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 more than Okay - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By KC - November 20 - 10:50 am

  Excellent value for the money. Fun to drive, has excellent "eye appeal" and a fantastic warranty. The LX package with the 3.5L is worth the extra money.

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  I Would Buy It Again! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Davina Rasa - November 19 - 12:13 am

  I am so happy with my Artic Blue 2004 Santa Fe. In my opinion the Artic Blue is the sharpest color but for some reason Hyundai has chosen not to use this color in 2005 & 2006. I have had a 100k Powertrain warranty on my car and it kicked in when I experienced two very minor problems (got the wipers blades replaced free of charge and once when the engine light came on). Great Car

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  2003 LX Santa Fe FWD only - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Rey - November 18 - 9:53 pm

  I was first leary of buying another Hyundai since weve owned an 1989 and 1993 Sonata that were problem childs. The long warranty brought me back as well as leasing incase I wanted to walk away. I am here to tell all that we have had excellent reliability average about 22 to 23 in mixed driving and close to 26 on highway driving at 75MPG. The 2.7 V6 engine seems stronger at greater speeds. I think its because of being a 24 valve engine. The stereo is great, the cargo capacity is excellent. We still have the original tires. Two drawbacks: The timing belt and spark plugs need to be changed at 60000. Plugs require dealer to change at a cost of $250 because of a design flaw with intake.

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  Bad to the Bone - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By backtoblack1 - November 18 - 8:20 pm

  Bought the 2.0T after an extensive search and reading reviews. Test drove the 2013 Equinox, Grand Cherokee, Highlander, RDX, Pathfinder, and Edge and Escape. All were good vehicles but the 2.0T was the most impressive - size, space, speed, gas mileage, amenities, looks and at a decent price. Out the box the 2.0T is an excellent redesign. I am getting about 24 mpg combined after about 700 miles but my goal is to get closer to or exceed the EPA estimated 27 mpg by playing more with the ECO setting. Took a road trip of about 500 miles last weekend and the 2.0T never struggled (no whining at all) when going up hills or passing vehicles going up hills at 75 -80 mph…I was thoroughly impressed.

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  Santa Fe - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By deb - November 15 - 5:50 am

  After being in a rear end collision, Our car took the brunt of the accident. My self and my daughters didnt even have stiff or sore muscles the next morning. I was sitting still at a road block, and the other car came up behind me doing at least 25-30miles per hour when she hit us. Our car had over 8 thousand dollars in damages, but its passengers were safe and sound. I would buy another Santa Fe in the future without a second thought. It has been an excellent car since we got it. thank you

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  Love my Sante Fe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JEAN - November 13 - 4:30 am

  We looked at many vehicle comparisons in searching out the perfect one for us. Much exhausting research to be confident in our decision. After looking at dealerships, searching on line, and auto shows,we feel we absolutly choose the best of the rest in our Sante Fe. It is the best value for what you get in it. After driving cars all our lives, we wondered how we would like driving a SUV. Suffice to say, we will only buy SUVs in the furure. Our Sante Fe is truly fun to drive, and has great looks and features for the price.

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  Younger Than its Years! - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tom Haederle - November 12 - 10:41 am

  I bought my used 2007 Limited in late 2014, when it was already nearly eight years old and had 124,500 miles on it. I certainly had doubts about buying a CUV with mileage that high, but the test drive impressed me enough to roll the dice. Im glad I did. My Santa Fe has been a joy to own for the past year. Ive put nearly another 15-k miles on it with no problems. The engine still purrs, the interior and exterior look great (I keep it clean and wash it frequently) and the climate control system works to perfection. The car is for me a perfect combination of size, power, and good looks. The only non-routine expense of the past year was the replacement of both fuel senders, which has been a noted trouble spot for Santa Fes in general. My previous vehicle was a Mazda Tribute ES, which I loved for its sporty feel and quick acceleration. The Santa Fe isnt quite the same racehorse, but its a much smoother ride. All in all, a terrific CUV. If you can locate a good used one, dont necessarily be put off by a high odometer reading. With normal maintainence, this car will last.

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  Nice car - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Lloyd - November 9 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I enjoy this vehicle. It is fun to drive and a good value for the money. We are a little nervous because so many items have had to be repaired in the first 10,000 miles.

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  Its my turn now! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Ejtay - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I finally traded in my Grand Am with 115,000 miles. I read all of your reviews and I was hoping that your comments werent all hype. You gave this SUV high marks and I now agree. I have had it only 5 days but I am very, very impressed. Good luck finding the color that you want. These are flying off the lot and on to the road. I cant believe how many I see on the road now. I needed something with decent gas mileage, something comfortable and something great in the snow. I got 250 inches this last season in upstate NY. The Grandam cant handle that. Read all of the reviews because they are very helpful and appreciated. Thanks ALL!

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  Santa Fe Experience - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By csluvsb - November 5 - 2:36 am

  I purchased this vehicle because I loved the way it looked and drove and especially the comfort I felt sitting behind the wheel. I had no reluctance because I had purchased other new styles of vehicles that were new to the auto market in the 70s and although I had bad luck with them I felt like I was doing the right thing in purchasing this Santa Fe as my first New Vehicle since 1976. I had in the past 23 years since I traded my last vehicle I bought brand new in 1976 purchased used vehicles because I figured they had all the bad things happened to them already if they had new car flaws. After driving the Santa Fe for 10 weeks, I think I made a Good choice.