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:

• 

  I cant wait to trade in my Santa Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Shane - July 13 - 4:21 am

  I would not recommend buying this vehicle. The car has many leaks such as the power steering fluid and the A/C refrigerant. I constantly am buying more fluid for the car. Every summer I have to recharge the A/C. My headlights are faded and my car is slightly rusted. The seats arent very supportive. The dealer offers $816 to trade it in. The car does not get very good fuel economy. I hate my Santa Fe

• 

  Steering and Driving Disappointment - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By lrwilsonjr - July 5 - 12:57 am

  I purchased a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (2.0 T AWD) in March of 2013. I haven’t owned a Hyundai since 1988 and assumed the brand had improved. While in comparison to the 1988 Excel I owed, quality has made leaps and bounds, but this vehicle still falls short. The steering is erratic no matter what steering mode is chosen. Due to this, control of the vehicle, especially at high speeds, is a challenge. On roads with bumps, the vehicle seems to jump when hitting one. If turning a corner and a bump is hit, hold on tight…you may lose control of the vehicle. This is a safety concern experienced by many other 2013 Santa Fe owners and to date Hyundai corporate hasn’t addressed the issue.

• 

  hyundai is a fallacy - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By molly - May 7 - 9:13 pm

  Everything was ok for 3 yrs. At 4th yr mark, around 60,000 miles after your initial warranty kicks out, everything started falling apart. A timing belt $700.00. Lots of problems w/tires 1st yr owning car. Now in our 5th year, no more warranty, 71,000 miles & we are having Major problems. Was told it would cost $2800! Car is only worth $4000 - $5000 at this point. We have a 2007 sonata. Will never buy another Hyundai. They are not made when at all & that whole 100,000 warranty thing is a hoax. The car will not make it that far without costing you lots in repairs. We will buy a Toyota next time around.

• 

  Dont Buy It - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By kcsac1 - May 4 - 1:06 am

  Youll be tempted but DONT Buy It. Value is relative and warranty is only as good as the Company. And that isnt so good. Mine has been in the shop hals as long as I ave owned it. Poor residual value and high operation costs significantly reduce perceived value. Sucks gas like a Hummer, poor ride-handling, partly due to junk Bridgestone Dueler tires. Very severe torque steer. The whole car is a set of trade offs. A lot of features, but all very poor quality. I will trade soon and eat the loss but be done with it. Ill stick with Honda or Toyota, or even GM is better.

• 

  Cant Believe It - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By DC Lee - April 13 - 2:00 am

  After 8000 miles car broke down in bad weather. Roadside service very good for tow. After 2 trips to dealer and 11 days I finally got the car back. Needed a new engine module. Am fearful of breakdown now. Also had to have cloth seat rep[lace as it tore at the seems. Also do not like breaking feel. Wish i had bought ABS. This car will not get old with me

• 

  I dont get Hyundai... - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By heather - April 7 - 4:56 am

  ...for making a car with this kind of transmission. I liked the Santa Fe until the experiences I have had with the transmission. It does ruin the driving experience. And to make matters worse, Hyundai service tells me nothing is wrong with it when there clearly is a problem. No transmission shifts like this. It clearly is slipping and it definitely does not help the poor gas mileage figures that the car already has.

• 

  A regret customer - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dolphin39 - March 27 - 5:22 pm

  I am blaiming myself for buying a Hyundai vechnicle. Needless to say the bad transmission and poor mileage that a lot of customers having on this forum, my less than one year old 2010 Sante Fe refuse to start one night, and put me into a cold night waiting for more than 2 hours to have their 24 hr road side assitance to tow my car to a nearest dealship. On the way, the tow truck guy of CAA telling me that he had been faced the same problem lately and feel sorry for me to have a Hynduai with such a nonreliable quality and poor service. So my advice for everyone who intend to buy a Hyundai vechnicle: Look somewhere else and stay away of it!

• 

  New Santa Fe problems - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By rick - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Car ride is ok but tires are noisy. AC unit goes out on hot humid days, dealer says cant replicate. Breaks squealed when new, deal said couldnt replicate. Major problem with transmission, auto trans. slips down shifting and upshifting between 20- 40 mph, bringing in next week, hoping dealer doesnt say cant replicate. Would never buy another Hyundai, will sell this one soon.

• 

  More 2 come - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By upsetw/professionali - February 7 - 10:53 pm

  My wife and I purchased a 2010 Santa Fe from the Wayne auto mall on route 23 on June 17. Before leaving the dealership we realized the hood did not open and the driver door did not close correctly. My wife was very excited with the new purchase and wanted to bring it back in the morning to be what we thought a half hour adjustment, she waited for 2 hours to be told that we might need a loaner. Should a brand new car have these issues? How will the dealership handle their faulty product? Will let all know the outcome

• 

  No issues when driving in reverse - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By wbito - November 18 - 1:03 pm

  Always loved the look of the the Santa Fe so when the time came to purchase a new car it was at the top of my list. The added bonus of a top safety rating and comfortable interior sealed the deal. Two years later, after intermittent shifting issues that "could not be replicated" by my dealer, I now have a beautiful car that only moves forward reliably when in neutral — attached to the back of tow truck. Hoping that its current failure to move at all when in "drive" makes the situation a little easier for the dealership to figure out. Might be worth taking a peak at the transmission this time (?) So far, the only bright side is that Ive never had any issues when driving in reverse ;)