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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  Not Great in the Snow - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Neil M. - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Drove the Santa Fe at the start of the East Coast Prez Day 2003 blizzard and in the aftermath. It was slipping and sliding in just a few inches of snow/slush. Had a lot of trouble going up small grades in the mess, too. I expected the Santa Fe to grab/grip the road better than it was doing. It just seemed to be skating along and not plowing through. I know, I know. I didnt get the All Wheel Drive version or a six-cylinder so I should be happy with what I have. My previous driving experience was with a 5-speed Protege and a 5-speed Camry. Anyway, maybe I had too high expectations for my familys "Blue Catfish on Wheels."

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  Santa Fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By wdry - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Other than initial front end alignment the suv has been excellent for the money spent

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  Excellent - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Toronto - April 6 - 10:00 am

  5-speed shifts well & engine is quiet and the interior is comfortable. Reviews from this website say the engine is underpowered, what are they comparing it to. Ive driven everything from a Saturn Vue (crappy,noisy&slower), Rav4 (solid,averagepower, abit pricey), and CRV (same power,comfortable,but ugly and overpriced). The car passes very well in the city/highway. Overall this is the best buy only options added was A/C & alarm. Having the split window open in the back is very convenient plus other people who own Japanese cars cant get over how good this SUV really is. Do yourself a favour and when test driving other SUVs try this one out too.

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  love my Santa Fe - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By bloodclaws65 - April 4 - 12:16 am

  Great fun to drive , great comfort , great reliablity , love the new design, nice performance , nice fuel economy 21mpg hiway like 24mpg , drove 800 miles very comfortable . happy with my Santa Fe .

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By GLS - March 26 - 6:20 pm

  Great takeoff, lots of power. Excellent sound system. The standard features would be worth the price without the warranty; the smart safety features would cost hundreds extra on any other car. The Santa Fe comes with a first aid kit,storage area under the carpet of the cargo area and a cargo net to secure just about anything in the rear cargo area. I add the cargo mat (cost extra) and can transport anything without it shifting of rolling around during sharp turns. The front passenger seats air bag only turns on when someone sits in it. The comfort control system tells you the outside temp and can be set to auto, so that each time you drive it is the exact temperature you want.

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  Hyundai of Escondido - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Frank1495 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  6000 miles and still no problems. Biggest issue is gas mileage which averages in the 19-20 mpg range. Way below the advertised economy rating.

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  Midnight Madness - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Big Dee57 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The reason I chose this SUV is because it is easy to handle and it drives just like a car and besides that it is so easy to shift and the stereo system is outstanding. I really love the way it handles on the highway, so smooth and flows so easy over the roads. I wouldnt trade my Santa Fe for nothing.

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  hotdog - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By whoever - March 26 - 2:00 am

  i have found the sana fe to be a very good car this is our second however i have been having a problem with the paint since day 1 the clear coat keeps bubbling in places i had a heck of a time to get them to repaint the hood were it was the worst now i have a place the passenger door where it is doing the same thing

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  Wanna know about the new 2011 Santa Fe?? - 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By misterbill2 - March 25 - 6:01 am

  Got the vehicle on Thanksgiving. Had a 2005 CRV, traded it in. The Santa Fe SE is a better SUV. I have been an industrial mechanic and Honda owner for 35 years. Hyundai won me over. I got the SE 3.5 version. As hard as I could try the only thing I didnt like was the harsher ride than the Honda, but more quiet inside. It feels a little more sporty, on smooth roads, but all in all I dont think you can go wrong. This car is well built, and designed, the engine had plenty of power if you put the pedal to the metal (its too new to do it too often) it is truly a little pocket rocket, pulls some Gs! Considering the warranties and Consumers Reports rating its better than Toyota or Honda overall!

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  Impressed so far - 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Kermeo - March 19 - 11:43 pm

  Have only had it for a month now and the only draw back Ive noticed so far is the gas mileage. Will invest in the K&N Filter and see how much that helps. Overall not a big disappointment though. Will report back in about 3 months.