Overview & Reviews

One of Hyundai's longest-running nameplates, the Santa Fe is a car-based crossover SUV aimed at buyers seeking the elevated ride height and useful cargo area of a traditional utility vehicle in an easy-to-drive package. Modern versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe are midsize with three rows of seating, quality cabin furnishings and user-friendly tech features. Whether you're shopping for a new or used Santa Fe, value is a big part of its appeal. The standard equipment list is generous, as is Hyundai's warranty coverage.

Earlier versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe range from compact to midsize in dimensions and have seating for five passengers. The 2007 and later models are a big step up in styling, performance and interior space, and they're worth considering if you're shopping for a used midsize crossover. Hyundai has since subdivided the Santa Fe line into two models: the two-row Santa Fe Sport and the three-row Santa Fe. The latter is more luxurious than its predecessors, offering premium styling and plenty of power.

User Reviews:

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  Transmission stinks - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By trussell - August 3 - 7:23 pm

  As it ruined my experience. There is no doubt it slips and hesitates between first and second gear. Hyundai will not do anything about it. This is definitely a problem that will come to haunt as more consumers experience it. Horrible gas mileage at 15 combined.

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  Worse car Ive ever owned - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tim G - March 22 - 4:39 pm

  So many problems I hope I can remember them all.At 33k miles I started having problems with the vehicle shutting off when trying to accelerate from a complete stop.Not a great problem to have when turning in front of oncoming traffic.After many days Hyundai finally found a pin loose under the dash and also a bad catalytic converter.At 45k the fuel level sensor went bad causing a inaccurate fuel gauge.At 49k a new stalling problem started.When slowing down all the engine and all electrical would shutdown forcing me to drift to the side of road and attempt to restart.That was the last straw in my Hyundai nightmare.I promptly traded the lemon in and couldnt be happier having something reliable now.Will never purchase a Hyundai ever again or suggest buying one to a friend or family member.

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  Hate This Vehicle - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Robin - March 22 - 3:33 am

  Purchased this vehicle new off the truck. Thought I was getting a good deal for the money, but have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. Had to put new tires on at 18,000 miles, along with new rear brakes. Hyundai would NOT even speak to us about it. "Wear Items". Now at 25000 miles it has been in the shop 4 times for throttle sensor issues. Actually had the dealer I purchased the vehicle from deem the car UNSAFE to drive out of their repair shop at 18,000 miles. RIDICULOUS. Never owned such a undependable vehicle. Will NEVER purchase another Hyundai. Currently getting ready to contact an attorney in regards to this terrible vehicle. SAVE YOUR MONEY!

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  Awful - 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Carrera - December 17 - 5:12 pm

  We recently purchased a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate and i am so very sorry. We do a lot of interstate driving and the wind noise is unbearable. It also gets pushed around even on a day that is not windy. The turbo is inadequate and spacey. The stereo is awful - all highs no lows.

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  I agree...transmission problems - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jd - September 8 - 7:36 pm

  This vehicle has the absolute worse transmission I have ever experienced. It is defective between 1st and 2nd gear. What makes this more aggravating is that the dealers "acts" like nothing is wrong when the mechanics clearly experience the problem. They "allege" all the codes check out but this transmission has a slippage problem. I think Hyundai is out to screw the consumer and knows about his problem but will not acknowledge it. I am hoping that the government investigates some of the transmission complaints. This is a horrible vehicle.

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  Bad Transmission - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By steph - May 12 - 7:23 am

  I agree with all the other posters as there is a definite problem with this transmission design. It does not function properly when cold. It is absolutely stupid that Hyundai would put a vehicle on the market with this transmission design. They knew this problem existed and stuck the fools (like me) who decided to purchase it. Never again. I will never buy another Hyundai. This is not a trustworthy company.

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  Buyer beware! - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dj - July 3 - 1:20 am

  I agree with previous posters, very bad transmission that definitely bogs and slips when cold. Hyundai has a horrible warranty service because they will always try to discount the problem. Poor quality. Gas mileage is about 20% lower than the sticker averages on the vehicle. Just another falsehood.

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  POOR PERFORMER - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Myhyundai - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle did not meet my expectations and had many expensive, time consuming mechanical difficulties.

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  BAD! - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By hvinroe_2006 - August 25 - 11:26 pm

  I cant help it this SUV suffers from just plain bad transmission! It makes the driving experience horrible and the dealerships make it worse. They are unwilling to recognize that this transmission slips and has problems. Go figure! Do not buy this until Hyundai is willing to replace this transmission with one that is effective on this powertrain.

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  DO NOT RECOMMEND - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Am - April 12 - 6:12 pm

  I have had this car for 2 years (first car Ive ever owned). About a month after I bought the car a vibration/shaking problem occured at about 15-20 mph. We have been to 7 different automotive places (including where we bought it from!!!) and NO ONE has been able to figure out the problem so Ive been stuck with the problem for about 2 years. Recently, (and Ive read other reviews about this) the fuel gauge is failing to tell me how much gas I actually have. Whenever I just had filled up at the gas station, the gauge stayed where I was before I had filled up. A new vibration/shaking has occured on the drivers side and only does it at certain points (weird, I know). However, I took it to walmart they said the left tire, it had been out of balance and it was fixed that day. The next day the same problem occured and I immediately took it somewhere I had gone before and of course when driving it they couldnt feel anything and the car didnt make any noise or feeling like it had been. They visually inspected it and found nothing wrong (I know that must sound crazy but I promise it REALLY happened). Selling this car ASAP. After reading these reviews, Im glad Im not the only one.