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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  NEVER AGAIN!!! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By robnvic - November 28 - 10:00 am

  We havent had this vehicle for very long and we have had to bring it to the shop 3 times for mechanical problems. This is by far the worst vehicle we have ever owned, and my family used to own a Ford L.T.D. The center console has broken on us twice, both sun visors had to be replaced, and the mirror fell off. Wed have been better off buying a used Yugo. At least we would have known what to expect. No wonder the C.E.O. jumped to his death from twelve stories.

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  Hyundai doesnt honor its warranty - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By theiowan - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I just found out that Hyundais "best warranty in America" is bogus. They claim a faulty power window is an "adjustment item". The fact is it is not functional because of faulty design.

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  Would not recommend - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By smurphy - August 8 - 4:06 am

  I never drove a car that was such a lousy performer. The gas mileage and the power train leaves alot to be desired. While the interior is nice and the appearance is nice, I was completely disappointed in the transmission, engine and gas mileage.

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  very unhappy with dealer and hyundai customer service - 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By drobbins - June 17 - 1:35 pm

  Lets just get right to it. A terriable metal noise in the back door.Dealer claims this is normal .to me and everyone else sounds like a pop weld somewhere between panels. how about a terriable squeaking noise in my driver seat sounds like a broken bed spring. Dealer claims this is normal. And how about a loud humming noise from the stereo system. Again dealer said this is normal. And how about help from Hyundai customer service. NO WAY DEALER CLAIMS CAR UP TO SPECS WE VALUE WHAT ARE DEALER TELLS US??. What a shame i only have 2300 miles it could of been a good value for the money. I guess I will look and trade my car in. my loss and my gain into a quantiy car this time like Honda.

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  Incredibly Expensive to Maintain - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tmp0529 - June 1 - 12:03 pm

  This is a car that you should avoid. Every 30,000 miles you are required to get the scheduled maintenance to keep your 100K warranty. That maintenance takes two days and $1500. Top that off with problems with the radio, compass and electric windows and a transmission that wants to surge from a stop and you have a car that is a waste of money. I almost forgot the horrible gas mileage. My 97 GMC Yukon with a V8 got better gas mileage than this lighter SUV with a V6.

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  An opinion - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tee - February 21 - 1:20 pm

  Less than 12,000 miles and the valves are rattling unless I run premium gasoline. Gas mileage is about what they say as long as I run premium. Otherwise, gas mileage is about 25% less than they claim. Interior rattles coming from who knows where, but very irritating. Brakes are squeaking as if I need brake pads already -- surely not, but gotta have it checked out.

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  Lemon Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By DebbieK - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My Santa Fe is 5 months old. It has broken down 5 times. I would never buy another Hyundai again. The customer service has been the worst I have ever dealt with. My brand new car keeps breaking down & they act like Im bothering them by wanting it fixed.

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  I Trusted the reviews - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By rRobert W. Grant - January 15 - 5:43 pm

  My 2009 Santa Fe had a major engine failure after 10 days (400K). The repair took 5 days. My request for a replacement vehicle was declined even though I was led to believe that this would be the case. In the meantime, one tail-light has water in it, the driver door vibrates and clicks, the fuel consumption is now 17 litres per 100K and the seats are terrible.

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  What was I thinking - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dissapointed - October 11 - 9:56 pm

  So, I purchased this vehicle about 1 1/2 years ago. I tell you what you need that 100,000 mi warrenty. Everything that goes wrong is time consuming. I was sucked in by the cheap price as most people are. Well I have now come to realize that you get what you pay for with Hyundai. Everything in the car is plastic, it all snaps and hooks together. It is not a quiet drive by any means. The gas tank is too small. It tows my snowmobiles but not with out some effort. You cant make it a 3 hour trip with anything in tow without a stop for gas again. Keep in mind that this car is worth nothing in 1-2 years time -- you cant get rid of it. No dealership wants it. You will be buried in negative equity.

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  Let me down.... - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By captain_jag - June 25 - 9:31 am

  ... at the worst possible time... in the worst possible way. I chose this car mainly on Hyundais good reputation and was convinced it would be durable. These are important things when choosing a used vehicle. 5 months and 6K miles in, the transmission went and cost me 3.5K to fix. Not what I had in mind when I spent $11,5K on it! Ive had good ownership experience of VWs, Toyotas and Hondas in the past and while you have to maintain and keep up, none of them let me down, so the Hyundai is on its own. If youre considering it as an alternative to a CRV/RAV4/ Highlander/Pilot/Forester dont, this car cannot pretend to be anywhere near of these. If you really must pay $2K for a dealer warranty