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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  Santafes keep getting better and better - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Larry Garin - October 20 - 12:20 pm

  the 3.3 engine has more pick-up, the 18 in. wheels lets you see the road better.

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  Great Car - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Baer - October 20 - 1:16 am

  Great Car! I dont usually like SUVs Im more of a car person but I took this Santa Fe out for a test drive and it was great!! Very smooth. I have a family of 5, 3 boys (13,12,8) and they all fit no problem. