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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  I will never purchase Hyundai again - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SecondaryGemini - June 25 - 12:43 pm

  I bought my 2001 Santa Fe used at a Toyota dealership, and within three weeks of purchase I had replaced almost 3000 worth of computer parts, as well as the spark plugs. The dealership was full of liars and crooks, but most importantly this car turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life. My transmission blew in late 2008 and cost me almost 4500 to fix, and I only fixed it because I still owe so much on the vehicle and the dealership did nothing to help me. As soon as I can get rid of this car, I will do so and I will never purchase another Hyundai again. Its a smooth ride and the seat is comfortable, but neither does me any good when the car almost never runs.

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  Overall Great Car but.... - 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Russ Chambers - April 7 - 8:21 pm

  I went from a 2011 Buick Enclave to the Santa Fe. Its the perfect size for us. I like the looks, comfort, overall performance and economy. Road noise somewhat greater and road comfort not up to the Enclave. However the real annoyance is the front passenger seat is not height adjustable , this is a real problem for my wife. In fact had she ridden in the car before leasing it, we would not have leased it. Ive ridden in the seat also and agree with her, its annoying and neither of us are short people. She sits on a cushion when we travel....cant understand the design not including height adjustment. The other shortfall is the nav. system....we loved the OnStar system in the Buick. This one is OK, but not nearly as user friendly as the OnStar.

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  Worst Car I ever owned!! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By raalex82 - April 5 - 5:39 pm

  When I purchased my 2002 Santa fe in 2006 I thought I had found a great deal. It had only 45k miles on it with one previous owner. The first couple years were great...then the problems began. At 80k my transmission was replaced. At about 100k everything started leaking from engine coolant to power steering fluid. Then to top it all off I was driving on the freeway 2 days after an oil change and my engine started knocking and I as I was trying to get over to pull off the road it began to smoke. When I popped the hood there was a small engine fire. Needless to say I needed a new engine, but opted to get rid of it. I had already spent close to $5,000 in repairs and was done.

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  Worst Ever...Horrible! - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SSK80 - February 6 - 2:23 pm

  I have had my Santa Fe for almost 3 years now...and have had NOTHING but problems with it!! I have had to replace/repair so many things its not funny. It has ranged from electrical issues in the engine (multiple), the cruise control had to be disabled at one point or the transmission got stuck in 1st...now its a power steering issue. I am dumping this thing as soon as humanly possible. Hyundai was NO help at all of course, non-transferrable warranty and all that.

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  Not Very Happy with the Santa Fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Robyn - December 29 - 10:00 am

  From Day one with this vehicle,I have had problems, the drive is horrible, the brakes already gave out, and the interior is falling apart

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  Clutch Failure - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Sheryl Gordon - December 21 - 10:00 am

  BEWARE!!! Clutch failed at 41,000 miles, 3 years of normal use. No towing of anything. Dealer where purchased out of business, new dealer not at all helpful. Charge was $160 to eyeball, another $500 if I wanted parts removed for inspection. Cannot buy aftermarket parts. Replacement parts $1,000, throw in another $1500 if new flywheel is needed. Cannot be resurfaced, dual mass. This dealer sees no problem with a $2,500 to $4,000 charge for fix. I DO!! If thinking about stick shift of any newer Hyundai vehicle in your "FUTURE" especially if in the East Bay of northern California, best to think again.

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  transmission failure at 9 years - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jasmine - May 22 - 11:49 pm

  transmission failed less than 10 year. Had to replace it for $3500. It has 130k mileage now, with a market value slightly higher than the cost. Hunydai custom service does not care.

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  Dont buy it - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ck - May 8 - 8:10 am

  Owned less than 1 year. Dealership closed so the cheap oil changes and factory warranty..kiss goodbye. Had 1 electrical prob. rt off. They fixed it. Then this week the engine light and ESC light came on. Called for a tow. They said theyll town to nearest dealer who is 2 hrs away. Called dealer to discuss issue and car rental. Mechanic there treated me like dumb female told me the lights did not mean much. So scared they would not cover costs I canceled tow. Then car died on BUSY hwy 2 days later suffering from same issue. Brand new car. Customer service stinks. Warranty not much better.Buy another make!!

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  Bad gas mileage - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Winter - April 15 - 7:46 am

  My driving experience is the SUV handles fine, the check engine light has been on since two weeks after purchase have never had time to take it in. Not a vehicle for commute the gas mileage sucks for this I go through over $100 a week in gas. It handles well in snow though I bought it for that very reason and I am thankful that works well.