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 - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jumping bean - December 26 - 10:00 am

  My santa fe has major transmission problems! I have already had the transmission replaced and will probably have to have it done again. Whenever it shifts, it bucks and isnt happy. When going from reverse to drive it has a very lengthy delay. My vehicle also makes a thump noise in the rear when backing up sound like a brake letting loose. While I like the look of the vehicle, I am not happy. The factory as well as the dealer says this if normal, I say this is crap.

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  Many, Many issues - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dwmac - October 30 - 6:08 pm

  Where to begin? This SUV has been nothing but trouble since rolling it off the lot. Ive been in for warranty work 3 times in two months, with more scheduled next week. In fact, Ive driven more rentals and courtesy cars since owning this than the car itself. Issues I encountered: rear heater only blows cold air, the back window simply shattered had to have replaced (no lie), lumbar button mounted improperly, and only went one way, dash display intermittently cuts in and out, the bluetooth quality is atrocious, the trim paint in the interior will chip off if even breathed on too hard, It wouldnt even turn over twice, still more to list! Beware of this ride. Its riddled with defects

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  Wave of Problems at 4 Year Mark - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By newcarshoppe2 - August 18 - 5:00 pm

  Problems started mounting right after 60,000 mile warranty mark. First problems with rattling in front end and sway bars, then problems with electrical failure. Not satisfied that paying thousands of dollars in repair costs for relatively new car. Reading reviews, have found that many issues start right after warranty ends on Hyundais. Wont be buying Hyundai again.

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  average SUV for the money - 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By geologist26 - August 15 - 7:43 pm

  2012 sante fe GLS AWD V6. the vehicle is just average on everything. it does nothing really "great." hyundai needs to try a little harder on build quality, exterior and interior design. doors and suspension feel tinny. engine is just ok. its not fun to drive BUT, for the money it is a decent small suv.

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  Needs some consumer input - 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jan - August 7 - 9:53 am

  Life with this car after purchase revealed some annoying features. So would you like to leave the sunroof open while you run in the house or store quick? Nope cant do it...you cannot turn the car off and lock it if the sunroof is open. Need to quickly close the trunk because of driving snow or rain? Nope you cant do it...you need to wait for the automatic gate to do it slowly while you wait. Did you put something in the cubby below the radio and then park the car? Good luck getting it out if its a bulky item because the shifter will be in the way. Do you plan to sit in the front passenger seat occasionally when youre not driving? The seat adjustment controls are nothing like the driver seat, and as a matter of fact, youll sit a few inches lower on the passenger side. Ever drop something between the driver seat and the center console? Youll never get it out without going in from the back seat underneath the seat because its so narrow you cant even fit your fingertips in between there. Good luck vacuuming the carpet in these spaces because there are plenty of narrow spaces where things can fall but no ability to vacuum. This car handles well and drives well and has a nice warranty but if youre looking for the basic comforts of a busy lifestyle with kids look somewhere else. Hyundai needs to ask consumers where they can improve for future model redesigns.

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  hyundai santa fail - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By marcelo1977 - May 13 - 12:12 pm

  i bought this car used and since day one had problems with, just to list some, alignment problems, socks and springs noisy, transfer case shot in the middle of the highway at 75 mph. 4wd does not work as god as gm cars. parts are costy like honda and toyota. if you like to work on fixing cars, buy an hyundai sant-a-fail.

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  Chronic Sensor Problems - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Melissa - May 6 - 8:13 pm

  Although a comfortable car, I have had chronic problems with the sensors since it reached about 13,000 miles. I currently only have 21,000 miles, and yet it has been in the shop three times this summer, and probably 8 times last summer. Every time they think they have found which sensor it is, a few weeks later the check engine light comes on after the car starts hesitating and what seems like misfiring. When you pay $26000 for a new car, you should be able to rely on it when you still have such low mileage.

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  Our was a Lemon, Manufacturer didnt care - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jsb71 - March 28 - 12:55 pm

  The problems with our 2013 Santa Fe Limited (2.0L AWD) began last July when the engine died (rattling noise in cylinders). Shop foreman requested full engine block replacement, but Manufacturing Company only approved short block. Car was returned 30 days later (no rental given) and continued to have problems. 5 months later, we are back at the shop, having the engine replaced again. Dealership is working with us on a replacement vehicle deal, for which we are thankful, but the Manufacturer has shown no compassion. We will be going to court to reclaim lost time with the car over payments and insurance costs.

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  Poor Design for Maintainability - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jim - March 21 - 9:33 pm

  At 75,000 miles had the spark plugs and timing belt replaced at a cost of $900! The intake manifold has to be removed to get at the spark plugs and the timing belt is very difficult to get to. There could be two reasons for this: 1) Thoroughly incompetent engine design engineers, or 2) Hyundai management dictated poor design for maintainability as a way of enriching their dealerships. The unfortunate owner has to spend a lot of money for what should be simple and inexpensive replacements. Spark plugs at least should be a do it yourself project. And then there are those engine and cruise control glitches; my Santa Fe seems top have more glitches than the space shuttle.

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  Poor gas Mileage - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Olivarr - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Car does not perform as expected.