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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  The Santa Fe SE is a nice vehicle - 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By coldrink - June 4 - 4:09 am

  I have had a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SE for about six months. So far, I am very pleased with it. It is comfotable and fun to drive. It has the 3.5L 6 cylinder engine and it runs good. It is swift. It has lots of pep and that is important to me. On the one short road trip it has been on, it got about 24 mpg. In town it gets between 18 and 20 mpg. It is a very nice vehicle. I would recommend the Santa Fe it to anyone, but I would want the 3.5L engine.

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  So far Great - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By laustin - June 3 - 4:53 pm

  I bought this car after nothing but problems with a Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado. I did research on the sante fe and bought it for the warranty. Great room in back for beach chairs, moving furniture, etc. Good cup holders. Good seats. Only thing I dont like is the engine doesnt seem to have alot of "umpf" but then again I dont need to go more than 70 mph. Have 60k miles now. hope this lasts a very long time for me!

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  LAWLERs PIC - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Patrick Lawler - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Great Looking SUV(inside and out) thats fun to drive, and also great on gas. Maybe American Car builders should take a better look at the santa Fe before making thiers.

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  hy - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By newhyundaiowner - June 3 - 2:00 am

  good price / value best warranty on the market fully loadet safe enugh space for tall people

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  I really like the car. - 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mikea11414 - June 1 - 3:52 pm

  I only have 300 miles on it but love the looks and driving view. The ride is nice but it is noisy over rough roads and you do feel the tight suspension. I had a 09 murano and the ride was softer. Very easy to work the nav and other functions blue light is nice. Put your foot on the gas and you go zoom. My wife loves the view over the hood when she drives it. Except for the noise everything seems great so far. I actually like the firmer ride as I feel more in control. Wind noise was terrible in the murano but is much better in the SF. So far we really like this car andr . If you can spring for the extra few bucks go for the limited it has some nice added touches.

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  Luv my Sante Fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By meeeepster - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money. Fun to drive in all conditions. We looked at all the other models in the same class and none came close to having the options the LX Sante Fe had for the price. Try it!!! You will be glad you did.

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  Soooo Quiet - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By crystal10 - May 24 - 6:10 pm

  This car is so quiet that I sometimes wonder if its running. Much more front legroom than my Ford Escape, even if your 6 foot 3. The transmission is smooth and pickup is quick. Great horsepower at 260 so I have no trouble passing on the highway.

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  transmission failure at 9 years - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jasmine - May 22 - 11:49 pm

  transmission failed less than 10 year. Had to replace it for $3500. It has 130k mileage now, with a market value slightly higher than the cost. Hunydai custom service does not care.

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  Where is that buzzing noise coming from? - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Brian K - May 21 - 1:23 am

  I traded a SAAB 9-3 for my Santa Fe, and I couldnt be happier. It is very comfortable for long trips, and I average around 24 mpg on the highway. I have been getting around 19-20 in city driving. My only complaint is a buzzing noise from the rear whenever the engine hits 2100 rpm. I am sure it will be taken care of when I have my next service. This is my fifth Hyundai, and it is by far the best. Im looking forward to buying a Genesis when my Santa Fe is paid off!

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  160,000 miles and going strong - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By A. Non - May 16 - 7:40 pm

  This is the first car I have owned since brand new that has even come close to having over 150,000 miles on it and still runs. To date, other than preventative maintenance and normal wear and tear, Ive had the following problems: At 40k miles, a torn CV joint boot (warranty repair); At 60k miles the timing belt required replacement per scheduled maintenance ($600 @ dealership, including water pump and belt tensioner as precautionary replacements); At 130k miles replaced the timing belt, water pump and tensioner again a little late to schedule ($300 by family mechanic); At 152,000 miles the switch for the cruise control broke ($30 / 15 minute repair by myself); At 155,000 miles the alternator war replaced (2 hours, $275 parts/labor at a local shop). When you think about it, the alternator was really wear and tear as they do not last forever. And thats it. 160k miles and about $300 worth of repairs, $30 if you exclude the alternator. I maintain it religiously and take care of little things before they become big things. Weve gotten our moneys worth from this vehicle and then some. We dont off-road it or mistreat it, but it is not pampered by any means.