2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.05/5 Average
101 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe gets two new engines and six-speed transmissions that deliver both better performance and improved fuel economy. There are minor exterior styling revisions, including new taillights and grille. Inside, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a USB audio input jack are now standard on all models. The side curtain airbags now incorporate a rollover sensor. Finally, the third-row seat option has been dropped.

Pros:
  • Attractive interior, top-notch crash test scores, lots of features at an agreeable price, great warranty.
Cons:
  • Ride quality on SE and Limited models may be too firm for some buyers.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 101.00
  • A really nice vehicle - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    Had this vehicle for a year now, and I really like it. Mileage could be a little better, and one annoyance is that it does not have an outside-temperature gauge. Very nice ride, particularly on the highway, lots of usable interior room, and it handles well. Brake feel is a little soft. Did have a problem with the splines on the intermediate shaft to the transmission shearing at 20,000 km, but was fixed under warranty. Our dealer treated us well, and we have since leased a 2011 Elantra from them.

  • Good buy - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    The Santa Fe is a very pleasant SUV. After owning a Honda Pilot for 3 years, I found the SF to be a worthwhile transport. It does ride more like a real SUV as where the Pilot was more like a car. I believe the 18" tires have a lot to do with this. The ffit and finish of the SF is now up to Honda standards in every way and at a much fairer price($4-5K saved). I do find the ride is much better than my 09 Sonata which I traded in( it had a noisy suspension). My only complaint is the driver seat is hard to adjust to my liking though not terrible in its feel. I have to be picky to say this as the SF is a joy to drive and with the 6 engine has great road power. Believe me, try it!

  • Love it! - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    Just bought the Santa Fe and I love it! It was down to this or the CRV. I have owned Hondas for the last 25 yrs. Hyundai won! Much more luxurious feel. Drives like it is floating and excellent value!

  • 4 Cyl Santa Fe - 90 day Review - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    We purchased a 4 cyl. FWD Santa Fe Ltd in late March and waited to drive it awhile before posting a review. We were looking for a mid-sized SUV to drive north each summer with kayaks and bikes. The SF had more room and comfort than the CR-V or RAV-4 for about the same price. This is our first Hyundai. This Santa Fe model is a very comfortable car with adequate acceleration but does require the driver to plan ahead a bit when passing or pulling out into traffic. Mileage in small town/rural driving has been in the mid-20s so far. We are still concerned about what we have heard are owner experiences with the warranty - but so far we are very pleased with our purchase.

  • Good compromise - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    There is nothing exceptional about the Santa Fe, however it looks nice, accelerates briskly, has a great warranty and gets decent fuel economy. The interior is mediocre but functional. The seats are comfortable and the ride quality is acceptable. Heated cloth seats on the SE are a bonus. Over the initial 3187 miles, I averaged 21.53 mpg with about 50% highway driving. Prior to purchasing, we test drove the Pilot, Highlander, RAV4, Murano and Forester. The Pilot and Highlander were more desirable-- but would have cost several thousand dollars extra with similar options. After the incentives, we paid $24,000 for the V-6 SE and feel like it was by far the superior value.

  • Bad Transmissions - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    I am extremely disappointed in my Santa Fe. I purchased this vehicle due to there popularity. I immediately noticed that the transmission was slipping and making a loud banging noise when shifting from 1st to 2nd and so forth. I have since found out that this is a huge problem with the new Santa Fe and Hyundai is doing nothing about it as far as a recall. New transmissions are replaced with ones with the same problems. The Santa Fe must need a complete trans redesign. Just Google Hyundai Transmission Problems.

  • Better Than 2008 SF - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    This replaced our 08 due to a defective engine. Interior is more upscale now, and seats look much nicer but they need to be firmer for taking turns. The 3.5l V-6 is ridiculously powerful for the FWD model. Torque steer is actually dangerous during full throttle operation in 1st gear. Grab the wheel with both hands or youll be in the ditch! Its great once you get used to it, though. Left foot placement is a bit awkward for the driver. I wish the sunroof didnt require the only and very expensive upgrade package. I dont need a nav system. I live on an island so Im not going to get lost. 3rd row seating is also gone. Overall very satisfied and great build quality so far.

  • Jury is out - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    I have owned my Santa Fe since 5/10 and have 15k on it since then Im happy to say that ive not experienced any of the transmission problems others have. I do have a service appointment next week to fix a problem with the rear door locks, they stopped working when using the key fob. Im a bit unhappy with all the doors and door hardware on this vehicle in regards to quality and am unsure how it will hold up over time (not optimistic). Other than that Im happy with the driving experience and mpg.

  • 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AW - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    This is my Wife and I first SUV and so far we are loving it. We look at some of the other smaller SUVs and the Hyundai won us over. The engine is a bit underpowered and has a little lag from the start compare to other SUVs in this class but the trade off for better gas mileage may make it seem right. The ride is firm but not overly harsh and the steering is precise with very little under or over steer. The sound system could use some work the speakers lack range and depth. Overall we are happy and cant wait for our first long trip.

  • Not happy with service and Hyundai - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
    By -

    I bought this car and am not happy with the car primarily bc. Hyundai refuses to address my problems with the Air Conditioner. It has a vinegar like smell and the several dealerships refuse to admit that there is a problem. I have owned several Hondas and foreign cars and never before have I met a manufacturer that wont admit to a manufacturing defect. Hyundai has an attitude of superiority starting from the sales department and heading down to the service arena. They dont know how to take care of their customers and treat them with respect and dignity; instead they make you feel as though you are imagining the problem. I will never buy another Hyundai due to lack of integrity!

Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews By Year:
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