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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  Best SUV in lower price range - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tom - June 5 - 12:23 am

  This is definitely the best SUV that I can find for under 20K. The build quality is superb. I got 26 Mpg on high way. I really do not understand why some reviewers are complaining about fuel efficiency. At least I am very satisfied with 26 MPG. City MPG measure is not reliable. The control and handling is excellent, and the suspension is just right, stiffer than my Camry, which has a really soft suspension, but softer than CRV and Mazda. Cruise is comfortable.

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  Yes.....to......Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SunnyAz - June 1 - 1:23 pm

  What a great suv, very happy with all the features and Im getting 19.6 mpg in the city, (flat ground) I think the poor mpg from others must be driving up hill to and from work??Great pick up and go, easy to get in and out of, great view out the window and high up to see over trafic, doesnt sway around corners, hugs the road.5 air bags, 4 wheel disk brakes,abs, traction control,tire pressure monitor system,stability control,automatic rear view mirror night diming, stearing wheel controls for sterio and cruise control, the dash layout with the blue lights,18" wheels, ,the warrenty,the new body style looks better than the Lexus.And I tested the Rav4 and the new CR-V..Hyundia beats them all.

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  Incredibly Expensive to Maintain - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tmp0529 - June 1 - 12:03 pm

  This is a car that you should avoid. Every 30,000 miles you are required to get the scheduled maintenance to keep your 100K warranty. That maintenance takes two days and $1500. Top that off with problems with the radio, compass and electric windows and a transmission that wants to surge from a stop and you have a car that is a waste of money. I almost forgot the horrible gas mileage. My 97 GMC Yukon with a V8 got better gas mileage than this lighter SUV with a V6.

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  Not Impressed! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jime - May 29 - 2:00 am

  My significant other bought this vehicle. I can not drive it! The steering is stiff and hard to handle... seems like it has no power steering... I need that. I get back aches from the seats... seems like there is no lateral support for my back and bottom, as I slide side to side in the seats, and my back side is not small...

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  A Great Deal - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Gabby123 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle by researching it on the internet. I didnt know a Hyundai from a Yugo. After comparing every small to midsized SUV on the market I surmised that this one presented the best value. It has performed flawlessly. People come up to me all the time in parking lots and whatnot and ask me what kind of vehicle it is. It looks like a Lexus SUV, but 15 grand less.

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  1+ Year Report - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By RBENTRIDER - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Santa Fe about 15 months ago for my wife. We considered just about everything including the Lexus RX300 and decided this was the best value. So far we havent been disappointed. In 18,000 miles there has been only one mechanical failure and that was a crankshaft sensor. Two weeks later Hyundai issued a recall on crankshft sensors so it must be a common problem.

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  My Last Hyundai - 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By fernellav - May 25 - 8:17 am

  Bought a 2011 on 01/15/2011 started experiencing transmission prob late 2011, Jan 2012 vehicle no longer wants to go into park or reverse need to turn off and turn on. only driver and 8000 miles. Customer service is non-existent everyone bouncing me around cannot provide me with a loaner to get around my sales rep tells me he is no mechanic the dealer where bought sends me to another dealer really? I traded it and got me an escape trust this works better at least I know their customer service is way better having had a ford before

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  2002 Santa Fe - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By stingray - May 22 - 10:00 am

  We have only had it a week but no problems. It is solid, sound, quite and very comfortable. It could have more power but we have another vehicle for that. My wife uses it to got to school and we live on a mountain with a very curvy road. The shifttronic transmissoin is terrific. We have the wood grain option, it really looks and feesl great. It is just the roight size for my wife, but we will be driving it more than our other car or truck.

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  Best Little SUV in Florida - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By doninfla - May 22 - 10:00 am

  After looking at all the SUVs in this class the Santa Fe was by far the best looking and after test driving mine I took it home that night. Everyone that I have shown it to are impressed not only with the looks and ride but with how slidly it is built. I love to show everyone just well the doors and hatch shut with a sound and feel of a Lexus or other top of the line SUVs.

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  Safety first - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JASmith - May 22 - 6:13 am

  Bought it for the safety features, especially ESC. Limited was the first one to the dealership, so I bought it. Love the luxury features. Did not get 3rd row seats, did not want them. Extra storage is important. Gas mileage is not great yet, hope it will improve with miles run.