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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  Hyundai Santa Fe - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jim Bourg - August 3 - 9:03 pm

  Has given me every thing promised and then some. Has been trouble free. Will consider another when the time comes.

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  Check out for better fuel economy - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By zonthemon - August 3 - 5:20 pm

  I have the base model with a manual trans. I think you get excellent value for the money. I get many comments on the styling and looks. As for the fuel economy I have found a pretty decent (15%+)increase when I have the Electronic Stability control (ESC) turned OFF.

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  2009 Santa FE for a BIG Man - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dave S - August 3 - 3:53 pm

  I really like my Santa Fe however, I find the seat to not go back far enough. That said, the only vehicle that is comfortable for me is my Ford SuperDuty Truck. I stand 68". I do think they could have allowed the seat to go back just another 2". The vehicle is very well made and a joy to drive (except for my hurting knees). The mileage could be better. But I have found the odometer to be off by almost 10% LOW. Which means my mileage is probably 21 rather than the 19 shown on the computer. We only have 8K miles on it and there seems to be some clunking under the back end when going over rough road. Probably a loose shock. Havent taken it in yet to have the dealer look at it.

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  Lived to tell about it!!! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jana - August 3 - 3:16 pm

  Recently my daughter and I were in an accident with my 2004 Santa Fe which I was the driver my daughter the passenger. 3 vehicles were involved all of which were totaled off. The driver of the vehicle which hit us lost control and landed on my Santa Fe and rolled off, literally tearing open the drivers side and pushing us into another vehicle which stopped us from rolling into traffic.The accident reconstruction police team visited us at the hospital at which time they told us that had we been in any other vehicle the chances of the accident being fatal would have been much higher as the Santa Fe is designed to crumble around us in an accident and has the best accident ratings.Thank you Hyundai!

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  2006 Santa Fe - 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Devin - August 1 - 9:16 am

  Great car, have owned a 2002 Santa Fe and it has virtually no mechanical problems. Everything has held up and the gas milage has been affordable with 19 city 25-28 highway at 80mph. My 2006 is virtually the same for all practical purposes.. I will probably keep buying the Santa Fe as it fits my budget and lifestyle perfectly.. the 2007s are quite a step up and reflect that in their exterior styling and interior.. only dislike about the 2006 and unfortunately the 2007 is the interior colors.. two colors to choose from and I dislike them both. My 2002 had a dark grey interior which was very easy to keep clean with our orange dog inside ( Vizsla ).

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  not just affordable - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By sold on hyundai - July 31 - 2:00 am

  when i first looked at the santa fe i thought the car was nice and that made me interested..after learning about the warranty and seeing quality for myself i was sold..i have made one of the better choices of my life..

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  Great car, few problems with noise and leather - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By susan72065 - July 29 - 3:39 am

  Bought this version in August of 2013. The dealer had put almost 500 miles on it when I bought it. No problems until it rained hard. There is a loud rain noise near the rear on the drivers side. Dealer says they cant figure it out, although it persists. A similar noise has started when the wind is blowing hard. About two months ago I noted that the leather on the drivers side seat is wearing thin on the edge. Dont know if this is unique to the saddle leather or not. Awaiting dealer comments. Rides well, otherwise very quiet, good pick up, great sound system with the upgrade and navigation. Navigation maps are already out of date for where I live and it costs $250 to upgrade.

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  cost to own - 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ksig - July 25 - 11:33 pm

  The good news is that this is a great road car and does a nice job in snowy weather. On mixed town and highway im getting 23.5 mpg. Now for the bad news, with just a little over $26,000 miles Im looking at a total maintenance cost of just over $1,300. this is well over the Edmunds figure. the 15k service was $282. the 30k will be $550. Im also expected to have serivce to the rear differential and transfer cases @$120 each. Finally, there is some filter that needs to be replaced at 30k that will cost $250.

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  Completely satisfied! - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tedrik - July 25 - 8:43 am

  Purchased a 2010 Hyundai Sata Fe SE, FWD with the 3.5L 6cyl 6A. This is my first Hyundai and I was really surprised at the quality and refinement. I think it compares favorably with more expensive SUVs (Nissan Murano etc.) I really wanted the Limited version-but could not get the gray interior-only on the SE. However, I am very pleased with my SE. Its very quiet with outstanding ride/handling characteristics. I also calculated approx. 19.5 mpg on my first tank of gas (mostly city). Excellent mid-sized SUV!

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  Happy Driver - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Happy Hyundai Driver - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Santa Fe for a year.I love it. It is a great size for a small person that wants a vehicle with substance. I especially like the lumbar support on the drivers side. It is great when on those long trips. It gets great gas mileage and is very roomy. I have even used it to haul garden supplies around. I already have the next color picked out on my next Santa Fe.