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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  Great car so far - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Brent - December 21 - 7:30 pm

  Only have 1500 miles on it and owned for two months, but still quiet, smooth engine and no transmission issues or shift delays as others have mentioned. I have not driven it hard yet to break in engine as I am waiting about 3000 miles to put it to a real test. Rated 5 on reliability only b/c I dont know yet. Great car so far with little if any complaints about the vehicle itself. The cloth does seem to stain easier than some of my previous cars. A few cheaper plastic parts, but all cars have flaws. Gas mileage for me has been 18-20 on mostly highways, but seems to be getting better as I drive. And does much better if you keep it around 55 or 60 on freeways. Warranty was a major factor.

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  Love it - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mark - December 21 - 5:36 pm

  Almost at 1000 miles and loving every minute of it. We just had a bad snow storm here and this car didnt slip once while driving.

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  Great car! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Lnix - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for over 7 years now. At 128k miles I can honestly say its been a great car. This was my first new car to own and havent had many problems. I had to get new tires at about 70k miles. I changed the battery once and only had to get regular maintenance work done to the brakes because of the wear and tear. Havent had to put much money into it. I just wish I had gotten AWD because it doesnt handle all that great in bad snow.

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  Clutch Failure - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Sheryl Gordon - December 21 - 10:00 am

  BEWARE!!! Clutch failed at 41,000 miles, 3 years of normal use. No towing of anything. Dealer where purchased out of business, new dealer not at all helpful. Charge was $160 to eyeball, another $500 if I wanted parts removed for inspection. Cannot buy aftermarket parts. Replacement parts $1,000, throw in another $1500 if new flywheel is needed. Cannot be resurfaced, dual mass. This dealer sees no problem with a $2,500 to $4,000 charge for fix. I DO!! If thinking about stick shift of any newer Hyundai vehicle in your "FUTURE" especially if in the East Bay of northern California, best to think again.

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  great small suv - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By ronzx - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I never liked suv,s, but when we drive the lx model fully loaded,we loved it.It drove like a car ,but you are up just high enough to know its not.The price and warranty cannot be beat for what you get.The v-6 2.7L is enough for us.The paint on clading under door started to chip off in one little spot,other then that no problems.Touch up paint solved it.

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  Awesome choice - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Nelson - December 10 - 3:23 am

  I love it. Had my car a month and I love driving it everyday. Seems to lack a little power while pulling hills in cruse control but other then that I have no issues

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  After 6 months, pretty impressed. - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Chasman - December 9 - 7:00 pm

  My wife and I looked at all of the SUVs / CUVs in this class and while I was trying to steer her other more conservative directions, she liked the Santa Fe the most so we bought. I have been impressed so far with the overall design, build quality, and performance of this vehicle. We have had it back to the dealer for a few very minor warranty issues and everything has been handled in a satisfactory manner. If Hyundai continues this direction then they will no doubt be a serious threat to Toyota and Honda in short order. IMO Toyota and Honda still have an edge in quality and reputation, but Hyundai is a better value...you get much more for your money.

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  Wonderful Vehicle!!! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Suzie - December 4 - 8:26 am

  I have always been a Hyundai customer. I bought my first one when I turned 18 and have been a customer ever since. I am more than impressed with the styling and performance of the Santa Fe. I have told everyone I know what a great value this car is. I love it!!!

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  Not trouble free - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JML - December 4 - 5:36 am

  Like the ride and performance. Fuel economy very dissapointing, Does not come close the the epa ratings. Have had transmission replaced. Cruise and speedometer malfuntion. Dealer was not effecient in handling the claim. Did not seem to have experience in diagnosis and repair. contantly have to fight to get fair service. For a new car it is not trouble free. It is a good thing they have 100k warranty as I may need it.

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  snow machine - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By northjay - December 4 - 3:13 am

  We took the Santa fe GLS into the high mountains of Colorado in a big snow storm performance was all most flawless excellent all wheel / 4 wheel drive