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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  Brakes and caliber maintance - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By gf - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe I have to have the Calibers /brakes cleaned and lubricated every 12,000 miles or the brakes "burn up and Lock up" this is what the dealers said and it did happen to a friend of mine! Why arent customers told this before we buy? reliability? poor

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  Mobility Program - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Adrianne - November 21 - 7:43 pm

  I bought the truck so that my 82 year- old cancer-patient Mother could get in and out with ease. I like the truck okay, but I take issue with Hyundais Mobility Program, or rather, the lack thereof. All of the add-ons I needed to assist my Mother were considered "accessories" and Hyundai refuses to pay for them. I wasnt asking for anything extraordinary; a trailer hitch so I can use my wheelchair lift and running boards to steady her while she gets in. Neither one is covered. Smoke and Mirrors and absolutely no substance. Shame on Hyundai.

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  Very Pleased - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By David - April 24 - 6:43 pm

  We really like our Santa Fe. Its our "family car" in Colorado. It seemed to be bigger than the CRX or RAV but smaller than the Explorer and comparable models. Nice size then, not too big, not too small. Gas mileage not too bad at 19.5 overall, mostly in the city, in Colorado. AWD drives like a tank in the snow on original tires. Wont be changing to snow tires in the winter anymore, yippee. Very quiet, smooth ride. Not really a sporty ride, but works well for me, I was hoping for a smoother, cruiser feel in the family car. Great price for a pretty good looking car thats already got crumbs, shoe marks and general family use. We are very happy with the purchase.

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By HyundaiOwner - April 18 - 4:00 pm

  Pretty satisfied with the vehicle with the exception of the poor fuel mileage. Combined mileage below 19 most of the time. Barely over 19 on all highway trip.

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  The Begining - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By D - February 12 - 9:43 am

  I just purchased this (New) 2009 Hyundai, Santa Fe and thought I would rate it now, six months and then at the one year mark. I hope you will find it useful in selecting your next vehicle. I am not in any way associated with Hyundai, and no one in my family works for or has any association with Hyundai Inc. I know the site says don’t write about the purchasing, but that was one of the reasons why I selected this vehicle over its competitions. Its value and warrantee were huge draws. I actually selected my new SUV from the inventory online and set the price before I even went to the dealership. Even Taxes, Tags, Titling, Destination costs, everything! I said “I’ll pay this” they said "OK".

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  If it only had a more comfortable ride... - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By steelydan - December 1 - 8:35 pm

  This review applies only to the SE and Limted trims with the 18" wheels........NOT THE GLS trim with 16" wheels......BIG DIFFERENCE. My wife drives the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, good thing, because I would have traded in this rough riding bronco by now...... The engine is sweet, brakes good, interior is well thought out, exterior is good. The biggest and , unfortunately, most notable con is the HARSH ride over the many bumps and potholes on our crappy streets here in West Houston. The 18" wheels are a performance choice for the Santa Fe, as they are the wheels for the SE and Limited trims, not the base GLS trim. It is unfortunate that the BASE model Santa Fe is a more comfortable ride !!!

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  New Santa Fe Owner - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jpsphr - October 23 - 1:53 am

  Just let go of an Acura MDX at the end of a four year lease. Loved the MDX. So far, I have to say that the Santa Fe is a much cheaper but almost as satisfying vehicle. Its more the size of an RDX, but the features are similar to the MDX, the Santa Fe is QUIETER and the fuel economy is better. The Acura is quicker, handles a bit better and has a legitimate third row. When I showed the Hyundai off to some friends, they couldnt believe the quality of the fit and finish. Now, lets see if it is as satisfying after 4 years.

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  09 Santa Fe SE - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Randy Miller - October 23 - 1:16 pm

  One month in - No gripes. Reviews about lag in trans depend on how you drive. Easy driving - no lag, Hard accel - initial lag at downshift with quick recovery. Firm ride but smooth. Good features for $$. Concern about warranty - saw something about only good at dealership where purchased, but havent confirmed. Compared to Toyota, Honda, Kia, Nissan before purchase and felt Hyundai was "best value". Dealer wasnt eager to lower price due to demand caused by $4clunkers, but still managed to get below TMV price. So far - so good. Features are nice & easy to use. Good layout. Seat slightly firm, but OK on first 300 mile road trip. Seems to be good value for the money.

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  2009 Santa FE for a BIG Man - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dave S - August 3 - 3:53 pm

  I really like my Santa Fe however, I find the seat to not go back far enough. That said, the only vehicle that is comfortable for me is my Ford SuperDuty Truck. I stand 68". I do think they could have allowed the seat to go back just another 2". The vehicle is very well made and a joy to drive (except for my hurting knees). The mileage could be better. But I have found the odometer to be off by almost 10% LOW. Which means my mileage is probably 21 rather than the 19 shown on the computer. We only have 8K miles on it and there seems to be some clunking under the back end when going over rough road. Probably a loose shock. Havent taken it in yet to have the dealer look at it.

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  NOT RECOMMENDED - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By disappointed53 - June 13 - 5:41 am

  Ive had 2 santa fes, a 2007 and a 2009, both 2.7 v6 engines. the 2007 had numerous engine problems including breaking down on me 300 miles from home on a vacation trip; traded it in for an 09 and a year and a half later it developed a tapping sound in the engine and trying to get it serviced is like pulling teeth. this "rep" has to approve all engine replacement jobs but he apparently can check in whenever he feels like it. after numerous tries to get it fixed, including calling corporate office, my frustration made me trade it in for another brand..it is not worth the aggrevation.I will never buy a hyundai again...buyer beware!!!!!!