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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  I love it but. . . - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SantaFeGurL02 - July 24 - 10:00 am

  My Santa Fe is the best purchase ever. Too bad I have already had to use the warranty for my windshield being cracked from the heat, some loud unexplained ticking that they fixed. Now there is some sort of belt or something that is squeaking that Santa Fe is going to go in for next. Dont get me wrong. I absolutely love it to death.

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  Best Crossover SUV built, period. - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By thomas - July 22 - 3:23 pm

  Before buying the Santa Fe we test drove the honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, Saturn Vue, among many others. This car was far superior in EVERY category. Just listening to the doors closing, ring a sound of quality. Very happy with mileage, which is 21 in mixed city driving and 24 on the highway. Vehicle handles very well, road and engine noise are almost non-existent. It is very fast, shifts and brakes flawlessly and is extremely comfortable. We have had absolutely no problems since purchased last year and 20,000 miles ago. This is my wifes car, but I use it every chance I get as it is a much more fun to drive than my gas guzzling F150!

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Lori - July 20 - 7:46 am

  I bought this SUV new in 2001. I have kept up with all suggested maintenance, and have never had any problems whatsoever. It looks and drives just like it did the day I bought it. I absolutely love it and will most likely buy another one when the time comes. I have recommended this SUV to many friends who have wound up buying their own and are just as happy as I am. Buy it!

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  Could have been built better - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By pfehrman - July 19 - 3:36 pm

  The assumption that a car must be good based on a 100,000 mile warranty is faulty; especially when it does not transfer to a new owner. I purchased this vehicle from a dealer, used, and then was told it needed $2,000.00 worth of required maintenance to keep from voiding the warranty. After that I had constant problems with the brakes, and transmission. Coming back from Florida one time, the car began to buck and jerk for more than 400 miles. We took it to a couple of places and were told that it was a transmission sensor. After paying many hundreds of dollars for repairs, we still are having transmission type issues, along with a brake fluid leak, and other continued brake issues.

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  High Quality Vehicle - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Ash - July 19 - 8:36 am

  I am a field claims adjuster for an insurance company so I look at wrecked cars all day every day. Recently I have noticed that Hyundais build quality has improved vastly. Ive also taken note of how well they hold up in crashes. When we received a letter from our local dealer offering added incentives for Toyota owners to trade their vehicles in, my wife and I went to the dealer and checked out the Santa Fe.We we were sold on the looks, the quality of the interior and the performance, and traded in our 07 Rav4 right then.Dont be put off by Hyundais prior reputation, the fit and finish is at least equal to Honda and Toyota and the warranty is excellent.Feels like a lexus inside.Recommend!

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  Front passenger seat - 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Gerald Newby - July 18 - 12:27 am

  At first my wife and I had an issue with the front passenger seat, but after a little research I found online aftermarket spacers for the passenger seat. Only took about 1/2 hr. or so to install and made a huge difference with the comfort of the front seat.

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  Love this SUV - 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mikea11414 - July 15 - 7:58 pm

  While I agree the car is a little noisy over bad roads everything else so far is great. Its alot of fun to drive. Has the get up and go when you hit the gas, even better than my previous 09 murano. Great view of the road too which my wife loves.

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  Surprise, surprise, surprise - Korea!!! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By hockeysignor - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Had it for about 3 weeks. Runs nice, has very good power and looks decent. Mileage has been avg. (21mpg overall, w/about 70% highway). Trade off in mileage for power. Actually has slightly better mileage #s than the 2.7L. This is my 1st Korean auto and Im impressed, so far. Lets see how it wears, down the road. Like the fact that I still do not have any rattles/squeeks, like most US/Japan made vehicles I have owned. Time will tell.

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  best suv for your money - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By santafeguyfl - July 14 - 12:13 pm

  The carbuying press always bashes Hyundais but we have had our 2003 now for almost 3 years. It has only had one problem at 43,000 miles the oil pump pressure releif valve froze. It was replaced at no cost under the best warranty in the industry while we were given a loaner car. The V-6 has more than adequate power for its class and delivers great gas mileage for its size. we average 24mpg in town and 29- 31 on the highway with the standard automatic transmission. The Quality has been so good in fact that I used Hyundais $2000 owner loyalty rebate towards the purchase of my Elantra. The Santa fe has all of the features that would cost you 4-6 thousand more dollars on a RAV-4 or CRV

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  Good car - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By CR - July 14 - 4:06 am

  Had my Hyundai for a few months now and am loving it. There are a couple of things I wish were a little different but overall it is a nice small SUV. The interior and exterior are really nice and I love the way it drives.