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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  So far, so good - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By whiteowl - January 25 - 2:46 pm

  Just passed the 1200 mile break in period. Present mileage is at 20 mpg, combined city and highway. Not sure however as I have not had a complete highway trip yet. Like the interior, instrument cluster well designed and easy to access. The 2.7 liter has more pickup than engine size would lead you to believe. Minor problem with seat belt retractor, corrected by dealer.

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  I LOVE MY SANTA FE - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Vikki Neff-Tolbert - January 25 - 12:10 pm

  I purchased my Santa Fe in 2003, I now have 145,000 miles on it. I replaced the tires at 95,000 and the timing belt at 125,000. My wonderful little SUV sees the dealership only at scheduled maint. as I have not had any problems with it at all. And as my daughter says ... I will drive it until the doors fall off. If I had to purchase another car it would be another Santa Fe!! Very roomy and comfortable on long trips.

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  Reliable, trouble free so far! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By madmaxooohhh - January 23 - 11:57 am

  I just turned 95,000 miles on my 2004 Santa Fe. No problems so far except normal maintenance: windshield wiper blades every 2 years, tires every 4 years-usually worn out by then, change oil every 6 months or 6-7000 miles for conventional or 7-10000 miles on synthetic. I changed the transmission oil twice (drain and fill) at 40k miles, and again at 80k miles). Oh, I changed both front bulbs after one of the bulbs burned out at around 70k miles. Replaced front and rear brakes and rotors at 85k miles. I will do the timing belt sometime soon. No problems! Best car I have owned so far.

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  07 Santa Fe AWD - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By rshook - January 22 - 8:33 pm

  This is our first Hyundai product and having owned Toyota and Honda, were sold! Drives and rides like a luxury SUV, most people cant believe its a Hyundai which still has a somewhat negative connotation associated with the company for some reason. We even drove a used Lexus GX470 in the same price range and found the Hyundai to be more comfortable and much better fuel mileage. Great Car thus far.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By scott - January 15 - 12:40 pm

  Ive owned three Santa Fes... 01, 03, and 04. This is by far the best and most fun to drive. I just passed 31k miles and have had zero problems.

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  Good Vehicle for the Money - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By FRANKRS - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would ever buy a Hyundai. I had never owned anything but a Ford (and one inherited Chevy). But, I couldnt pass up the price and warranty on this vehicle. Overall, we are extremely pleased with this vehicle. The ride is remarkable for an SUV. The interior is absolutely beautiful compared to other SUVs in this size range. Weve only had one minor problem after 11,000 miles (an oxygen sensor). I recommend it to anyone. (My good friend has always owned Toyotas and Hondas. However, he liked our Santa Fe so much, he purchased one.) I do recommend the 3.5 liter engine, though. The 2.7 liter is a little weak.

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  Good Transportation - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Spike - January 12 - 2:36 pm

  This is a nice ride. It is fairly quiet, and feels sounds solid. It has a good quality feel to it. The cloth seats are comfortable, supportive and heated. Sun roof opens with one touch. Nice storage in the back. Rear passengers are comfortable. The get up and go is a little slow with the 2.7 L, but I didnt get it as a sports car. Living in Alaska I needed something that could give me good traction and keep me moving in a lot of snow and ice. The stock tires seem good and I dont need dedicated winter tires. The mpg is about what I would expect with a awd small v-6. I get about 20 in town in the summer and 17 in the winter with little highway driving. It fills my need wonderfully!

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  Korean Landcruiser - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Great Value - January 12 - 10:00 am

  We were down to the wire between the RAVA and the Santa Fe. I have been a longterm Toyota customer, but the featurers, warranty and the price of the Santa Fe far out weighted my customer loyalty to Toyota. This car has the same ( except outside temp. display and V8 engine ) featurers as my 99 Landcruiser at less than half the price. Very solid ride and no rattles. Hope it holds up through the warranty like my Toyotas have.

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  Quality check needed - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By kona - January 12 - 10:00 am

  In less than a year a console latch has broken, one heated seat does not work, and a lettering fell off the outside of the vehicle. Warranty, has though, covered it.

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  Major Upgrade from Original Santa Fe - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By TomJ - January 10 - 12:10 pm

  Santa Fe has aggressively kept up with the competition. This is my third Santa Fe, and while I admired the original version (even the quirky styling), there is no question but that the new version is a significant improvement. I am amazed at how well- thought out it is, in general, through the superb use of materials to small details, such as the slight driver’s side tilt to the center console stack. Look and “tactile” feel (other than a few too many hard surfaces) is very up-scale; I even find the firm seats “just right.” Power is ample and smooth, and the base stereo works well. Bravo Hyundai!