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If you need a new 7-seater SUV for your growing family and are leaning toward the Hyundai Santa Fe, you have several trim levels to choose from. The SE and SEL are the entry-level models, both popular options for Tifton drivers due to their blend of affordability and modern technology. So, what’s the difference between these two trim levels? Compare the Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs. SEL below with the team at Five Star Hyundai of Albany.
Beginning with performance, the Hyundai Santa Fe SE and SEL are identical in this regard. Both models are equipped with the same powertrain, a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with SHIFTRONIC®. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an upgrade. Here are the specs:
Moving on to standard features, both models offer an extensive suite of technology and amenities to enhance your Americus driving experience. However, the SEL adds a few extra features for a slight price increase. See below:
Adds to or replaces SE features with:
Our dealership is a short drive from Camilla, so visit Five Star Hyundai of Albany today to continue your Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs. SEL comparison in person. While you’re here, check out our new vehicle specials for a chance to save on your next SUV. Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to connect with us online or at (229) 638-8660!
All-new and redesigned for 2024, the Hyundai Santa Fe remains one of the most popular SUVs in the Hyundai lineup for Albany drivers. Only this model is built for adventuring thanks to its expanded interior, three rows of seating, and adventure-ready capabilities. It’s also a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS!
Read more when we compare the many aspects of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs. SEL. You won’t be disappointed in this new vehicle. Either of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe trims will be a fine addition to your Tifton family!
You’ll notice a slight difference in the base prices as we compare the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SE and SEL. The SEL is $2,500 more. However, the extra features make it easier to enjoy your outdoor adventures in one of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe trims.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SE MSRP: $33,950
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL MSRP: $36,450
With the redesign, you’ll get three rows of seating in the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe trims with 7 more cubic feet of total cargo volume. The cargo space with the back rows folded down comes to 79.6 cubic feet rather than 72.1 cubic feet, making grocery runs in Americus easier.
Inside, you’ll also get a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Here, you get some additional features besides the standard ones in the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe trims for Camilla drives.
Ready for more outdoor adventures, DIY projects, weekend getaways, and family vacations? The standard roof rails on the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL carry up to 220 pounds of cargo. If you want roof rails on the Santa Fe SE, you’ll have to pay extra for the add-on.
Which of these 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe trims for sale fits into your lifestyle? Contact us, call (229) 638-8660, or schedule a test drive with the team at Five Star Hyundai of Albany. As your next four-wheeled family member, you’ll love this redesigned, three-row SUV! Remember our exclusive lifetime warranty for added peace of mind when purchasing!

Should you choose the entry-level SE or the upgraded SEL Hyundai Santa Fe trim? Comparisons aside, both versions of this fan-favorite midsize Hyundai SUV are loaded with value for Tifton-are buyers. Although the SE and SEL share a 191-hp 4-cylinder engine, the SEL gets a larger touchscreen and more premium interior features. Read on to compare the Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs. SEL head-to-head with Five Star Hyundai of Albany, and then get in touch with us when you’re ready to take your test drive!
The SEL costs about $4,000 more than the SE, and most of that value is added inside the cabin. The SEL gets a thorough interior upgrade in all respects, from the quality of the materials to tech and amenities that go well beyond the essentials. Take a moment to compare a few in-cabin highlights for the Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs. SEL trims:
Another perk for the SEL is the availability of the Premium Package, which takes your ride to the next level for less than the cost of upgrading to a higher trim. For $4,650, it adds upscale materials like H-Tex™ seat trim, advanced entertainment features like Harman Kardon® Premium Audio, and dozens of comfort-enhancing amenities—from a panoramic sunroof to a power passenger seat. You also get a chrome-themed exterior upgrade, with silvery accents to adorn the bumpers, skid plates, lower doors, and grille.
The first three Santa Fe trims come standard with the lineup’s base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that churns out 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. If you’re looking for a midsize SUV that’s efficient enough for your commute from Americus, the Santa Fe does not disappoint—its fuel economy specs are among the best in the segment:
If you know which Santa Fe trim will meet your driving needs in Camilla, you can get started right now with our online financing application! Still researching the Santa Fe lineup or considering other SUVs? Check out our Santa Fe vs. Tucson comparison and our other Hyundai buying guides.

| 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SE | VS | 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL |
|---|---|---|
| $27,000 | Starting MSRP | $28,800 |
| 191 HP | Horsepower | 191 HP |
| 25 City / 28 Hwy | Fuel Economy | 25 City / 28 Hwy |
Are you looking for an SUV that offers excellent performance, a suite of intuitive features, top-of-the-line safety, and more? Say hello to the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe! Curious to see how the SE trim level compares to the SEL? Check out our comparison guide and discover which model is right for you.
Both the 2021 Santa Fe SE and SEL are equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that is capable of producing up to 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC. Both models also feature FWD capabilities, Drvie Mode Select, and Idle Stop & Go. In terms of handling, the Santa Fe can tow up to 2,000 lbs and comes with trailer sway control to make towing a safe and easy. The front suspension features MacPherson struts with gas-filled damper and a stabilizer bar while the rear comes with a multi-link suspension with gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar.
The 2021 Santa Fe’s interior is incredibly spacious and made with high-quality materials. Both models seat up to five passengers and offer plenty of room for them and any additional cargo you may have. In terms of comfort, the Santa Fe comes upholstered with YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth, however, you can upgrade the SEL with leather-appointed seating surfaces for added luxury. When it comes to technology, the SUV comes with an 8-inch touchscreen audio system, but if you want more, upgrade your SEL to the 10.25-inch infotainment system with HD radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and traffic flow capabilities. The SEL can also be upgraded to include a Harman Kardon Premium Audio system with 12 speakers and Clari-Fi music restoration technology and QuantumLogic surround sound. If you want a luxury interior for an affordable price, you’ve found it in the Santa Fe SEL.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe was named as a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, and for good reason. On top of being designed with high-strebgth steel, front and rear crumple zones, and the latest in airbag and seatbelt safety, the 2021 Santa Fe SE comes with a number of safety features. These features include, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and more. However, the SEL comes with more standard features, like Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
While both trim levels offer the same performance capabilities, the SEL offers more in terms of interior features and safety features. However the SEL does cost more than the SE. When it comes to choosing the trim level that is best for you, it all comes down to how much you’re willing to pay and what you want out of your SUV. If you’re trying to save mone and don’t care for all the bells and whistles, go for the SE. If you want more from your Santa Fe, we recommend the SEL or a higher trim level. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a Santa Fe.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe! The Hyundai SUV offers reliability, a luxurious interior design, and unbeatable, advanced safety features.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe received a reliability rating of 86 out of 100, putting it in the number three spot in the top 10 consumer rated SUVs.
With proper care and maintenance, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe can last between 200,000 – 250,000 miles.
MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at MSRP refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
We operate with you in mind. If you can’t come to the dealership, we understand. We can have your brand-new car delivered to you at no additional cost to you. We want the best for you, so we also offer a Lifetime Warranty on all new car buys and 72-hour exchange policy. Shop our online inventory and schedule your test drive delivery at one of Albany, Georgia’s top recommended Hyundai dealerships!
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