What Kind of Bulbs Are in the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe typically uses a mix of halogen, HID (on some trims), and LED bulbs, with most U.S.-spec models featuring H11 low beams and 9005 (HB3) high beams in the projector-style headlamp housings, plus 1157/2357-type bulbs in many rear and signal positions. Exact bulb types can vary by trim (SE, Limited, Ultimate) and by whether it’s the Santa Fe (3-row) or Santa Fe Sport (2-row), so owners should confirm using the VIN or a trusted parts catalog.

Understanding the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Lineup

The bulb types in a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe depend on the specific version of the vehicle and the trim level. In North America, Hyundai sold both the 2017 Santa Fe (three-row, sometimes called Santa Fe XL in other markets) and the 2017 Santa Fe Sport (two-row). While they share a family name and some common components, their lighting setups differ slightly, especially for headlamps and fog lights. Optional technology packages and “Ultimate” trims could add HID or LED elements that are absent from base models.

Front Exterior Bulbs

Headlights (Low Beam and High Beam)

The core lighting question for most owners concerns the headlight bulbs. Most 2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport models in the U.S. use separate bulbs for low and high beams, with halogen projectors standard and HID options available on higher trims. This section outlines the most common applications and the trim-based differences.

The following list details common front headlight bulb types fitted to many U.S. 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport models, broken down by typical configuration.

• Low Beam (halogen projector, most trims): H11
• High Beam (separate reflector/projector): 9005 (HB3)
• Optional HID Low Beam (Ultimate / Tech Package, some markets): D3S HID capsule (factory HID housing only; not interchangeable with H11)

In practice, many owners will find that their Santa Fe uses an H11 for low beams and 9005 for high beams, unless the vehicle is equipped from the factory with HID projectors, in which case a D3S capsule is typically used. It is essential not to mix halogen and HID parts across incompatible housings due to beam pattern, fitment, and legal concerns.

Front Turn Signals and Parking/Position Lights

Beyond the main headlamps, the Santa Fe uses standard incandescent bulbs for front turn signals and position/parking lights on most trims. Some higher trims may incorporate LED running lights or accent strips separate from these conventional bulbs. Knowing these specifications is helpful for replacing burned-out bulbs or upgrading to compatible LED retrofits.

The following list outlines typical front auxiliary bulb types used on many 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe configurations.

• Front turn signal: PY21W / 7440A (amber, varies by region and lamp design)
• Front parking/position light (within headlamp housing): W5W / 168 / 194-type wedge bulb (varies slightly by catalog)
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL), most trims: Often combined with low beam or high beam at reduced power; some trims have dedicated LED DRLs integrated into the headlamp or bumper (non-serviceable individual LED components)

Because DRLs and parking lights may be integrated differently by trim and market, owners should confirm the exact bulb base through the owner’s manual or a parts lookup for their VIN before ordering replacements or LED upgrades.

Fog Lights (if equipped)

Fog lights were not standard on all trims of the 2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport. Where fitted, they generally use a halogen bulb, though some trim levels and markets received styling updates or LED signatures around the fog light housings rather than full LED fog lamps.

The list below summarizes the most common fog light bulb types used in the 2017 Santa Fe lineup.

• Front fog light (halogen, common U.S. fitment): H11
• Front fog light (some non-U.S. markets / variants): H8 or H27/880-type (less common; check local spec)

In many cases, the fog lamps share the H11 bulb type with the low beams, simplifying stocking and replacement, but owners should still verify the part number stamped on the existing bulb or listed in their region-specific manual.

Rear Exterior Bulbs

Tail, Brake, and Turn Signal Lights

The rear of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe predominantly relies on traditional incandescent bulbs, although some trims integrate LED light bars or accent segments within the tail lamp cluster. The main serviceable bulbs, however, generally remain common dual- or single-filament lamps found across many vehicles.

The following list provides typical rear bulb types found in many 2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport models in the U.S. and similar markets.

