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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  15k in 9 months and VERY happy - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By J Baron - August 10 - 2:00 am

  After 2 years of researching and comparing I finally got my car and Ive never driven an automobile that was more fun and comfortable (Ive regularly driven 1992 Buick Park Avenue, 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, and 2003 Pontiac Vibe). The pickup is amazing - its actually hard to not chirp the tires. The interior is far from luxurious but it does the trick for me. It can definately handle extra weight and lots of cargo as I haul band equipment in it. Although I have yet to see somebody my age (23M) driving it, its really a fun and sporty suv. It handles very smoothly, just like a buick thats sitting real high with less curb weight.

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  Best Car I Ever Bought - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jammb - August 8 - 10:00 am

  We love this thing! Through our first 1.5 years owning this car, it appears that Hyundai has nothing to lose by offering a 5 year bumper-to-bumper warranty, because we have not had to utilize it at all. The car is very roomy, comfortable, and fun to drive. That stuff about not being a great off- road vehicle is a bunch of boloney for most people. The 4WD handles superbly in the snow, which is the most important thing for me. Our other car is a Mercury Sable, and we have found that the quality of the Hyundai is head- and-shoulders above the Sable. There is no doubt in my mind that our next car will be a Hyundai.

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  Not a cute ute! - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By syd91098 - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Owned the Santa Fe for 14 months. Purchased for my wife but I fell in love with it too. Had it only a few months when a cross country move happened. Crossed the Rockies in December... We passed all sorts of other 4WDS on the side, but the Santa FE kept right on truckin. I averaged aroung 24 mpg on the trip, so not bad at all. Could use a little more passing power, but you just cant beat the value and dependability of todays Hyundai. Definitely not the Hyundai of old.

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  Good SUV for the money - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Daine - August 7 - 10:03 am

  Only had this car for a week now and I Like it alot. Smooth ride, engine is very quiet and a nice design. Love the sportronic transmission which was one of the main reasons I got this suv in addition to all the safety features. Cant beat the price. Hyundai has definately come a long way.

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  Did you drive it? - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By BJB - August 6 - 5:43 pm

  I noticed on some reviews that there was great complaint about both the transmission and mileage on the 3.3L 5A equipped Santa Fes. As a recent purchaser of a Santa Fe I have to say, if you people did not test drive the vehicle shame on you. I for one have no complaints. The transmission does not "slip" it is shifting into overdrive before shifting into the next gear. And so far in mixed driving I am averaging 17.4 MPG. There are no filed issues with the DOT or any other agency on the Transmission in addition to no complaints with Consumers Reports. I have a feeling those of you who are complaining have a case of buyers remorse.

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  Best Car Ever - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By JJ - August 5 - 8:13 pm

  This is the first Hyundai that weve owned. We are long-term Honda and Toyota drivers. It was my 15-year-old daughter who urged me to test drive a Santa Fe. Boy, am I glad she did. I was trying to convince myself that I really wanted the new Honda CRV,but the road noise was so bad and the ride so uncomfortable, that I was not happy with it. The Rav4 wasnt impressing me either. Then I drove the Santa Fe, fully expecting that I wouldnt care for it. Well, was I wrong. I was sold the moment I drove it off the lot for the test drive. It was so smooth, so comfortable, so quiet. My dealer was great. And the best part, because my daughter urged me to try it, she got a finders fee ... sweet.

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  Great car great buy - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By deverell17 - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had no problems at all with this vehicle - it has a stylish exterior design and a very smooth ride. Its fun to drive and there is room for that perfect 4 person family with plenty of room for cargo too. The side airbags and high safety rating are reasurring.

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  nice suv - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By csmith - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I really like the way the car handles, and for the price, it has a lot of great features.

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  Great Experience - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Brian - July 30 - 1:30 pm

  After looking at the Honda Pilot, Pontiac Torrent, Chevrolet Equinox,I found the Santa Fe to have all they offered and more. Plenty of airbags, XM radio, 3.3L V6,large cabin, great fit and finish, but above all a dealer experience like no other. Nice people, no push to but and when they did not have the vehicle with the options I wanted, they went to another dealer and got it. Great car, great dealer, great experience.

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  great bargain - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By bill14sun - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I drive a lot for business and this car makes it so much more fun ten any car Ive owned.