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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  Close to perfect - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ksd - April 14 - 1:53 pm

  I shopped extensively for a midsize SUV. I needed three rows of seats and AWD, but wanted a compact package, decent mileage, and a modest price. I almost bought a RAV4 limited, and boy am I glad I decided to test drive a Santa Fe first! For the money, you get a LOT more space and features in the Santa Fe. I had a hard time finding a Limited with touring pkg (3 rows) and without the sunroof, but I finally did and paid $28,000 even (after rebate). So far, my only complaints are the lack of an AUX input on the stereo (for an ipod), and only adequate FM radio reception. It drives great and looks great. The map and dome lights on mine come on when the doors open, contrary to some comments below.

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  Hyundai Santa Fe 2005 SE - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By eighthof8 - April 13 - 6:40 pm

  I traded in a 2001 Nissan Exterra for my 2005 Santa Fe mainly for my Wifes daily driver. We both really like it rides/handles like a car. Ive heard complaints of gas mileage here, but our 3.5 is averaging 21 mpg city/highway. On the highway it likes to run 80, so we let it. Highway mpg is a solid 24. For complaints: I wish the center console used better plastic. While driving, and using it as an arm rest, it creaks with any movement, plus the padded top needs more padding. I really dont like the way it accelerates from a standing stop. You crush the accelerator to get it moving, then it wants to blast off. I wish this was smoother. All around, I would purchase another

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  Little, nagging problems - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Melissa - April 12 - 2:30 pm

  I love the look and style of my Sante Fe, hate the poor mileage, and have had a series of different, nagging little problems (related to assembly/quality, affecting safety) that have it in the shop WAY too frequently for a new car that is supposed to rival Honda/Toyota quality! The biggest issue is that the turn signal switch stopped working reliably after about 4 months, and the dealer has not yet been able to fix the problem after 3 tries/3 months - its very dangerous to suddenly find onself unable to signal a turn/lane change, particularly in poor weather! Also, seat belt tensioners in the second row were not installed properly, and did not work at all. Fun to drive, when its working!

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  Transmission problem - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By coho - April 12 - 9:46 am

  In the first 2k we experienced a thump almost all the time the vehicle was started in park. Dealer said it was a sticky valve and they replaced the transmission. The problem has started again. Dealer has not/cannot fix it. It never happens when a mechanic is in the vehicle. Hyundia Canada do not really admit to that there is a problem. Offered to leave the vehicle with dealer until they experience the thump. But no they could not do that. Other than this problem the vehicle seems fine. Am keeping a log of the thumps even though with a new vehicle you should not have to. Ammunition for when the warranty runs out.

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  Loving my Santa Fe. - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mrs Jackie - April 11 - 6:00 am

  This is the first SUV that I have ever had the pleasure to drive. And I found that it has spoiled me rotten. Love everything about it. I am also short but it is easy to get in an out of. And it has the smoothest ride. I highly recommend the Santa Fe to anyone who is in the market to purchase and SUV. It is roomy and also durable. It has class an style. I have no complaints at all about the Santa Fe. I just love it love it love it.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tmcgee - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have been shopping for about 3 months as my lease was comming due on my old car. My initial experience with this SUV is excellent, great detailing inside and out. I really think this SUV is built better than my wifes Mercedes ML 320 and they are about the same size.

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  Overall Great Car but.... - 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Russ Chambers - April 7 - 8:21 pm

  I went from a 2011 Buick Enclave to the Santa Fe. Its the perfect size for us. I like the looks, comfort, overall performance and economy. Road noise somewhat greater and road comfort not up to the Enclave. However the real annoyance is the front passenger seat is not height adjustable , this is a real problem for my wife. In fact had she ridden in the car before leasing it, we would not have leased it. Ive ridden in the seat also and agree with her, its annoying and neither of us are short people. She sits on a cushion when we travel....cant understand the design not including height adjustment. The other shortfall is the nav. system....we loved the OnStar system in the Buick. This one is OK, but not nearly as user friendly as the OnStar.

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  Love my Santa Fe - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Travers - April 7 - 11:26 am

  I bought the CUV this June and love the way that it drives compared to my 10 year old Dodge Durango. More zip, much better mileage, with more HP (242 vs 230). I love the XM radio feature. Good A/C chills quick, Aluminum engine warms up much quicker than my old 5.2 V8.

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  It is All That - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By 2x10 - April 6 - 8:29 pm

  Was drawn by the new design, & stopped by dealership for test drive! Wow, my wife and I love this vehicle! Great power from the turbo, the features and extras make us not want to get out! I had the chance to drive on a very windy day on a major highway @ 70mph. 18 wheelers swaying, leaves blowing, but the Santa Fe was smooth and stable. Handles nice, braking is smooth, not spongy, and cockpit is stylish, and not cheap looking. Leather heated seats w/ 3 temps, Bluetooth & bluelink awesome, cup holder in nice position, an eyeglass compartment that actually holds my sunglasses - big plus! Gas mileage on Eco, I was able to hit 26. Nothing but love for this ride

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  I love it - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mustnvthis - April 6 - 5:23 pm

  Although I only recently purchased this vechile I absolutley LOVE IT!!!! I have no cmplaints what so ever. I went from an 05 elantra to the Santa Fe and I just cant get enough of it. Its very eye catching inside and out. Once I saw it I knew it had to be mine.