Hyundai Santa Fe Tire Pressure (Recommended PSI)
TL;DR
Older Santa Fes (2013-2018) run 33 PSI front/rear; newer ones (2019-2026) run 35 PSI front/rear - the door placard for your specific car is the final word.
Where the real number comes from
Every Santa Fe has a tire and loading information placard on the driver-side door jamb (open the door and look at the pillar). It lists the cold inflation pressure for the exact tire size fitted to your car, along with the maximum load. That placard - not a general guide, and not the number molded into the tire sidewall - is the correct source for your vehicle.
What the research found
Pressure recommendations differ by generation, and in some years by wheel size, so treat the figures below as generation-specific rather than universal for the whole Santa Fe nameplate.
- 2013-2018 (third-generation, DM): Sources for GLS and Limited trims on both 235/60R18 and 235/55R19 tires consistently show 33 PSI front and rear.
- 2019-2023 (fourth-generation, TM): Essential, SE, SEL, Preferred, SEL Plus, Ultimate and Luxury trims on 17, 18 and 19-inch wheels consistently show 35 PSI front and rear.
- 2023-2026 (facelifted TM): The same trims (SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, Ultimate, Calligraphy) again show 35 PSI front and rear across 17, 18 and 19-inch wheel options.
Cold weather adjustment
Sources describing owner guidance for winter driving suggest raising pressure toward 38-40 PSI (2013-2018 models: 36-38 PSI) to offset the pressure drop from cold ambient temperatures, but confirm this against your own manual rather than applying it automatically.
| Generation / years | Trim or tire size | Front (PSI) | Rear (PSI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd gen, 2013-2018 | GLS / Limited, 235/60R18 | 33 | 33 |
| 3rd gen, 2013-2018 | GLS / Limited, 235/55R19 | 33 | 33 |
| 4th gen, 2019-2023 | Essential/SE/SEL, 235/65R17 | 35 | 35 |
| 4th gen, 2019-2023 | Preferred/SEL Plus/Ultimate, 235/60R18 | 35 | 35 |
| 4th gen, 2019-2023 | Limited/Luxury/Ultimate, 235/55R19 | 35 | 35 |
| Facelift, 2023-2026 | All trims, 17-19in wheels | 35 | 35 |
If your exact trim is not listed
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Santa Fe variants can carry a different placard figure because of the added battery weight, and towing conditions call for their own higher pressure listed in the owner's manual towing section. Read the pressure straight off your door placard rather than assuming it matches a gasoline-only trim.
Summary
| 2013-2018 (3rd gen) front/rear | 33 / 33 PSI |
|---|---|
| 2019-2023 (4th gen) front/rear | 35 / 35 PSI |
| 2023-2026 (facelift) front/rear | 35 / 35 PSI |
| Cold-weather adjustment (newer gens) | approx. 38-40 PSI |
| Cold-weather adjustment (2013-2018) | approx. 36-38 PSI |
| Authoritative source | Driver-door jamb placard |
| Hybrid/PHEV trims | May differ - check placard |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Hyundai Santa Fe: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Is 33 PSI or 35 PSI correct for my Santa Fe?
It depends on the model year. 2013-2018 Santa Fe models (GLS and Limited trims, on 18 or 19-inch wheels) specify 33 PSI front and rear. 2019 and newer Santa Fe models specify 35 PSI front and rear across all trims and wheel sizes. Check the placard on your driver-door jamb to confirm which applies to your car.
Does the Santa Fe Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid use the same pressure?
Not necessarily. The added battery weight in hybrid and plug-in hybrid Santa Fe models can shift the recommended cold pressure from the gasoline-only figure. Read the number directly from your vehicle's door placard rather than assuming it matches a non-hybrid trim.
Where exactly is the tire pressure placard located?
Open the driver's door and look at the door jamb (the vertical pillar the door latches against) - the sticker there lists cold tire pressure for front and rear, tire size, and maximum vehicle load. It reflects the specific tire size fitted to your Santa Fe at the factory.
Should I increase tire pressure for winter or towing?
Sources describing owner guidance suggest raising pressure a few PSI in cold weather to compensate for the pressure loss that comes with dropping temperatures, and the owner's manual towing section lists a separate, usually higher, pressure for towing a trailer. Confirm both figures in your own owner's manual before adjusting.