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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  My Santa Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Monica K. - December 31 - 4:40 am

  This is one of the most reliable vehicles I have owned. I was in a horrible crash (T-bonedI was doing 40 she was 20, I did not flip), and the other vehicle was totaled (front end torn off) my Santa Fe looked remarkable. A blown tire, dented (inside) door, and the axle. Other then that, I have replaced a few fuses. Thats it. I love driving it. Quick pick up, handles great around sharp corners, looks sharp on the outside, inside features easy to reach, comfortability OK.

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  Still strong - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jay - December 30 - 6:35 am

  I cannot really give a long term review as I have had the same 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe since new and I only have 77 thousand miles on it. I live on Oahu so travel is short no matter where you go. I commute 16 miles a day and have every day since I owned it. I did replace the power steering pump that seems to be a Hyundai problem that is fairly common, serpentine belt which is just good maintenance and proper oil and fluid changes to transmission, power steering and brakes and cooling. The cabin has one flaw, the plastic dash and various parts chirp from bad fits and lack of insulation. Always has been that way. Other than that, I keep it covered both at home in a car port and in an underground garage and always have, perhaps that is why I have no paint issues at all. I hand wash it and always have since Oahu has no public spray wash booths, this seems to have given the paint a long lease on life. The only real issue is that it is realiable enough to get bored with it after so many years.

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  The right choice - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By fluegs - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 2001 Subaru Forester for a Santa Fe and couldnt be happier! There is so much more room and it drives so smoothly I know it was the right choice for me. I do miss the heated seats and the compass/outdoor temp gauge but thats all. You cant beat the value and it handles so nicely. One test drive is all it should take!

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  Junk - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By kat - December 25 - 6:10 pm

  Never buy a Santa Fe again. It was brand new had it 1 week the AC tore up had to return it to dealership 1 year later the Throttle Sensor went out after taking it to the dealership 2 times and saying they couldnt find the problem. When it is in Idle in jumps and feels like its gonna quit all the time. Never again will I buy a Hyundai my first and last. I only get 17 miles to the gallon of gas.

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  First Hyundai - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By pghnative - December 24 - 3:36 am

  The Santa Fe is quieter and more enjoyable to drive than my Buick Rendezvous that I really liked. Its got a lot of standard features considering the fact that this is the base model. The 2.7 automatic V6 is OK in coastal NC where we live but strains in the mountains according to my wife (I wasnt with her). The stick-shift feature apparently was useful in coping with the steeper road grades. At 16.5 MPG city, fuel economy is disappointing. No problems at all so far but after 3 1/2 months, we only have 2,900 miles on it.

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  Great Choice For A Family Vehicle - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tom - December 17 - 9:30 am

  We traded in a Dodge Grand Caravan for the Santa Fe and so far its been a great family vehicle. The kids really appreciate the pillar mounted air vents in the back. I had the dealer change the computer options to automatically lock all the doors at the lowest speed setting (this option is not enabled by default and is a free service). Mostly in-town driving at about 18 MPG and 1 highway trip at about 26MPG. Our tires we also over- inflated by about 10 pounds. Lowering to the recommended pressure helped improve the ride. Interior is well crafted and quite with the blue lights adding a cool accent for night driving. Very happy with this purchase so far!

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  What a Joy! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By CARL755 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  After 7500 miles this car continues to bring me pleasure. All the room I need and a great drivers view. 3.5L gives me all the power I need and the shiftronic trans. is fun to use. Have yet to find a quality flaw.

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  Brand New, But Love it So Far - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By hoser - December 15 - 10:00 am

  We bought the LX Santa Fe this week after much study. We opted for it over the Honda CR-V. We also own a Landcruiser. The tires grip the road as well as the Toyota Landcruiser. The view out the front is outstanding. The room is adequate. Im 511" and have no sense of crowding. Legroom up front is adequate, too. The radio while decent sounds a bit tinny. A subwoofer would help this. So far no problem with the CD changer. Acceleration is good. We opted for the larger 3.5 V6 after reading the reviews here and test driving the 2.7. On the hilly drive home from the dealer, I didnt notice any acceleration problems up or down the hills.

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  A Jewel to Own - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Cliff - December 15 - 12:30 am

  Love to look at Santa Fe from any angle. Every bit as nice as any SUV in its size and I feel like Im in a Lexus or a BMW with really no trade-off. Two years, 41k and still seems like new. Competent handling vehicle all-around. Excellent utility, visibility, pleasure to drive, haul stuff, and to carry 4-5 passengers. I regularly have 4 adults and 4 sets of golf clubs. Paint shine great. Blue lighting on the dash being so nice. People are impressed by this car. Friend with an 07 Jeep Cherokee which was double the price, he comments that his car has virtually no advantage over mine. He has rarely ever engaged his 4 wheel drive. He gets 15mpg, I average 22 around town and 26 hwy.

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  what a nice surprise - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tom - December 14 - 11:56 pm

  I test drove the 2007 Toyota RAV4, Subaru RX-7, Subaru Tribeca and Mercury Mariner and was totally surprised that this vehicle was the nicest "cabin experience". I swore I would never buy a Hyundai but discovered the Santa Fe had the most value/price. It was similar to the Tribeca but $5000. less. The build quality is excellent and the warranty is outstanding. Have driven 1700 mi. so far and averaged 20.6 MPG (and regular gas is a plus---the Subarus required premium). Overall, this has been a delightful vehicle!