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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  Santa Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By timmyg - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a consumer friendly SUV, and takes the highway well. Has a lot of safety features for the family. The only thing I would like to see on it, would be automatic door lock when in gear. I forget to use auto lock sometimes. Otherwise it is a great SUV!

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  Not a Highway Vehicle - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By three ms - March 14 - 5:53 am

  We bought the Limited with all the extras. Interior quite nice with leather, but after a 2000 mile trip a bit disappointing. Read all the reviews beforehand.....comfort for driver is good (power seat) but front passenger is lousy. Seats too short, power seat not available. Picking up road noise already and bumpier ride than expected. Cabin a bit small for front passenger afer a few hours and seats too short to rest legs, cant adjust seat enough to compensate. Did not expect comfort to disappear so quickly. It is definitely a lightweight in windy conditions also. Very disappointed.

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  Reliable and almost maintenance free - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Gerry Carrier - March 13 - 9:42 am

  Good ride, dependable, low maintenance. Original exhaust system even with 135,000 miles. Wheel bearings - replaced 3 under warrantee. Interiors are not flashy but do stand up to daily use. Mileage is about 20 mpg average. pulls a boat trailer real easy. AWD works well in snow.

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  Terrific Vehicle, Lots of Standard Features - 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By J. Aiello - March 12 - 5:42 am

  This is my 3rd Santa Fe, my last was a 2006 GLS. The exterior styling makes this SUV stand out in the segment. I was amazed at the high level of interior quality and the standard features in this model. My ONLY complaints are the small glove compartment and that the height of the front passenger seat is too low and not adjustable. I remedied this by installing a front seat cushion (made for automobiles) for my wife. There are plenty of interior storage places. I like the storage bin under the rear floor that also includes a roll up storage compartment cover. The ride is very comfortable. The engine is quiet, very powerful and works well with the transmission. The middle row and rear seats are easy to lower and the floor is virtually flat. Its a vast improvement over earlier models where I had to remove the 2nd row head rests to lower the seats. I make frequent trips to a home improvement store and its hauled everything I load into it. I really like the A/C vents for the middle row seats and the heating and A/C controls for the rear. seats. The best car I ever owned.

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  TONS of research, not as advertised! - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By carguru - March 11 - 12:56 pm

  Fellow buyers, I am torn in this review. I researched this purchase literally to death! There isnt a site I left unviewed, a model in this category I didnt drive, PERIOD! But I eventually settled on the Santa Fe due to unbeatable feature/$$ list, improved mileage, and warranty. I love the truck in almost all ways, BUT, there is certainly a transmission issue with these trucks (slams into gear, lurches forward unpredictably as others mentioned!), and the mileage is nowhere near EPA. I have 25k km on mine, and never see below 12 L/100 km and EPA est is 7.6/100 km hwy and 10.1/100 km city. NO CHANCE! I have had service chk tranny twice, and going for third time in two days! :-(

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  good mpg - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By larry - March 10 - 3:56 pm

  Been reading about mpg in town hard to say on the highway {3 trips} 23 to 26 mpg good for a comfortable suv. Good pickup lots of room inside, I am 6 ft wife is 5,2" and interior suits us both. Ride is good handling is Nice but than it is not a Corvette. Considering trading for another Santa Fe but resale is low on suv now.

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  Great Car for the Price! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Superpickymom - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I investigated all SUVs for the past year. This car is the best bang for the buck! Most options on other cars are standard on this one. Main gripes are poor fuel mileage (19/gal) and lack of electric seat. Also, when I put on the roof racks, I had a bad whistling sound as I drove over 40mph! I removed them and it got better. For a V6, could use more power. Otherwise, I am happy with my purchase and compared to other SUVs in this range, this is the best buy!

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  Thrilled with my Sante Fe - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jen233 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 4WD Sante Fe LX and am thrilled with the vehicle. It is fun to drive, comfortable, and the amount of cargo space is great. I especially enjoy that the vehicles added styling, which is more unique than most vehicles on the road today and makes me feel like I am driving something special!

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  love my car - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By shawna - March 3 - 8:30 pm

  I love my Santa Fe, but it has had a few problems I have had to replace the battery on it 4 times the brakes 2 times the timing chain, and pvc valves and 3 gas caps, and tires 2 times. Im going to have to have it fixed again as the check engine light is back on and wont go off. Safety though in this car is wonderful I have been in 2 big accidents in it and no one in my car was hurt.

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  Impressed... - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By DanoNH - March 3 - 4:00 pm

  We all remember the early Hyundais of the late 80s... total junk. I am admittedly impressed with the design, ride, noise level, performance and quality so far of my new 2009 Santa Fe AWD Limited. I would definitely recommend pitting at least 2 dealerships against each others quotes to price match (or beat) as I did. Doing this, I got the limited model for slightly less than the SE retail price after rebates and the "Cash for Clunkers" deal.