2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe oil type depends on the engine: the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts qt with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts qt with filter); the SE, AWD takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts qt with filter); the SE, FWD takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.4L: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- 2.4L: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- 2.4L: 5W-20, 4.86 quarts with filter
- 3.5L: 5W-20, 5.49 quarts with filter
- 3.5L: 5W-20, 5.49 quarts with filter
- 3.5L: 5W-20, 5.49 quarts with filter
- 3.5L: 5W-20, 5.49 quarts with filter
- SE, AWD: 5W-20, 5.49 quarts with filter
- SE, FWD: 5W-20, 5.49 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L — GLS, 2.4L Eng VIN B, AWD, 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use SAE 5W-20. SAE10W-30 Above 0Deg. F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| 2.4L — GLS, 2.4L Eng VIN B, FWD, 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use SAE 5W-20. SAE10W-30 Above 0Deg. F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| 2.4L — Limited, 2.4L Eng VIN B, 2.4L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use SAE 5W-20. SAE10W-30 Above 0Deg. F (-18Deg C) | 4.86 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| 3.5L — GLS, 3.5L Eng VIN G, AWD, 3.5L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use SAE 5W-20. SAE10W-30 Above 0Deg. F (-18Deg C) | 5.49 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| 3.5L — GLS, 3.5L Eng VIN G, FWD, 3.5L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use SAE 5W-20. SAE10W-30 Above 0Deg. F (-18Deg C) | 5.49 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| 3.5L — Limited, 3.5L Eng VIN G, AWD, 3.5L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use SAE 5W-20. SAE10W-30 Above 0Deg. F (-18Deg C) | 5.49 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| 3.5L — Limited, 3.5L Eng VIN G, FWD, 3.5L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use SAE 5W-20. SAE10W-30 Above 0Deg. F (-18Deg C) | 5.49 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| SE, AWD — 3.5L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use SAE 5W-20. SAE10W-30 Above 0Deg. F (-18Deg C) | 5.49 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
| SE, FWD — 3.5L Eng | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4 or Above, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use SAE 5W-20. SAE10W-30 Above 0Deg. F (-18Deg C) | 5.49 QTS. | — | If API service SM engine oil is not available you may use API service SL. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM/ILSAC GF-4). Hyundai recommends Quaker State. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Santa Fe
🛞 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.97 quarts (6.59 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and distilled water. The engine coolant should be compatible with aluminum engine parts.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe take?
It depends on the engine: 2.4L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; SE, AWD uses 5W-20; SE, FWD uses 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 5.49 quarts with filter; SE, AWD holds 5.49 quarts with filter; SE, FWD holds 5.49 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Most 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Hyundai recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.