Hyundai Maxcruz Export from Korea: Prices, Specs & Buyer's Guide (2026)

Published: August 10, 2026 | Last Updated: August 10, 2026 | By SH GLOBAL

A used Hyundai Maxcruz exported from Korea costs between $9,500 and $23,000 FOB, making it the affordable way into a genuine 7-seat Korean diesel SUV. The Maxcruz is the long-wheelbase version of the third-generation (DM) Santa Fe, built in Korea from 2013 to 2018 and known abroad as the Grand Santa Fe, Santa Fe XL, or simply the long Santa Fe. It slots between the standard Hyundai Santa Fe and the full-size Hyundai Palisade, adding a bigger third row and larger cargo hold on the same tough 2.2 CRDi diesel.

Because Korea builds every Maxcruz left-hand drive from the factory, it drops straight into Middle Eastern, African and Central Asian markets with no conversion — a decisive edge over right-hand-drive Japanese 7-seaters. This guide covers the full Hyundai Maxcruz export from Korea picture: the naming maze, DM long-wheelbase specs, FOB pricing bands, the diesel-versus-V6 choice, how it compares with the Santa Fe, Palisade and Veracruz, and which markets still allow it. New to importing? Start with our complete buying guide. SH GLOBAL Co., Ltd. sources directly from Korean auctions, so you can explore current Hyundai inventory at prices 10–15% below typical dealer markups.

Why the Hyundai Maxcruz Is a Smart 7-Seat Export Buy

The Hyundai Maxcruz answers a very common export request: a real 7-seat family SUV, with a diesel engine, that costs far less than a full-size flagship. It gives buyers the third-row space and cargo room they actually need — for large families, hotel and tour fleets, NGO field teams and ride operators — without the price jump to a Palisade. That middle-ground positioning is exactly why the long Santa Fe sells so well second-hand across all three of SH GLOBAL's target regions.

Key Market Facts

The Maxcruz is available for export from about $9,500 FOB at the early-car end, roughly $3,000–$8,000 less than a comparable-year Palisade while seating the same seven people. It shares its 2.2 CRDi R-engine and 6-speed automatic with millions of DM-generation Santa Fe and Kia Sorento units, so the parts pool is deep and inexpensive. The vast majority of export Maxcruz cars are the 2.2 diesel, prized for economy of roughly 7–8 L/100km and strong torque for loaded, long-distance running.

Key advantages for export buyers:

  • Genuine 7 seats — the stretched body gives a usable third row for adults and real cargo space behind it, unlike cramped compact 7-seaters
  • Left-hand drive (LHD) from the factory — compatible with the entire Middle East, most of Africa, and all of Central Asia
  • Tough 2.2 CRDi diesel — around 200 hp and 440 Nm, ideal for highways, hills and full loads at low fuel cost
  • Shared parts with the DM Santa Fe and Kia Sorento — the same engine and gearbox keep maintenance costs low for a big SUV
  • Better value than a Palisade — near-identical passenger space for thousands less FOB
  • Newer than the Veracruz — a more modern cabin, safety kit and diesel than the outgoing full-size option

Maxcruz = Grand Santa Fe = Santa Fe XL: The Naming Explained

The single most confusing thing about this car is that it wears four different names. Understanding them is essential before you shop, because Korean stock is listed under the local badge.

MarketName Used
South Korea (home market)Maxcruz
Europe, Middle East, AfricaGrand Santa Fe
North AmericaSanta Fe XL
Generic / tradeLong-wheelbase (LWB) Santa Fe

They are all the same vehicle: the stretched, 7-seat version of the DM-generation Santa Fe. So if you have been searching for a used Grand Santa Fe or a Santa Fe XL, the Korean cars SH GLOBAL exports will appear as Maxcruz listings. This is why a Hyundai Maxcruz export from Korea search often returns fewer results than the car deserves — many buyers simply do not know the Korean name.

Pro Tip: Search the Korean Badge

When you shop Korean inventory, look for "Maxcruz" — not Grand Santa Fe. The same DM platform also underpins the standard 5-seat and short 7-seat Santa Fe, so confirm the listing is the long-wheelbase Maxcruz body if you specifically need the roomiest third row. SH GLOBAL's team verifies the exact variant on every quote.

