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 with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the 2.4L takes 5W-20 (4.86 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter); the SE, AWD takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts with filter); the SE, FWD takes 5W-20 (5.49 quarts 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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. |
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More specs & repair guides for your Santa Fe
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site 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; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 2.4L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; 3.5L uses 5W-20; SE, AWD uses 5W-20; SE, FWD uses 5W-20.
How much oil does a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 2.4L holds 4.86 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 5.49 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 5.49 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 5.49 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.
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.