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 smallish SUV - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dax - June 12 - 9:40 am

  Hyundai has really stepped up the offering since the current models predecessor. In the Limited 2wd model there are many creature comforts including leather, dual temp control, pwr seats, rear DVD, front CD changer, moonroof and more. Outstanding fuel economy from an amply-powered V6. Lighting is excellent, making night driving easy and the ride is smooth. Oil changes every 7500 miles with synthetic oil as recommended by my dealer.

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  A Dream Vehicle - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By WhidbeyIslander - June 10 - 12:03 pm

  Our Santa Fe is, without doubt, the best vehicle we have ever owned. Until recently, when a dragging brake manifested itself, there was not so much as a rattle in the car. The Santa Fes handling is outstanding though the car is a bit underpowered. Service has been beyond excellent at Bellingham Hyundai. The longer we have the car, the more we like it. Fit and finish is superb. About the only improvement which Hyundai could make would be to increase the gas mileage.

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  I would recommend, - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By MMH - June 8 - 7:46 am

  I have had a great experience. Almost one year. Only trouble thus far cloth came away from driver side door handle, will be fixing. Also the esc light came on. Took it in to dealer was fixed right away, awesome service. There is no button or lever to "pop the trunk" even on key chain. Would love this when carrying a baby & bags in & out of car. Drives smooth, everyone who rides in car is always impressed. This is the best value after lots of research with other brands. Spend the extra money for the sante fe over the Tucson. Its worth it.

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  One of the Best!! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Brenda5204 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  One of the best Suvs out there. Everywhere I go people want to get up close and look. Very Impressed!!! Very comfortable and safe for my Kids.

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  The Most Underrated Crossover in the Segment - 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By AMS332 - June 7 - 6:11 am

  I believe this car is the best value, most overlooked, and totally underrated in the three row segment. It is smooth, quiet, has a nice V6 engine, the interior ergonomics are well thought out, and it is pretty solid to drive. The cargo space is extremely usable. I have owned Hondas, Acuras, and Volvos. This is by far my favorite car I have ever owned. There are really only a few things that I do not love about the car. The headlights are not very good, even with the HIDs from the factory. I upgraded to a better bulb which helped but sideward visibility could be better. I think they may have fixed this for 2017. I wish the transmission shifted a little quicker and crisper. Its a little to laxed for my taste but its not so frustrating that I hate the car. I wish the engine was tuned for a little more low end torque rather than high end horsepower. This would help with everyday fuel economy which is about average. Lastly I think visibility around the side mirrors and A pillars is sub par. Having driven Acuras and Hondas forever they really have that down. Otherwise the car is an exceptional value for the money and the recent 2017 refresh makes it even stronger. This car will be overlooked by many because its a Hyundai. I took a lot of grief from people for going from an Acura to a Hyundai. Then they ride in it and are blown away. It is truly 95% of the car for about 75% of the cost if you shop around. It really has changed my whole impression of Hyundai.

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  Two Years and Still Happy - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Laura - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Weve had this vehicle for almost two years now (48,000 KM) and still love it. It looks great and weve had zero service issues with it thus far. The only two small issues that we have with it would be the not-too-great gas mileage and a bizarre helicopter type sound in the car if one rear window is open when there are no others open - strange problem, but we quickly learned not to do that! We are still very happy with the vehicle and have since recommended it to others who have also bought a Santa Fe!

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  Santa Fe 3.3 AWD - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Phil C - May 29 - 11:30 am

  What a great SUV! Incredibly well thought-out, love the exterior and interior design. I test drove all the competition, and the Santa Fe offered everything and more, at a lower price! JD Powers ranks Hyundai just below Porsche and Lexus, this was a no-brainer decision.

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  Hyundai Rocks! - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Big Willie - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased for my wife,and she loves it.The ride is good, dependable, roomy and the interior and exterior design is good.I highly recommend this vehicle to my family and friends.We first looked at the Toyota Highlander.The price we would have paid for it compared to what we paid for the Sante Fe is probably 5k more.

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  Best SUV on the market - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By hgoins - May 26 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased my Santa Fe about 2 1/2 weeks ago and I do not regret it one bit. So far it as been fun to drive. I am getting about 20 to 21 mpg which is not bad for a small SUV. The interior is very comfortable- my kids love it. It has great storage in the back for all your kids sport equipment. The Exterior- the color (Midnight Blue) is beautiful it sparkles in the sunlight. Overall this is a nice car for the money. Also, note in Car and Drive it was rated one of the top SUVs- The Nissan Murano beat it only on speed (I believe) but it won everything else.

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  BEST SUVS I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By RJEFFERSON - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I OWN TWO 2001 SANTA FES THEY ARE THE BEST SUVS THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED HYUNDAI HAS IT MASTERED. I HAVE OWNED OVER 15 DIFFERENT SUVS THE SANTA FES ARE THE BEST