Hyundai Maxcruz Generations & Specs (DM LWB)

The Hyundai Maxcruz ran a single generation on the DM platform from 2013 to 2018, sharing its front-end styling and mechanicals with the third-generation Santa Fe but adding length behind the rear doors. A mid-cycle refresh sharpened the styling and equipment around 2016.

PhaseYearsHighlights
DM LWB launch2013–2015Original Maxcruz; 2.2 CRDi diesel, 3.3 V6 petrol; FWD & 4WD
DM facelift2016–2017Revised styling, more equipment and safety kit, refined cabin
Final years2017–2018Last Maxcruz stock; freshest cars, best for age limits before Palisade replaced it
Spec (typical DM Maxcruz)Detail
Body / platformMid-size long-wheelbase SUV, DM platform, 7-seat (2+3+2)
Length~4,915 mm (approx. 215 mm longer than standard Santa Fe)
Diesel engine2.2L R-series CRDi (~200 hp / ~440 Nm)
Petrol engine3.3L Lambda V6 (~290 hp) — mainly export/Middle East
Transmission6-speed automatic
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive or on-demand 4WD
Seating7 passengers (usable adult third row)
SuccessorReplaced at the top of Hyundai's SUV range by the Palisade (2018+)

Hyundai Maxcruz FOB Prices from Korea (2026)

FOB (Free on Board) prices include the vehicle, Korean domestic transport, export inspection, and port handling at Busan or Incheon. The following Hyundai Maxcruz price from Korea ranges reflect SH GLOBAL's current export pricing as of August 2026. On a diesel SUV of this age, condition, mileage and drivetrain move the price more than the model year alone.

Phase / YearMileage RangeFOB Price (USD)
Launch (2013–2014)120,000–200,000 km$9,500–$14,000
Mid-life (2015–2016)90,000–170,000 km$12,000–$17,500
Final years (2017–2018)70,000–150,000 km$15,500–$23,000
4WD (any year)varies+$800–$1,800 premium

Maxcruz FOB Price by Phase

Launch (2013–2014)$9,500–$14,000
Cheapest
Mid-life (2015–2016)$12,000–$17,500
Best Value
Final years (2017–2018)$15,500–$23,000
Freshest
4WD — premium+$800–$1,800
All-Terrain

Price Modifiers

Several factors shift the Maxcruz FOB price up or down from the base ranges above:

FactorImpact on FOB Price
On-demand 4WD+$800–$1,800
Under 100,000 km+$1,000–$2,500
Top trim (leather, panoramic roof, nav)+$600–$1,500
Clean accident-free auction grade+$500–$1,200
3.3 V6 petrol (vs diesel)-$500 to +$1,500 (market dependent)
Best Value Pick

A 2015–2016 facelift 2.2 CRDi diesel, front-wheel drive, at roughly $13,000–$16,000 FOB is the sweet spot: modern styling and safety kit, the economical and torquey R-engine, and freshness that clears most generous age limits. It is the configuration SH GLOBAL recommends for the majority of Hyundai Maxcruz export from Korea buyers, with a 2017–2018 car worth the step up where an 8-year limit is tight.

Engine Options: 2.2 CRDi Diesel vs 3.3 V6 Petrol

The Maxcruz keeps the choice simple: one diesel that dominates export demand, and one V6 petrol for markets that prefer or require it.

2.2L R-Series CRDi Diesel (~200 hp / ~440 Nm)

The volume export engine and the reason most buyers choose a Maxcruz. It pulls a fully loaded 7-seater with ease, returns roughly 7–8 L/100km, and is cheap to run over the long distances common in Africa and Central Asia. The 2.2 R-engine is shared with the DM Santa Fe and the era's Kia Sorento, so workshops everywhere know it and parts are inexpensive.

3.3L Lambda V6 Petrol (~290 hp)

The smooth, powerful alternative — mainly built for export and Middle East markets where diesel is penalised, less available, or simply less preferred. It offers effortless performance and quiet running but drinks noticeably more fuel (around 11–13 L/100km), so it makes most sense in GCC-style markets with low petrol prices.

