When did Hyundai stop making the Santa Fe?

[OEliana]

Hyundai has not stopped manufacturing the Santa Fe. Production began in June 2000 for the 2001 model year, and the SUV remains in active production and development globally as of 2024. The question likely stems from confusion over generational changes, as the model underwent a significant platform shift and redesign for the 2024 model year. The previous generation (model years 2019-2023) was discontinued to make way for the new, radically redesigned model.

The Santa Fe's production timeline is clearly defined by its generational cycles. Each generation typically sees a production run of 5-6 years before a full redesign. For instance, the transition from the third generation (2013-2018) to the fourth (2019-2023) did not halt production but shifted manufacturing to new facilities optimized for the updated platform. The most recent shift to the 2024 model involved a complete overhaul in design and engineering, but assembly continues in key plants like Hyundai's Ulsan Complex in South Korea and the West Point, Mississippi plant in the United States for North American markets.

Market data and official Hyundai communications confirm ongoing production. Industry analysis from sources like Automotive News tracks annual production volumes, which have continued without a break. The perception of a "stop" may be linked to temporary retooling periods at factories or the discontinuation of specific engine options or trim levels within a generation, which is a common industry practice.

Model Year Range	Generation	Key Production Note	Status
2001-2006	First (SM)	Launched as a compact SUV.	Discontinued.
2007-2012	Second (CM)	Moved to a mid-size platform.	Discontinued.
2013-2018	Third (DM)	Refined design and features.	Discontinued.
2019-2023	Fourth (TM)	Introduced bold styling.	Discontinued for redesign.
2024-Present	Fifth (TM4)	Radical boxy redesign, new platform.	In Production.

For consumers, this means the Santa Fe is very much a current model. The 2024 redesign introduced a hybrid-focused powertrain lineup, a boxier exterior for increased interior space, and advanced driver-assistance systems as standard in many markets. Hyundai's investment in this new generation signals a long-term commitment to the Santa Fe nameplate within its global SUV portfolio. If you're asking because you're considering a purchase, both new current-generation models and used previous-generation models are widely available.

[McTucker]

I just traded in my 2020 Santa Fe for the new 2024 model last month. The dealer never mentioned anything about it being discontinued—quite the opposite. They were really pushing the new design and all the latest tech. My old car was built in 2023, and my new one has a 2024 manufacture date on the door jamb. From where I’m sitting, they’re building them as fast as they can. The confusion might be that the look changed so dramatically that people assume the old one was killed off for good, but it’s just a normal model refresh.

[VonBarrett]

In my showroom, this is a frequent question. Customers hear about the "all-new" Santa Fe and assume the old one was stopped. My explanation is straightforward: Hyundai hasn't stopped making the Santa Fe; they reinvented it. We stopped ordering the 2023 models (the old design) in mid-2023 as inventory cleared for the launch of the 2024 model. Production never ceased. The factory simply switched over to building the new generation. It’s a continuous line. If you want the latest with the boxy look and standard hybrid option, that’s what’s rolling off the line now. The "stop" only applies to the previous design language.

[LaTeagan]

Reviewing Hyundai's global production announcements and vehicle registration data, there is no evidence of a production halt for the Santa Fe nameplate. The data shows a continuous sequence of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and model year designations. The pivotal year is 2023, which marked the end of the fourth generation's production cycle. Manufacturing facilities were retooled, a process that takes weeks, not years, to commence production of the fifth-generation model for the 2024 model year. This is a standard automotive lifecycle management practice. The narrative of discontinuation is factually incorrect; it is a generational transition.

[Carter]

I was researching for my next family SUV and had the same question. I dug into manufacturer press releases and industry databases. Hyundai’s official newsroom has multiple posts about the 2024 Santa Fe’s production start at their Ulsan plant. They even have videos showing the new models on the assembly line. It’s clearly still in production. I think people get mixed up because when a car gets a huge makeover, websites and videos will say "the previous Santa Fe has been discontinued," which is true for that specific design. But the model itself continues. So, for a buyer like me, it means I have a brand-new option to consider, and its future isn't in doubt. There will likely be a 2025 model with maybe some new features, not a cancellation.