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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  What a deal- Great car at a great price! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Lilli - December 14 - 10:30 pm

  I started out wanting to buy a Toyota Highlander. Did a LOT of research & everything that came standard on my Hyundai Santa Fe were upgrades on the Highlander and would have cost me $5000 more. I am extremely satisfied with my Santa Fe & highly recommend it to anyone looking for this type of SUV. Even my car snob brother-in-law who works for Honda USA is impressed with the style and quality of the Santa Fe. Its very affordable, drives great and looks great. I get 18 mpg in town, wish that was more but not too bad. Buy one, you wont regret it.

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  A LOT OF BANG FOR THE BUCK - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By busdepot - December 14 - 6:18 pm

  I bought a fully loaded Santa Fe Sport a few months ago and I am very pleased with my purchase.Not only does this vehicle have a very comfortable and quiet ride but it is also a lot of fun to drive,especially with the 2.0 turbo engine, it feels as quick as any 6 cylinder but with better mpg.Some owners have complained about the steering in the new Sport,I will say that it does have a different feel to it but nothing that you cant get use to after being behind the wheel for a short time,Hyundai like other car makers is now putting electric power steering in its vehicles so you will read this in other car reviews as well,but I will say that it can turn on a dime,and great for making U-turns.

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  2009 Santa Fe Limited AWD - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By MassHyundaiBuyer - December 13 - 11:33 am

  Did a lot of research on-line through CR and Edmunds. We have three kids and wanted something sporty with a third row seat. We also did not want a mega SUV with poor gas mileage. In doing the research, the choice was obvious. The Santa Fe has excellent ratings and the price is thousands less than comparable vehicles. We now had the car for one week and we love it. The third row has plenty of room and can split, to maintain storage. The engine is quiet and the ride is smooth. The car has a nice high view of the road. We use to have a station wagon, and we thought we might be losing some cargo space. This was not the case. There is plenty of cargo space and the car is not overly long.

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  Very happy with this purchase - 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jmbcke - December 13 - 11:15 am

  I did so much research before finally making a decision on an SUV. I am so excited and pleased with the Santa Fe! I purchased a GLS with the Premium and Tech packages, and I could not be happier. The build quality, look and feel, and handling are such a huge leap over my 2011 Highlander Limited. I could not be happier.

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  Amasing - 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By H Johnson - December 12 - 8:30 pm

  This is our second Hyundai. We traded our 05 Elantra GT for the Santa FE 06. We drove it to our home here in Texas and was quite pleased with all the features as advertised by Hyundai. It has enough power, it navigated the mountains and curves exceptiopnally well,The only thing I didnt know at time of puchase is the inside trim. The glare from the chrome on the Console is the thing I cover with a cloth. NO big deal. The Santa FE will give milage with Cruise Control on and handles high winds with ease here in Soth Texas. The 07 is probably even better than ours but we will keep this one FOREVER! Good Vehicle and you feel SAFE in it. Keep up the good work but dont over price it.

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  Love my Crystal Blue too! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Vinspud - December 8 - 10:00 am

  We also looked at all of the small SUVs on the market. The RAV, Vibe/Matrix, Sportage and Tracker were too small. The Highlander was too expensive. The Vue and the Liberty was rather funky looking, and more expensive than the Sante FE. And the Liberty was very hard to get into and difficult to put groceries in the back window with the tire in the way. The Escape/Tribute a little noisey and also more expensive. The CRV was rather bland looking with a tire on the back door. The Sante Fe is the right size, the right price(loaded!), the right warranty and looks great, especially in Blue!

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  As they say "Driving is beleiving" - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Hyundai driver - December 8 - 10:00 am

  After driving a BMW 325IS for 5 years I decided that I needed to upgrade to something with 4 doors with the ability to carry cargo. I drove numberous other SUVs mini and mid sized. None of them could complete with the feel, drive, design, and space of the Hyundai, not to mention the warranty. The Hyundai Santa fe is the best in its class hands down and as they say "Driving is believing" beacause once you drive the new Hyundais you will agree.

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  No longer a minivan Mom! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By NoMoreMinivans! - December 8 - 10:00 am

  We looked at the Trib, the CRV, and the Escape, and it was close between the SF and the Escape, but the truck-like ride in the Ford wouldnt do for the long hauls. The kids have room in the back seat, were comfortable in the front seat, theres room in the back for all our stuff; everyones happy. My Dad, a mechanic, drove my SF and likes it better than his 2001 Highlander, which cost $4K more! What a cool looking vehicle!! I think its the best design on the road, hands down. With the old Hyundai rep, I was wary of trying one. Now that Ive bought the SF, its pretty clear that theyre serious about competing in the market. Im converted!

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  Good Choice - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Santa Fe - December 7 - 8:06 am

  For the cost, the Hyundai is a great car. It runs like a car rather than a truck. It handles well, and is very reliable. I am about to trade in for a 2006 model.

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  Not Happy - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By John - December 5 - 7:26 am

  Just wanted to let anyone interested in buying a 2010 Santa Fe Limited to know the problems that we have had. The first problem was a hard shift from a slow start. The dealership tried to tell us that it was because of a new electronic transmission and that we would get used to it. Well, it became so bad and after taking it in several times they replaced the transmission. Big surprise the problem went away. Next, the A/C went out and their service department said they could find anything wrong and it miraculously started working again. The latest is the satellite radio, it has stopped working and they will now have to replace it as well. Never again will we buy a Hyundai vehicle.