Maxcruz Engine Range at a Glance

3.3 V6 Petrol — Power~290 hp
~290 hp
2.2 CRDi Diesel — Power~200 hp
~200 hp
2.2 CRDi Diesel — Torque~440 Nm
Best Pulling Power
2.2 CRDi Diesel — Economy~7–8 L/100km
Best Economy
Pro Tip: Diesel for Distance, V6 for the Gulf

For most SH GLOBAL customers the 2.2 CRDi diesel is the smart buy — cheaper to feed, torquey when loaded, and easy to fix anywhere. Choose the 3.3 V6 petrol only where diesel is scarce or penalised and fuel is cheap, such as several Gulf markets. The diesel also holds resale value better in most export destinations.

Maxcruz vs Santa Fe vs Palisade vs Veracruz

The Maxcruz sits inside a family of Korean Hyundai 7-seaters that buyers often confuse. Here is how it lines up against its closest in-house relatives — see our detailed Santa Fe vs Palisade comparison for the two most cross-shopped models.

FeatureMaxcruz (DM LWB)Santa Fe (DM/TM)Palisade (LX2)Veracruz (EN)
ClassMid-size LWB 7-seatMid-size 5/7-seatFull-size 7/8-seatFull-size 7-seat (older)
Third rowUsable for adultsOccasional / kidsRoomiestUsable for adults
Signature engine2.2 CRDi, 3.3 V62.0/2.2 CRDi, 2.4/hybrid2.2 CRDi, 3.8 V63.0 CRDi, 3.8 V6
Typical FOB$9,500–$23,000$8,000–$28,000$22,000–$45,000$6,000–$13,000
Age of newest cars~2018Current model on saleCurrent model on sale~2015 (older)

Verdict: choose the Maxcruz when you want a true 7-seat diesel SUV at a mid-size price and your market allows a 2013–2018 car. Step up to the Palisade for the newest, roomiest full-size flagship, or take a standard Santa Fe if you rarely use the third row and want the latest model. The older Veracruz is the cheaper full-size alternative where age limits are relaxed. All four share Hyundai/Kia's deep SUV parts network.

Hyundai Maxcruz 7-seat long-wheelbase Santa Fe and other Hyundai SUVs available for export from Korea at SH GLOBAL

Age Restrictions: Where the Hyundai Maxcruz Qualifies

This is the key check for any Maxcruz buyer. As of 2026 the newest Maxcruz is a 2017–2018 car, so eligibility depends heavily on your market's age cap at first registration.

Caution: Confirm Your Age Limit First

A 2013–2018 Maxcruz will not clear strict 3–5-year markets (the GCC, Egypt). Late 2017–2018 cars sit right at the edge of 8-year markets like Kenya, so timing matters. Buying before you confirm eligibility is the most common — and costly — mistake. Read our Korean used car age restriction guide and verify with your local customs before you order.

Market TypeMaxcruz Eligible?Examples
No passenger age limitYes — ideal fitMuch of West & Central Africa, several trade channels
Generous limit (10–15 yr)YesMany African & Central Asian markets
8-year limitLate cars only (2017–2018)Kenya and similar East African rules
3–5-year limitNoGCC, Egypt

The takeaway: the Maxcruz is a strong fit for no-age-limit and generous-limit markets, and just qualifies in 8-year markets if you choose a final-year car. Where it does not fit, SH GLOBAL will steer you to a newer Santa Fe or Palisade instead.

Best Maxcruz Configurations by Export Region

Different markets have different needs. Here are SH GLOBAL's recommendations, based on our experience exporting to 50+ countries across three continents.

