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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  Great Value - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By TXSF - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I have 3500 miles on my 2003 Santa Fe and am very pleased with it. It is an excellent value, and has very good build quality. No problems so far. The SF has a great ride, great visibility, and the engine is acceptably powerful, although not overly so. I have never needed more power than the engine delivers. The SF is also quieter than some of its Japanese competitors. Its even quieter than my 2000 Honda Accord 4 cyl.

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  Bigger and better but rides rougher - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By loveourhyundai - June 23 - 5:33 pm

  I recently purchased a used 2007 Santa Fe GLS. Im impressed by the improvements over my 2002 Santa Fe GLS, except in one area: the ride is rougher. I can feel every little bump and pothole. Im not happy with the Bridgestone Dueler HT 684II tires on this vehicle. They are noisier than the BFG Long Trails on my 2002, and ride rougher. Hyundai should have road tested the 2007 with these OEM tires on New Englands challenging road surfaces.

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  Best Value on the market - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Cant Beat it - June 22 - 2:50 pm

  Cant be beat for the money...as quiet and tight as my 4Runner. Daughter has a 3 year old Elantra and loves it. Looks like we will love this one too. Runs great, great warranty and all the niceitys at a great price. Hyundai has a winner.

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  Great Overall Vehicle! - 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By BoboSmith - June 20 - 4:00 pm

  I think the vehicle is great in almost every respect. The only problems are gas milage and the initial quickness off the line for this type of vehicle. If you like to launch off the line when the light turns green, you know what I mean. The midrange acceleration is quite good though. It is great for passing on the freeway etc. Overall, this baby has a lot more pep than I expected from a V6. It handles like a car and yet it has pretty good ground clearance for taking camping trips. This is also where the roof rack comes in handy. God for your tents, chairs, sleeping bags, etc.

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  Our little Osage - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Bill W - June 19 - 9:46 pm

  We have found that our Santa Fe performance to this point has been excellent. We have made a couple of road trips and it is very comfortable. I am over six foot tall and had problems getting in or out of the Honda CR-7 and the Toyota Rav-4, that is one reason we selected the Santa Fe. Another reason we selected it is for the safety and warranty it provides. .

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  No Problems with My Santa Fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Stephen Gons - June 18 - 4:50 am

  I bought my Hyundai new as my first car and other than routine oil changes and 30 and 60,000 mile services....I have had no problems at all. It runs great and drives well in all types of weather conditions. I would love to get a newer one, I love the new body style better.

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  08 Santa Fe SE FWD joins the family - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By wamba2000 - June 16 - 3:13 am

  Just added the SF to our group of cars. We have had an 06 Azera for 1.5 years and it has been a trouble-free and enjoyable car to drive. When adding a vehicle due to a teen driver coming of age, I passed my 04 Element to the kid and was looking for the right blend of space, comfort, performance and value. I drove the Rogue, Murano, Pilot, Sequoia, Sportage, Tucson and Veracruz. The Santa Fe offered me the best combination for the qualities I wanted. The SE is very well put together, quiet, roomy and my first tank of spirited suburban driving returned 20mpg...surprised for sure at that. Hyundai has gotten the build and materials issues handled. Well watch durability over time.

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  Transmissions.. a re-occuring theme? - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By zoeykids - June 14 - 10:34 pm

  After repeatedly complaining about the jerking shift on our 2010 SF, the dealership finally replaced the transmission. The replacement was okay for a while, but it seemed as soon as the cooler weather hit, we started having a new problem. Now the vehicle seems to shift "down" when coasting in lower gears. Now the downshift is accentuated by "missing", causing the engine to red-line when attempting to overtake another vehicle attempting 15kpm speed increase. Waiting to hear ... again ... how Hyundai will be resolving this. The SF has 45K on it. Our previous vehicles had 250+km and 350+km on original drive trains. This is not what I was looking for in a new vehicle.

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  Hyundai - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Nancy Marsh - June 14 - 12:16 pm

  we love to take long trips in my Hyundai Santa Fa

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  A Long Look - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Libbo1 - June 13 - 7:33 am

  This is my Wifes car, She was looking for fun to drive yet large enough for 4.. We look at the Santa Fe, Rav4, Murano, X-Terra, Nitro, Sportage, and the CR-V... We learned that a 4 banger was out after the Rav4(there 6 is really nice though) but the CR-V was a nice feel and had get up and go.. The Murano cost is way overboard for what options you can get.. The Sportage and the X-Terra was sporty but was to much like a truck ride.. The Santa Fe was perfect for her and me... Classy look, Fun to drive and afforable.. Wounderful Warranty