• Tail/Brake (dual filament in shared bulb): 2357 or 1157 (P21/5W equivalent depending on catalog)
• Rear turn signal: 7440 (amber or clear with amber lens, depending on market)
• Rear side marker (if separate): W5W / 168 / 194-type wedge

Small variations exist between the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport lamp designs, but the general pattern—dual-filament tail/brake and single-filament turn signal bulbs—remains consistent, making replacements relatively straightforward if the correct base is identified.

Reverse (Backup) Lights and Rear Fog (if equipped)

Backup lights and rear fog lamps (where fitted) are separate bulbs in the rear cluster or lower bumper. North American models frequently lack rear fog lamps, while European and some other markets often include them with specific bulb types.

The list below outlines the common backup and rear fog bulb specifications.

• Reverse (backup) light: 921 (W16W–type wedge) in most U.S.-spec models
• Rear fog light (non-U.S. markets, if equipped): P21W / 1156-type single-filament bulb in a dedicated rear fog housing

Because rear fog lamps are highly market-dependent, owners outside North America should check their local version’s lamp cluster or manual, while U.S. owners can usually expect only the 921 backup lamp as a serviceable bulb in this area.

Interior Bulbs

Dome, Map, and Cargo Area Lighting

Inside the cabin, Hyundai uses a mix of festoon and wedge-type bulbs for dome, map, and cargo lights. These are common upgrade targets for owners who want brighter or whiter LED lighting, but sizing must match the original festoon length or wedge base to ensure proper fit.

The following list describes typical interior bulb types used in many 2017 Santa Fe (3-row) and Santa Fe Sport (2-row) models.

• Front map lights: 194 / W5W wedge bulbs
• Front dome/overhead light (if separate from map): Festoon bulb, commonly 31mm or 32mm (varies by supplier catalog)
• Rear dome/second-row overhead light: Festoon bulb, typically 31–32mm
• Cargo area / trunk light: 194 / W5W wedge or festoon (varies slightly between Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport)

Given that Hyundai and aftermarket catalogs sometimes list slightly different measurements for the same interior lamp, checking the original bulb’s length and base style before ordering LED replacements avoids compatibility problems.

Glove Box, Vanity Mirror, and Other Interior Lamps

Smaller interior convenience lights—such as those in the glove box or sun visor mirrors—also use standard miniature bulbs, which can often be replaced with low-power LED alternatives. However, they are sometimes more sensitive to polarity and housing space constraints.

The list below presents the typical small interior bulbs found in the 2017 Santa Fe range.

• Glove box light: 194 / W5W wedge bulb
• Sun visor vanity mirror lights: Small festoon bulbs, usually 28–31mm
• Center console / shifter illumination (if bulb-based): T5 or similar miniature wedge (some trims use integrated LED modules)

Because some of these small lamps are integrated into assemblies or use tiny bulbs not always listed clearly in generic catalogs, removing one and matching it visually at a parts counter—or consulting a Hyundai-specific bulb chart—can be the most reliable approach.

License Plate and Side Marker Bulbs

License Plate Lights

The license plate illumination on the 2017 Santa Fe is both a safety and legal requirement and is usually powered by a pair of small wedge bulbs. These are among the simplest bulbs to upgrade to LED, as long as a canbus-safe, low-glare option is chosen to avoid error messages or unwanted reflection.

The following list summarizes the common license plate bulb types used in most 2017 Santa Fe vehicles.

• License plate lights: 194 / W5W wedge bulbs (two bulbs in most models)

Because these bulbs are typically easy to access in the tailgate, many owners choose them as a first interior/exterior LED upgrade for a crisper look without significant risk of glare to other drivers.

Front and Rear Side Markers

Side marker lights improve the vehicle’s visibility from the side and are required in several markets. They often share the same small wedge bulbs as interior and license plate lights, though the color of the lens (amber or red) determines the visual output.

The list below details common side marker bulb applications.

