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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  Ya Gets What Ya Pays For - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Scott - June 17 - 10:50 pm

  For the money, you probably cant go too far wrong here, but overall this is probably just an average SUV for its class. The exterior styling is a bit radical for some tastes, but it does stand out well in a crowd, and doesnt have that "shoebox on wheels" look most SUVs have. The handling on the 4WD model is a bit mushy, and the fuel economy isnt great for its size, but it does have enough zip when you need it. Ive found the seats less than totally comfortable on long trips, but otherwise the interior is decent. The reliability has been good so far, and the warranty is unbeatable. Overall, while not outstanding or overly impressive in any one area, probably still a great bargain for the money

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  very comfortalbe - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By janie marie rush - June 16 - 2:00 am

  love it alot! very much enjoy it.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Margaret123 - June 14 - 10:20 pm

  When my husband and I first purchased our hyundai we were a little apprehensive because its a newer SUV on the market and the price was so great but I must say that I am extremly pleased with our purchase. I would recommend this SUV to anyone.

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  So far so good! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jakster - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I researched SUVs until my wife was ready to kill me. Was looking hard at Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute until I saw the crash results (marginal). The Hyundai is a blast to ride, the wife keeps trying to take it from me! I paid $20,736 (before taxes and tags) and got rails, mats, guards, cargo mat and tray from Fairfax Hyundai (Danny Lee). Really impressed with the dealership. To get a Ford or Mazda equally equipped would cost another $3000-$4000.

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  Great Vehicle by Ron - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Ron Snyder - June 11 - 10:00 am

  After looking at competing vehicles, I decided on the Santa Fe based on its standard features, price and warranty.

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  Just Needs More Comfortable Front Seats - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By rgravesjr - June 7 - 6:33 am

  Other than the front seat bottoms,which need to be about two inches longer, my wife and I are happy with the car. Very quiet interior-easy to have a normal conversation at highway speeds (windows up, of course). Dont care for the "proprietary" XM radio. The logo will be there rather you activate or not. And true, the 18" wheels seem to contribute to a little harsher ride on rough roads.

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  transmission questionable - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mag - June 5 - 11:40 pm

  Ive only had this vehicle about 3 weeks and am extremely satisfied with everything about it except for the transmission. There definitely is a slip in the transmission. It doesnt happen on every acceleration from a stop, but enough to make it irritating.It almost seems like a down- shift jerk (automatic trans.)after it has already shifted into second,it drops, or jerks into a lower gear and immediately shifts again to the gear that it previously was in. This has happened to me only 5-6 times in 3 weeks. After reading the other review about the transmission problem I see that its not just me out there with this problem. And evidently,theres no help from Hyundai corp.

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  Love it for the most part - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By suvlover21 - June 4 - 9:31 pm

  I love the car for the most part, I go commute to and from school as well as work and outings with family and friends. In mixed driving the computer shows an average ranging from 24.5 to 27.0 MPG with the AWD turbo. Not sure how accurate that is given what the dealer said it should be getting HWY, plus the car always states about 330 miles until empty with a full tank. Took a 300 mile trip and only used half a tank, not complaining though. Only issue is servicing the vehicle, Hyundai service always has something else to blame. I installed HIDs and a SUB 3 months ago, 2 days ago an Engine Control System warning comes on, Hyundai blames the after market parts, says its an electrical spike.

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  Probably the BEST SUV out there - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By GLENNMARIVIC - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Price, features, warranty, style, comfort, what more could you ask for? The Santa Fe has got to be one of the top SUVs out there in its price range and way above its price range. Our local Hyundai dealer (OBrian)has been awesome. We are happy Hyundai owners.

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  Nothing but problems - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Tessa - June 3 - 1:30 pm

  We have had our 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe for seven years. In that time it has been a very costly car to maintain. Within the first two years we had two major fuel issues, the leather interior started to peel away in areas, a battery that didnt even make the 2 years before dying suddenly and tires that were done long before the warranty. The amount that we would have gotten on the pro-rate for the battery and tires was so minimal that we went outside of Hyundai to replace and got better warranties with longer life. Within the past year we had a low fuel sensor issue that I have come to learn is not uncommon for Hyundai products and a high ticket repair (over $800). Now its the rack and pinion steering (over $1400). Im sure that some owners are fortunate and dont have the lemon issues that we have had. We have a Honda that is 14 years old have never had these issues. Having to deal with so many issues I know that I will never purchase another Hyundai automobile. Considering the price that we paid for it, one would think that the quality would be better.