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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  Poor Workmanship - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By thand - July 24 - 12:05 pm

  I was thrilled with my Hyundai until the clear coat started peeling off the hatch door and the drivers side mirror as well as rusting on the drivers side mirror. The wiper arms are rusting as well and I have just over 60,000 miles on my car. To me this is lousy workmanship. most of the time my car was parked in a garage at work so was only in the elements for limited amount of time. I have never owned a car in which the clear coat peeled. My daughter who also has a Hyundai is having the same problem. I did some research and found out that even some of the 2012 models had the same problem. This is why I would never buy another Hyundai product.

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  Warranty issues - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By H Leal - May 25 - 10:03 am

  Nothing but warranty problems. The 1st was rust spots all over. It took over 6 months and 2 dealerships, warranty dept, regional DPSM, BBB. Now body side moulding fell off, they said not covered because it is 3/36000, but its 5/60000. Conference calls with dealer, warranty dept and DPSM still nothing done. Service and warranty mean nothing. I bought because of warranty and it is all a lie. Never buy another again.

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  Paint Peels - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By stewpop - April 23 - 11:21 pm

  We bought this 2009 Santa Fe based on consumer Reports ratings and the fact that we got over 200,000 miles on the last Hyundai Sonata. We have over 90,000 miles on this one and it has been a good value except for 2 major points. One, the accelerator stuck in the idle position, which is the default instead of unintended acceleration. The other is the paint peeled off the hood and the roof right above the windshield. Even though it was only 2.5 years old, since it had 50,000 miles on it warranty did not cover it. $1600 paint job. The money we saved by buying Hyundai we really did not save. You get what you pay for...

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  Little, nagging problems - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Melissa - April 12 - 2:30 pm

  I love the look and style of my Sante Fe, hate the poor mileage, and have had a series of different, nagging little problems (related to assembly/quality, affecting safety) that have it in the shop WAY too frequently for a new car that is supposed to rival Honda/Toyota quality! The biggest issue is that the turn signal switch stopped working reliably after about 4 months, and the dealer has not yet been able to fix the problem after 3 tries/3 months - its very dangerous to suddenly find onself unable to signal a turn/lane change, particularly in poor weather! Also, seat belt tensioners in the second row were not installed properly, and did not work at all. Fun to drive, when its working!

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  Multiple Problems - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Lauren81M - January 23 - 9:20 pm

  The second day I had it I took it on a long trip to Florida and the AC froze up after 2 hours. I got no support from the dealer of course. Ive replaced compressor, checked for leaks, replaced sensors...nothing works, cant take it on trips longer than 2 hours when I need AC. Also have had to replace O2 sensor 3 times. Was in shop for almost 3 months straight when I first bought it. Warranty is not transferable if bought used. Would never buy one ever again.

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  Not a fan of it - 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By henryh_ - July 21 - 6:57 pm

  I drove one of these as a rental car for 3 weeks while my Volkswagen GTI was being repaired from an accident. I should qualify my review by saying that Im a small car guy and generally do not like SUVs. This is what was available for me to rent. Theres wasnt anything remarkably bad about the Santa Fe. It just didnt impress me or have any features that stood out. Im not sure why anyone would pick this over the Tucson, which is smaller, less expensive, and has better styling inside and out.

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  Use Caution - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Could be better - January 16 - 7:00 pm

  My Santa Fe has 72K miles. It has been in the shop too many times to mention for poor performance, sputtering, and no aceleration. Dealer could not fix. Went to a friend - winds up dealer put the wrong cheap spark plugs and wires on. My car had only been serviced by the dealer, and never replaced plugs or wires. No one can explain. Also crank sensor went on fast lane of freeway. Have to replace battery at least once a year. Backtail lights consistently go out but they can not find the issue causing it. Also had to replace console and speakers several times. Paint is completely fading. 100K warranty? Whats actually covered for 100K?