• Front side marker (in headlamp or fender): 194 / W5W amber or clear bulb with amber lens
• Rear side marker (in tail lamp cluster, where separate): 194 / W5W bulb behind red lens

Since lens color rather than bulb coating often sets the final hue, owners should focus on the correct base and wattage, especially if replacing with LEDs, to maintain legal color output and adequate brightness.

Trim and Market Differences

Santa Fe vs. Santa Fe Sport

Though closely related, the 2017 Santa Fe (three-row) and Santa Fe Sport (two-row) can differ in lamp layout and trim availability. Headlamp housings, tail light styling, and fog light fitment can change the exact bulb part number while retaining the same general type (for example, H11 or 9005).

The list below highlights key factors that can alter bulb types between variants.

• Headlamp housing design: Different projector/reflector layouts and optional HID units can switch the low beam from H11 to D3S.
• Tail lamp styling: Distinct lens designs between Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport may alter whether certain bulbs are dual- or single-filament types.
• Fog lamp presence: Some trims omit fog lamps entirely, while higher trims include them with H11 or similar bulbs.

For these reasons, relying solely on a generic “2017 Santa Fe” listing can be misleading; cross-checking against a VIN-based parts database or the owner’s manual ensures accurate bulb selection.

HID and LED Options on Higher Trims

Top-tier trims like the “Limited Ultimate” (3-row) and “2.0T Ultimate” (Sport) in the U.S. could be equipped with HID low beams and more extensive LED accent lighting. While LEDs in these cases are often integrated modules, the HID capsules themselves are replaceable but must match the original specification.

The list below summarizes how higher trims may differ from base models in lighting technology.

• Low beam upgraded to HID: Uses D3S HID capsules instead of H11 halogen bulbs.
• LED DRLs and light bars: Integrated LED arrays within headlamp or tail lamp assemblies, typically non-serviceable at bulb level.
• Interior ambient lighting: Additional LED mood lighting elements that are part of trim pieces rather than standard bulb sockets.

Owners of these higher-spec vehicles should treat any lighting service as more specialized; attempting to retrofit halogen or aftermarket HID/LED units into incompatible housings can compromise safety, legality, and the vehicle’s electrical systems.

How to Confirm the Correct Bulb for Your Santa Fe

Checking the Owner’s Manual and VIN-Based Catalogs

Because Hyundai used multiple lighting configurations across trims and markets, the most reliable way to confirm bulb types is to cross-reference official documentation and parts databases. This approach reduces the risk of buying incompatible bulbs or damaging sensitive headlamp housings and connectors.

The list below outlines practical steps for ensuring you obtain the right bulb for a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe.

1. Consult the owner’s manual: Look for the “Bulb Replacement” or “Specifications” section, which usually lists bulb types by position.
2. Use the VIN at a dealer or online catalog: A Hyundai dealer or reputable parts website can decode your VIN and provide an exact bulb list for your build.
3. Inspect existing bulbs physically: Remove the old bulb and read the markings (e.g., H11, 9005, 2357, 921) on its base or metal shell.
4. Compare with aftermarket fitment guides: Use brand-specific bulb finder tools (Sylvania, Philips, etc.) to cross-verify, not as the sole reference.

By combining manual, VIN-based, and physical checks, owners can confidently select the correct lamps, whether replacing burned-out bulbs or upgrading to higher-quality halogen or compliant LED alternatives.

Summary

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe family generally uses H11 low beams and 9005 (HB3) high beams in halogen projector setups, with some higher trims upgrading to D3S HID low beams. Common rear bulbs include dual-filament 2357/1157 for tail/brake lights, 7440 for rear turn signals, and 921 for backup lamps, while many interior and accessory lights rely on 194/W5W wedge and 31–32mm festoon bulbs. Exact bulb specifications can vary by trim, headlamp design, and market, so the most reliable method is to confirm each position via the owner’s manual, a VIN-based parts lookup, or the markings on the existing bulb before purchasing replacements or upgrades.