Africa (family, fleet & NGO markets)

  • Recommended: 2.2 CRDi diesel, 4WD for rough or rural routes, FWD for city fleets
  • Why: the diesel is economical over long distances and cheap to service; genuine 7 seats suit large families and staff transport; 4WD handles unpaved roads
  • FOB range: $10,000–$18,000
  • More detail: see our Africa export guide for port, duty and clearance notes

Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan)

  • Recommended: facelift or final-year 2.2 CRDi diesel, 4WD
  • Why: strong demand for a spacious diesel SUV that copes with winter and distance; Hyundai brand recognition and parts supply are excellent; confirm EAEU-side certification before ordering
  • FOB range: $13,000–$23,000
  • More detail: read our Central Asia export guide for tariff and certification notes

Middle East (Gulf & Levant)

  • Recommended: cleanest available car — 3.3 V6 petrol for the Gulf, 2.2 diesel for the Levant and diaspora trade
  • Why: LHD suits the whole region; the V6 fits cheap-petrol Gulf markets, while the diesel appeals where distances are long — but confirm each market's age rule, as the GCC excludes a car this old
  • FOB range: $11,000–$22,000
  • Age note: check eligibility before you commit; several GCC states cap age at 3–5 years

How to Buy a Used Hyundai Maxcruz from Korea

The Maxcruz follows the standard Korean used car export process. Through SH GLOBAL it runs in seven steps, explained fully in our step-by-step buying process guide.

Step 1: Browse & Select — search available Maxcruz units in SH GLOBAL's Hyundai inventory and filter by year, engine and drivetrain.

Step 2: Request Quotecontact SH GLOBAL for an FOB or CIF quote covering the car, inspection, transport and port handling.

Step 3: Inspection — SH GLOBAL conducts a 150-point inspection with HD photos and a video walkthrough. On a diesel SUV this is where value is won or lost — you review the condition report before committing.

Step 4: Payment — secure payment via international wire transfer (T/T). A 10–30% deposit holds the vehicle, with the balance due before shipping.

Step 5: Export Processing — SH GLOBAL handles all Korean-side paperwork: export declaration, de-registration, customs clearance and port delivery at Busan or Incheon.

Step 6: Shipping — choose Ro-Ro or container based on your destination and volume; a 7-seat SUV ships efficiently by Ro-Ro to most markets.

Step 7: Delivery & Customs — the vehicle arrives with the full document set — Bill of Lading (B/L), commercial invoice, export declaration and de-registration certificate — needed for clearance in your country.

Inspection & Common Issues to Check

The Hyundai Maxcruz is a durable SUV, but as a 2013–2018 diesel, condition is everything. SH GLOBAL's 150-point inspection covers all of the following:

  1. 2.2 CRDi diesel health — inspect the turbo, injectors, EGR and general smoke; well-maintained R-engines are strong, neglected ones are costly
  2. 6-speed automatic — confirm smooth shifts and check fluid condition; watch for any slipping under load with seven seats occupied
  3. 4WD system (if fitted) — verify the on-demand coupling engages cleanly with no noises or warning lights
  4. Suspension & bushings — a loaded long-wheelbase SUV works its rear suspension hard; check shocks, arms and bushings
  5. Air-conditioning (front and rear) — verify both zones blow cold, essential for Middle East and African markets and the third row
  6. History & mileage — cross-check the odometer against Korean records; verify accident grade and true condition before payment
SH GLOBAL Inspection Guarantee

Every inspection includes HD photos and a video walkthrough sent to the buyer before any payment commitment. If the vehicle condition differs from the report upon arrival, SH GLOBAL's pre-shipment guarantee covers the discrepancy. Our multilingual team (Arabic, English, Korean) is available to walk you through the report in detail — especially valuable on a diesel SUV like the Maxcruz.

Maxcruz Total Landed Cost: FOB to Your Port

Your FOB price is only part of the picture. To budget accurately for a Hyundai Maxcruz export from Korea, add ocean freight, marine insurance, and destination-side duties and clearance. The table below shows a worked example for a $14,000 FOB mid-life 2.2 diesel Maxcruz — figures are indicative and vary by port and current freight rates.

