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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  In the Shop - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Annamcc - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had very bad luck with my Santa Fe. It is frequently being repaired, it has no power to get over hills(mis-fire in the cylinders), the air conditioner provides little more than an open window does and smells like mold, the rear wheels screech constantly, the powerlocks NEVER worked right and are now disconnected, a MAJOR moisture problem in winter(have to scrape the inside of the windows while driving.

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  Maybe I got a lemon - 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jsb71 - December 26 - 3:42 pm

  It was a great car, until it hit 2 years old, and 30,000 KM (~18,000 miles). A piston broke in the engine, and the engine completely failed. What is worse, is the Warranty department balked on replacing the engine as per the service managers request. Eventually they agreed to a short block replacement and a few peripherals. Even that took nearly 2 weeks for approval, and I have little confidence this will be a long term fix. No rental car offered, and no explanation or apology. Still waiting for car to be fixed, as parts have to be shipped in. Not impressed. It is my second Hyundai, and now my last.

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  2.7 + 5 spd manual, a mistake - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By whoops - December 7 - 12:13 pm

  Purchased the 2.7 with 5 speed manual. This power train combination is very disappointing and should be avoided. Recommended shift points are at 15 mph. 25 mph. 35 mph. and 45mph (each of these coincide with very close to 3,000 rpm). Slower-than- expected acceleration from a stop is unnerving, with over-anxious drivers behind you. After 1200 mile break-in (not traveling above 55 mph)the drivetrain mismatch becomes evident, as you can only reach and maintain 65 mph by sustaining 3,000 rpm or higher in 5th gear! Slight hills challenge you to maintain speed, even with no load. I believe this car fails to meet the minimum performance requirements for safe driving on U.S. interstate highways.

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  Transmission Problems - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mmh3 - November 25 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 2004 SF 3.5L GLS 4wd in April,2004 in Nevada from Planet Hyundai. With 1200 miles on it, we had to have the transmission replaced. Stevens Creek Auto Imports (An authorized dealer in San Jose, Ca.) had our vehicle for testing and seal replacement prior to putting in the new transmission. There is now a difference in the way the car drives. It used to have a big surge upon the initial acceleration (like a burst of power), but no longer. The freeway acceleration seems to have also diminished. The verdict is still out on the vehicle because we just got it back from the dealership.

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  Bad transmission - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By kkellycoco - October 31 - 3:46 am

  Do not buy this car! I only have 8,000 miles and the transmission is faulty. Hyundai will only put a refurbished one in and not a new one. Many other Santa Fe owners are having the same problems, stay away from this car.

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  Bad Transmission - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jim - October 1 - 10:46 pm

  Purchased 2010 Hyundai Sante Fe V6. While the car rides smoothly and gets good mileage for midsized SUV the car has serious transmission issues. When you first start off it sporadically will make a loud bang as it shifts between 1- 2 gear. It also has a rocking motion caused by the transmission when slowly accelerating. It also shakes badly when shifting from park to either reverse or drive. Contacted Hyundai Consumer affairs about this issue and they say that they do no have any trend as to any transmission issues. Do a Google search on 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe transmission problems and you will see many unhappy owners. Car is at the dealer as I write this. Doesnt look good. Dont buy

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  Catalytic Converter Gone Already? - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Disappointing - September 19 - 2:43 am

  I was first impressed, but quickly disappointed. After owning the vehicle for 2 weeks, the rear right tail light had built up condensation. Then the check engine light came on and found out that the Catalytic converter was bad....how can that be? I do not even have 8 thousand miles on the vehicle and I am dumping it. Oh yeah...one more thing...the stupid visor on the passengers side fell completely off...just hanging by a few wires.

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  Hyundai - shame on you - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By mbb7 - July 13 - 2:27 am

  I purchased the Hyundai because they touted their long warranty. I have attempted to have a vent knob repaired, which is covered "under warranty". The car has been to the dealer 3 times (a total of 18 hours) and I have spent over 3 hours on the phone to try and convince HyundaiUSA to fulfill their warranty. Each time I bring it to the dealer, they conveniently find another item that needs to be repaired, that is not covered by warranty. The dealer insists that it will take them, "the majority of the day", to repair and "I must leave it with them". I obtained a part to repair it myself. It took 4 minutes and 25 seconds. HyundaiUSA shame on you for condoning these unscrupulous actions.

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  faulty engine - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By faulty one - June 20 - 11:40 am

  I like the car and it is good for road trips. lots of room and standard features. Thats a plus. I had the engine replaced at 13,000 miles and thats after not doing anything about it because the dealer kept telling me there was nothing wrong, but the car was shaking a lot. Now I have 22,000 miles and its doing the same thing.

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  Lots of Trouble - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Cloudy625 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with my Santa Fe. Since the day I bought this vehicle, it has been in the shop approx. 15 times. Its constantly a sensor, other problems. It has even slung a rod already and had to have the engine replaced. This is not an exaggeration. ANd the dealership that I have to deal with on service is just terrible. They hate me and I hate them. lol