Overview & Reviews

Since the Santa Fe was redesigned recently, Hyundai's midsize crossover includes only minor changes for the 2009 model year. All Santa Fes now get standard iPod and USB inputs, plus upgraded stereos. Also, SE and Limited versions now get a towing prep package and roof rack cross rails as standard.

• Well-designed cabin, impressive standard safety features and crash-test scores, competitive price, great warranty, optional third-row seat.

• Excessively firm ride on SE and Limited models, lackluster automatic transmission, disappointing driving dynamics.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 88.00

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  Value for Money - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Sandeep - February 15 - 3:53 am

  It is certainly value for money. Very spacious in its segment. The exterior design is eye catching while the quality of ride is of high quality

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  many plusses one negative - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By pghbob - January 16 - 6:53 pm

  this is my fourth hyundai--sonata, azera, tucson and now the santa fe. Lots of bang for the buck. Safe feeling with loads of comfort. Leather seats--heated--wife loves them.

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  Santa Fe, gos to the mountains - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By blizzard - December 22 - 7:40 am

  A little under powered, slight hesitation entering the high way. for the most part Gas mileage is as posted on the window sticker a littler better on the highway. Fit and finish perfect. radio speakers very poor. Seats average at best for comfort.

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  Nice car with more bang for the buck - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By skipperl - December 18 - 1:46 pm

  Well, replaced my 2001 Ford explorer Sport and this thing rocks. It has so many features its ridiculous. A ton room and storage areas, extra 12vdc plugs in various locations, the stereo is great once the equalizer is tuned up, the USB port works great with a normal usb cable. Its quiet, fast and the ride is very smooth with the 3.3 L. The blue lights are just like my VW dash, nice. The interior is really upscale, very comfortable. The back seats have plenty of room and the recline with a nice little arm rest back there too. Rear cargo space is more than my Ford and the under mat storage in great to have. Sharp body design. You cant get a SUV for this $ with all these features.

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  BMW TO Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By George - October 21 - 3:00 pm

  I traded a BMW in 325I on this Hyundai / dollar for dollar/ i made the right choice being that i needed moor room / just changed to SYN oil this boosted the MPG to 26 HY/ put a drop in K&N ait filter, Drop in replacement of factory/ over all performance gained approx 15 HP/ with 26 + mpg with the kick down snap you want / and extra tow power /Rely like this Cross over / interior is well designed !

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  Great Value for an SUV - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jerseyan - July 29 - 11:02 pm

  I have the 2009 GLS 2.7L AWD. I went from a 4wd Silverado to the SUV with no regrets. My major construction days are done, and driving around paying a fortune for fuel with an empty truck bed 94% of the time seemed like a good reason to let it go. I wanted a new vehicle, without breaking the bank. I opted for the GLS vs. the upscale version not because of affordability, but it had all I needed, why pay more for the more expensive model? It came with the hands free Bluetooth and I added a trailer hitch for those occasional trips to the home centers. The roof racks and crossbars came with the vehicle, but if I had to purchase them, how often do you travel with items on the roof? The 3.3L engine to me wasn’t worth the added cost. The 2.7L has more than enough power, and with the AWD and autoshift, it is excellent in the snow. I have averaged on the highway anywhere from 18 to almost 24mpg. For a vehicle this size I feel it is pretty good. The newer models claim to get 28. Some reviews have said the cabin noise is loud with the windows down. I think most cars at 70mph with the windows down have a lot of cabin noise. Adding air deflectors / vent visors around the windows helps keep the air noise to a minimum when the windows are open. Financing all those add on items over time adds up. When you buy a vehicle you are paying a ton in interest for the mud flaps, fog lights, cargo cover, etc. being somewhat handy, I buy the aftermarket items as I can afford them, or get them on e-bay at a reduced price. As far as resale, after five years it’s a moot point after that, and if you plan on keeping a vehicle 7 to 10 years, who really cares about resale? At 26,000 miles, I have had no major problems, and have not been back to the dealer for any repairs. Changing the oil, filters, rotating tires at regular intervals for any vehicle, along with regular maintenance is key to longevity of any vehicle. If you’re looking for more power, heavy towing, or going from 0 to 60 in 30 seconds, this isn’t the vehicle for you. The Santa Fe is a great all around vehicle, quiet, comfortable, elegant and has plenty of storage, with the seats down it is more than adequate. It handles bad weather like a walk in the park. Hyundai is underrated, and is a very versatile all-around vehicle. This SUV is very capable of handling rough, gravel, dirt, muddy and off the beaten path roads. It will hold your camping gear, ski’s, golf clubs, kids, soccer gear, and is able to tow your ski doodles, motorcycles or trailerable items such as moving furniture for your kids. If you are looking to cross over 12” streams, boulders, tow a 40 foot Chris Craft, and drive across the Appalachian Trail, go purchase a Jeep or adequately equipped pickup. Or if you want to be gone in 60 seconds the minute the light changes green why are you looking at a Santa Fe?

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  Wonderful Vehicle but Fuel Mileage? - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JB63 - June 23 - 2:20 pm

  Bought the Santa Fe for its price, appearance an build and of today am very happy with all elements except for the fuel mileage. Small gas tank and far less than advertised mileage keeps you in the gas station way too much. Mileage in town has been 15.5- 16, and to date, the best I have been able to get highway driving has been 20.5 mpg! That is on remote two lanes at 60 MPH.

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  Super ride - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Shayne - June 11 - 1:10 am

  We bought this for my wife after looking at and driving many others. We looked at Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Forester. Both did not come close to the drive, features, and fit/finish the Hyundai had. We love the features on the Limited model and didnt need the nav or dvd packages. You might find other makes that have similar features but will probably be a lot higher in price. Awesome vehicle for the price!!

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  Lots of bang for the buck - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ddh - June 9 - 6:26 am

  Bought this car 3 weeks ago and have put 1700 miles on it. Ive been getting 26-27 mpg combined city/hwy mileage. The base V-6 is quiet & delivers spirited acceleration in town and when passing on the highway. The 6-speaker stereo sounds good; I really like the XM satellite radio, and the USB as I can put all my music on a tiny jump drive and dont have to clutter the car with CDs. Interior is comfortable, well- appointed, and build quality is as good as Honda, Toyota, etc. Handling & ride quality are excellent, & the stock tires seem to work well in all conditions.

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  Changed Opinion - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Kenny - April 8 - 9:53 am

  I was raised on Ford and Chevy. Naturally I was skeptical when looking at a Hyundai, but Im pleasantly surprised so far. We just bought it two days ago and so far Im happy. The price is awesome compared to other brands. It rode just like the Highlander we test drove before-hand. Plus it looks like a Lexus. WE looked at Ford Flex, Toytota Highlander, GMC Acadia, and the Mazda CX-9. This beat them all. I like the iPod interface and the blue interior lighting. All in all, Im happy with vehicle and hope it will last us a while and possibly become our daughters first car. These cars have come a long way from their days of disposable vehicles.