Cost ComponentEast Africa (Mombasa, Ro-Ro)Central Asia (via Poti/rail)
FOB (vehicle + Korean-side costs)$14,000$14,000
Ocean freight (Ro-Ro)$900–$1,500$1,600–$2,400
Marine insurance (~1.5%)~$220~$240
Estimated CIF~$15,300~$16,500
Destination duty/tax (varies)Country-specificCountry-specific

SH GLOBAL provides an all-inclusive CIF quote on request so you can compare like-for-like against local supply. Destination duty depends on your country's tariff, engine displacement and vehicle age — the Maxcruz's 2.2L diesel keeps displacement-based duty moderate, though the larger 3.3 V6 attracts higher engine-capacity charges in some markets. Our regional guides for Africa and Central Asia break down the duty structures country by country. According to KAMA (Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association), Hyundai remains Korea's largest passenger-vehicle exporter, which underpins the Maxcruz's deep used supply and parts availability; trade-flow data from KITA (Korea International Trade Association) and duty rules from the Korea Customs Service round out the picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a used Hyundai Maxcruz cost from Korea?
A used Hyundai Maxcruz exported from Korea ranges from about $9,500 to $23,000 FOB, depending on year, mileage and drivetrain. Early cars (2013–2014) start at $9,500–$14,000, mid-life cars (2015–2016) at $12,000–$17,500, and final years (2017–2018) at $15,500–$23,000. Four-wheel drive adds roughly $800–$1,800. SH GLOBAL sources directly from Korean auctions at 10–15% below typical dealer markups.
Is the Hyundai Maxcruz the same as the Grand Santa Fe?
Yes. The car badged Maxcruz in its home Korean market is the same long-wheelbase Santa Fe sold as the Grand Santa Fe in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and as the Santa Fe XL in North America. All are the stretched, 7-seat version of the third-generation (DM) Santa Fe built from 2013 to 2018. Korean-market Maxcruz units are what SH GLOBAL exports, so if you shop Korean stock for a Grand Santa Fe you will see Maxcruz listings for the same vehicle.
What engine does the Hyundai Maxcruz have?
The volume export Maxcruz uses Hyundai's 2.2L R-series CRDi turbo-diesel, producing around 200 hp and 440 Nm of torque with a 6-speed automatic. A 3.3L Lambda V6 petrol (around 290 hp) was also offered, mainly for export and Middle East markets. The 2.2 diesel is the export favourite for its strong pulling power, roughly 7–8 L/100km economy, and low running cost over long distances.
How is the Maxcruz different from the standard Santa Fe?
The Maxcruz is the long-wheelbase version of the same DM-generation Santa Fe. It is about 215 mm longer overall, with a stretched body behind the rear doors that delivers a genuinely usable third row for adults and a much larger cargo hold with all seven seats up. Mechanically the two share the 2.2 CRDi diesel and 6-speed automatic, so the Maxcruz gives you real 7-seat space without moving up to the pricier Palisade.
Is the Hyundai Maxcruz left-hand drive?
Yes. Korean-market Maxcruz units are built left-hand drive (LHD) from the factory, making them directly compatible with the Middle East, most of Africa, and all of Central Asia. This is a decisive advantage over right-hand-drive Japanese 7-seat SUVs, which need costly steering conversion for LHD markets.
Will a Hyundai Maxcruz meet my country's age restriction?
Often yes, but confirm the year. As of 2026 the newest Maxcruz is a 2017–2018 car, so late examples clear 8-year markets like Kenya only marginally and generous 10–15-year markets comfortably. Strict 3–5-year markets (the GCC, Egypt) exclude it. It fits best in no-age-limit and generous-limit markets across Africa, Central Asia and parts of the Middle East. Always confirm your country's rule before ordering — see our age restriction guide.
Are Hyundai Maxcruz spare parts easy to find?
Yes. The Maxcruz shares its 2.2 CRDi R-engine, 6-speed automatic and most running gear with the hugely common DM Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento of the same era, so parts are cheap and widely stocked across Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Service items are inexpensive, and independent workshops in most markets already know the platform, keeping running costs low for a 7-seat SUV.

Ready to Find Your Hyundai Maxcruz?

SH GLOBAL sources Korean 7-seat SUVs — including the Maxcruz (Grand Santa Fe / Santa Fe XL) — directly from Korean auctions. Browse Hyundai inventory, request a 150-point inspection report, or get a free CIF quote — our multilingual team responds within 24 hours.

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