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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  Hate the jerky ride - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By annette conwau - October 9 - 11:16 pm

  The accelarator is a nightmare...there is a lag time between touching the pedal and the movement of the car. It is VERY difficult to hold at a constant speed if you are driving under 30 miles per hour. The ride is so distracting that it is hard to enjoy any other aspect of the car. The passenger side air bag is almost impossible to activate when someone sits in the seat. In a crash, it would be useless.

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  Great except for the transmission - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By 2010_santa_fe - October 3 - 6:57 pm

  We purchased our Santa Fe after driving at least 8 competing models and the Santa Fe was way above the compting models. The Santa Fe V6 has plenty of power, decent MPG, rides pretty smoothly, and has lots of extras at a good price. The problem is its transmission. It started having shifting problems at about 3k miles and we took it in and they reset the tranny. The problem was gone for a while and then gradually returned. We took it back to the dealer and the replaced the tranny at about 7k miles. Now its been reset again, then reprogrammed and now Im taking back to the dealer again for the fifth time Jan 10. There are lots of posts about tranny problems on Santa Fe forums now too.

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  I started with 14 Choices - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By tweiler - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I started with 14 small SUV choices several months ago and I never would have thought that my final choice would be a Santa Fe. I let the data drive the decision and the overall winner was a Hyundai. I couldnt be more satisfied with the vehicle. Hyundai has redeemed itself.

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  Very satisfied Santa Fe owner - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Kesayne Green - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. I think its one of the best Ive own so far. I get a lot of compliments on my car. I chose white because it is hard to detect dirt.

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  My 2004 Hyundai - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Cindae - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2004 Santa Fe for 5 1/2 months now. My prior vehicle was totalled in an accident and I had not planned to have to purchase a vehicle any time soon; however, I have no regrets over purchasing my Santa Fe! My biggest compliment is how well is does on gas mileage. It also drives very smoothly--more like a car! I never worry about getting somewhere safely I have also aken it down South, and it handled just fine on the road.

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  Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dunnroven - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Love it! It handles like an expensive European sedan, but is "off road" tough. Quite a buy for the money.

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  Overall, SF is well built and fun to drive - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jamit - September 29 - 7:13 pm

  I am from Canada. Even though I have my Santa Fe 3.3 GL Premium (7 pass) just over a week, I am enjoying very moment of it. It is well built, and fun to drive. The ride is a bit firm, and you can feel the bump (when offroad). Compared to other SUV/CUVs that I test drove, this SF strikes me hard on its comfort, quality, and quietness. Oh, it is a very quiet car. The 3rd row seats are great for kids, but I dont use it alot.

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  Navigation problematic - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By KF - September 29 - 2:06 am

  The Santa Fe handles very well in the snow and is much better than my other 4 wheel drive. After 8000 miles however the navigation/radio unit went out. Sent it to Hyundai dealer for warranty work and the part is back ordered indefinitely. Reportedly there are 50+ on back order ahead of me so apparently this is not an isolated incident. So I selected this vehicle because of the nav and other upgrades and they are unreliable. Fuel mileage is about 21.9 mpg.

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  Best SUV on road - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mary of St. Louis - September 28 - 3:23 pm

  Cant be beat, best vehicle on road

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  good vehicle - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By motorman409 - September 27 - 4:56 am

  Ive had this for 3.3 years, and it has been a good vehicle. Good AWD, mileage has been good, comfortable, warms up well, all around good vehicle. When its time to get my wife a new vehicle, I will seriously look at the the new Tucson.