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 for the money - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Martin - June 10 - 3:36 am

  The Santa Fe, similarly equipped, costs considerably less than any serious competitor. Oddly enough, most people compare this vehicle to Lexus, Honda Pilot, Acura and Toyota Highlander, all considerably more expensive vehicles. The Santa Fe, similarly equipped, is still priced lower than RAV 4 and CRV, which are both less substantial vehicles. Hyundai is a company that in a short period of time, has listened to its customers and actually built cars people want at an affordable price. They are beating Toyota at their own game by sticking to reliable, proven technologies without experimental gimmicks offering their customers a solid vehicle with a meaningful warranty.

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  Drive to believe! 04 Santa Fe is great! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Vanessa G. - KY - June 8 - 6:50 am

  I have owned may cars including BMW, Audi, Land Rover and more. The 04 Santa Fe has exceeded my expectations with quality and comfort. Its reliable and eye catching. I get lots of compliments from people who think my car is brand new. No mechanical, exterior or interior problems. Gas mileage isnt great, but most SUVs arent. Get the larger 3.5L engine for the the best experience.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By justfawcett - June 7 - 6:06 pm

  This has been a great car. It got about 26/27 mpg on highway and about 22/23 combined since I do mostly local driving. It is comfortable, quiet, and fun to drive.

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  Merlot GLS 3.5L - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Gpritch - June 5 - 10:00 am

  After 1,500 miles, Im very satisified with my Santa Fe. I opted for the FWD, not the AWD - I didnt see the need for AWD in eastern PA (Snow?-Yes, but so what?). The Santy is quite peppy and responsive.

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  I Like it - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Joe in Maryland - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. Its just the right size, but high enough so I dont feel like Im going to get run over by big trucks. Lots of great standard features. Rides beautifully.

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  Love It - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By fancy - June 5 - 10:00 am

  We are happy owners of our new Santa Fe! At 1000 miles,the ride is great, the seating and roominess of the vehicle is fantastic,sun roof helps quite a bit with ventilation(Im a smoker) the combo cd & cassette is wonderful, The vehicle is smooth riding and peppy. We averaged 26 mpg (mostly highway). Its stylish and fun to drive. We did comparisons of other SUVs and based on ride,fuel efficiency, this one came in first.

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  Good SUV for the price - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By duclown - June 5 - 1:23 am

  Purchased new in 2003 for wife to drive to work, family use on weekend. Has made several 2,000 mile round-trips from WI to Denver CO through winter snow without incident. Daily commute is about 15 miles round-trip. Reliable car, has only needed one unscheduled maintenance trip for malfunctioning rear diff computer setting (sounds more serious than it is). Our dog loves the cargo area, she sleeps contentedly in the sun on longer trips.

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  Lovin It! - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By NewSantaFeOwner - June 2 - 6:20 am

  Just bought my new Santa Fe after months of searching. I have been a faithful Dodge owner for decades, but decided to try the foreign route. So far Ive not been disappointed! This is a great car though much bigger than my 2007 Dodge Caliber that I traded in! Very comfortable ride and features. I did give up great MPGs (from 32 in Caliber to 22 on Santa Fe), but this is AWD and much roomier for my growing family! Great power on the V6 and quiet ride. This so far is a great car.

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  I Love My Hyundai - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By santa fe lover - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Ever since I saw the Santa Fe at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, I wanted one. I just love the way it looks, small but sturdy. Some of the other small SUVs look like go garts, but the Santa Fe has substance. I drive about 55 miles a day and Im impressed with the gas mileage that I get. I get stopped all the time by people wanting to know how I like it. I have only had it a short time, but I hope it continues to perform the way it does now and I will have it for a very long time. Something that I cant say about the Grand Cherokee and Durango that I used to own.

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  Revised: No Longer completely satisfied! - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tedrik - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This is an update from my review from 05/09/10. I absolutely loved everything about this car (past tense). I have been experiencing transmission problems which seems to be worsening. I am experiencing rough- "clunking" and abrupt shifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd gear. Also at first start after overnight I hear a metal clanging from underneath towards the back/underside of the vehicle right after the first "clunk". Hyundai has "no fix". They have been reflashing the tcms, ecms, installing "new transmissions" with the same problems! Hyundai needs to step-up and remedy this problem. Purportedly it was defective transmissions from 1st production runs.