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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  buying a hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ricky28 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  its a great car highly recommend hyundai santa fe

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  Wow, Hyundai has a Winner - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By fred - May 28 - 8:00 pm

  nearing 700 miles in 3 weeks. Its great, surpasses my expectations. Just as a frame of reference, our other car is a 2007 Avalon Limited. The Santa Fe is very nearly as quiet!!! Santa Fe steering is quicker ratio, thus feels very nimble, fun to drive, Very easy to park. All controls intuitive. Ride is reaonably smooth, only sign. bumps register (but remember Im spoiled by the Avalon). COmpared to many other SUVs Ive riden in, the Santa Fe is genuinely most car like in ride. Drags our 2700# boat up the ramps easily, way easier than our former car. Back storage/room is very practical. We love it. Dont buy anything until youve tested a Santa Fe.

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  Very excited !! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JoanneF - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Just got my Santa Fe 2 weeks ago, and I love it! I traded a 2001 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD. (Wasnt happy with odd noises the dealer could never duplicate,and wisps of smoke coming from steering column). Love the way this feels,tight and sporty.Love the way it looks.So far gas mileage is better than my 2.4 l 6 cyl Ford.Really excited about my purchase.Love the warranty (hope I dont need it!)Dealer was great,& w/ Edmunds research I feel I got a great deal.

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  Warranty issues - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By H Leal - May 25 - 10:03 am

  Nothing but warranty problems. The 1st was rust spots all over. It took over 6 months and 2 dealerships, warranty dept, regional DPSM, BBB. Now body side moulding fell off, they said not covered because it is 3/36000, but its 5/60000. Conference calls with dealer, warranty dept and DPSM still nothing done. Service and warranty mean nothing. I bought because of warranty and it is all a lie. Never buy another again.

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  Six Month Review: Overall Not Bad At All - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By bobbichen - May 25 - 5:51 am

  I purchased this as a preowned unit with about 22k on it, last June. Initially, I had transmission issues like most spoke of. I was advised that the upgraded fluid had been installed at build. I had to go through several rounds of software "flash" upgrades before the harsh shifting calmed down. It still is there a bit in 2nd and 3rd, but is much better. Overall, this is a terrible vehicle to buy new but for late model used, purchased at wholesale, it is actually quite good. If the tranny fails I have a five year warranty and I drive about 7.5k a year so Im not worried about miles. Interior is quite good, stereo very decent, and leather seats are comfy. Gas milege mediocre.

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  For the price, a Great Value - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Bill - May 23 - 9:00 pm

  Fun car to drive, after owning a Honda CR-V, this car has a lot of power compared to the 4 cyl Honda. The all wheel drive is just great. You really notice it in the rain.

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  Economical SUV, a couple of drawbacks - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By rickyp - May 20 - 8:26 am

  The SF has proven to be the right economical choice for a small SUV, but comes with a few surprise nuisances. We love the interior and exterior styling and feel that we are getting more features for our money. We are very happy, but I caution people on two fronts 1) we are not getting 19/24 mpg – we see more like 16.5 2) The front driver seat because of the lumbar support (a late engineering addition?) pushes out at your upper back creating an uncomfortable driver seat. My suggestion is to take a good long test drive to test out the seat and fuel economy (reset the mpg gauge to see what you get how you drive). I still would have bought the Santa Fe, but would have not been surprised.

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  Very Pleasant Surprise - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Neil - May 14 - 11:23 pm

  We traded in a BMW X3 (big disappointment) and had planned on getting a Toyota Highlander, but with the recent problems there we looked at the Santa Fe. This is a great looking SUV, much more attractive than the latest Highlanders. Fully loaded with Nav (hard to find for some reason) and most other options, this cost us under $30K. Its more fun to drive than the X3, more comfortable, looks great and has awesome options -- the touch screen Nav also controls the audio system with XM radio and iPod controls. I can stream audio from my iPhone to the vehicle using Bluetooth! Were thrilled with the Santa Fe. Gas mileage is lower than expected so far though (17 city).

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  Hyundai Santa Fe - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dave - May 9 - 9:46 am

  Love it! Thought it would be small after having an extended van. Like the inside and love the stereo - great for in traffic concerts. Great vehicle. The warranty is great and the standard features are excellent.

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  Nice mid-sized SUV - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mikec - April 30 - 6:20 pm

  We replaced my wifes 2002 Mazda Tribute with this after a great deal of research. Love the quality and build. Very comfortable; rides like a car not a truck. The Premium sound system in the Limited is among the best Ive ever heard (and I drive Lexus) Satellite Radio is nice extra thats standard. What sold us, too, was the outstanding warranty. V6 engine is quite sufficient for this vehicle and auto trans is smooth. Overall, very pleased with this purchase and the $2000 incentive from Hyundai made the purchase of this cost about as much as the Tribute did 7 years ago!