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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  2009 Santa Fe SE - Easy on the Pedal - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Atlanta SE - May 4 - 5:53 pm

  We were able to acquire a new 2009 SE, and got it for a reasonable price given the need of the dealership to be rid of their 09 models, with 2011 models just around the corner. We initially drove the GLS with 2.7V6/4speed auto. We upsized to the 3.3V6/5speed both for passing power and a smoother transmission (abrupt shifting seemed to be a complaint for 4-speed). Yes, the reviews are correct in that the fuel economy is not great, but it all depends on how you drive. We have only had the car for 400 miles, but with a light foot, I averaged around 24.5 mpg with mixed driving. If you are prone to punching it at red lights and going 80 mph on the interstate, you will not be MPG happy.

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  Best Small SUV - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mason702 - May 4 - 1:46 pm

  All people that want to get a great SUV and dont care about brand of care... this is the car for you. When I drive this car, I feel very comfortable. Because that car has stability control you can take a 50 degree turn at 40 mph.

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  POOR PERFORMER - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Myhyundai - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle did not meet my expectations and had many expensive, time consuming mechanical difficulties.

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  Santa Fe - excellent - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By David Sullivan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Santa Fe for 7 months now with about 13K on it. Just an excellent SUV. Ride is great - room for 4 big guys and golf bags. I folded the seats and put 30 bags of bark mulch in it. The ride did not suffer at all. The radio/cd/tape player is very good - I changed the speakers and that is all you needto do for great sound. It is quiet and draws a lot of complements at the mall parking lots. Finish is very good - heater is excellent, auto temp control works very good - many 90+ degree days this summer. heated seats, and mirrors. Just an overall great SUV - oh! the AWD through 18 inchs of snow - no problem at all.

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  SantaFe Review - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By CharlieB - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with both the LX AWD and the dealer to date. I have 10,000 miles logged in 4 months. Fuel comsumption as advertised, about 20-21 MPG mixed driving. Had minor problem with dealer installed trailer wiring that was corrected. Its tough to pass on the warranty that is now been extended to 120,000 miles on the power train on some vehicles. So far, nor complaints.

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  Good, small SUV - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By TerpFan - April 26 - 3:20 pm

  Maybe the biggest of the small SUVs. Roomy but easy to manuver. Plenty of room with the back seat folded down for carrying cargo.

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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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  So Far So Good - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By The Hud - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Have only had for two weeks, but so far I love my Santa Fe GLS (V6/4WD). As others reviewers have noted it could use a bit more get up and go, and a bit better gas mileage (Ive filled twice and am in the 20/21 MPG range). Other than that I love this SUV. Mine came with side running boards installed. Kinda sets it apart from others Ive seen. Great sound system - 6 speaker Monsoon Stereo with CD and Cassette. Well thought out interior with loads of pockets and storage bins. Nice touch in cargo area with the storage pockets back there. Have gotten lots of looks and had several "wow, thats nice" comments.

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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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  Santa Fe - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mike - April 14 - 7:16 pm

  I just traded in the Elantra for the Santa Fe and I love it. Great in bad weather.