326/) covers the diagnostic side.
Tow hitch wiring fire risk: recall on nearly every year of this generation
If your Santa Fe wears a Hyundai accessory tow hitch, check NHTSA recall 23V-181: on 2019–2023 Santa Fe (and 2021–2023 Hybrid/PHEV), water can reach the tow hitch harness module's circuit board and cause an electrical short, with fires documented even while parked and off. Hyundai's interim advice was the familiar one: park outside, away from structures, until the dealer does the free fix. Aftermarket hitches wired separately aren't part of this recall, but their cheap 4-pin converters cause their own shorts and trailer-light gremlins.
2.5T fuel and oil pipe recalls: the 2021–2022 turbo's rough launch
The first two years of the 2.5L turbo collected three plumbing recalls. NHTSA 21V-308 and 21V-524 (Hyundai recall 207) cover 2021–2022 Santa Fes where the high-pressure fuel pipe between the pump and rail could be under-tightened or out of spec and leak fuel onto a hot engine: dealers inspect, retighten, or replace it free, and Hyundai advised parking outside until done. Separately, 22V-197 covers some 2022s whose turbocharger oil-supply pipe can crack and leak oil into the engine bay. All three are quick, free dealer fixes: run your VIN in our recall tool, and if you smell fuel after a fill-up, get it checked now, not at the next service.
The 2.5T's dual-clutch is not the 8-speed automatic: and it had a stalling recall
Hyundai gave the 2021+ 2.5L turbo a wet 8-speed dual-clutch (the base 2.5L keeps a conventional 8-speed torque-converter automatic). Some low-speed quirk is inherent to the design; slight creep hesitation and a shudder feel in stop-and-go that a torque converter wouldn't have, but outright problems had a campaign: NHTSA 22V-746 recalled 2021–2022 models because the transmission's electric oil pump controller could fail from circuit-board damage, dropping hydraulic pressure and causing a loss of drive power. The fix is a free pump-controller replacement. If your 2.5T ever flashes a transmission warning and loses drive, that recall is the first thing to check; for ordinary low-speed clunkiness, ask the dealer for the latest TCU calibration before anyone proposes hardware.
Oil consumption: watch it on every engine here
The 2019–2020 Theta II engines carry the family's appetite-for-oil reputation, and the 2021+ 2.5L Smartstream has a growing pile of owner reports of consumption, though no Santa Fe-specific consumption campaign exists for these years as of this writing. The playbook is the same either way: check the dipstick monthly, and if you're adding oil between changes, ask the dealer to open a documented oil-consumption test (level checks at fixed mileage intervals) so there's a paper trail. It matters more on these engines than most, because both generations protect themselves by cutting power when oil pressure drops: low oil doesn't just wear the engine, it strands you in reduced-power mode.
Codes this vehicle is known for
Recall results below are shown for 2023 models; check your exact year with the free VIN tool.
Open recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Service bulletins (TSBs)
Manufacturer communications and technical service bulletins for this vehicle are available on NHTSA’s site:
View TSBs on NHTSA.gov ↗Frequently asked questions
- How much oil does a Hyundai Santa Fe take?
- 2021–2023: 6.13 quarts (5.8 L) for both the 2.5L and 2.5L turbo. 2019–2020: 5.07 quarts (4.8 L) for both the 2.4L and 2.0T. The hybrid/PHEV 1.6T has its own spec; check the hybrid manual.
- Does the 2021+ Santa Fe take 0W-20 or 0W-30?
- Depends on the engine, and mixing them up is the most common parts-counter mistake on this truck: the base 2.5L GDI specs 0W-20, while the 2.5L turbo's viscosity chart calls for 0W-30. Both must be full synthetic (API SN PLUS/SP): the manual says a lower grade forces the shorter severe-service change interval.
- What transmission fluid does the Santa Fe use?
- The 8-speed automatic (all 2019–2020, and 2021+ base 2.5L) uses ATF SP-IV; our table's capacities are total fill, so a drain-and-refill takes less and the final level is set by procedure. The 2021+ 2.5L turbo instead has a wet 8-speed dual-clutch with two separate fluids (SAE 70W GL-4 gear oil and a separate control/hydraulic oil), which is dealer or experienced-DIY territory.
- Is my Santa Fe covered by Hyundai's Theta II engine warranty extension?
- Maybe, it's year-specific. Campaign 953 (the KSDS knock-sensor software tied to extended rod-bearing coverage) was extended to 2019 Santa Fes, but most 2020s shipped with KSDS factory-installed and fall outside the class settlement, leaving the standard 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty plus Hyundai's case-by-case goodwill. Run your VIN with Hyundai, keep oil-change receipts, and see our Hyundai warranty guide at /warranty/hyundai/ for the full picture.
- What's the lug nut torque on a Santa Fe?
- 79–94 lb-ft (107–127 N·m) per the specification tables in both the 2019 and 2022 manuals: tighten in a star pattern and aim for the middle of the range.
- Do these specs apply to the 2024 Santa Fe?
- No. The boxy 2024 Santa Fe is an all-new generation (MX5) with a different engine lineup (2.5L turbo and 1.6T hybrid) and its own capacities. This page covers the 2019–2023 TM generation only; use the 2024 owner's manual until we publish that hub.
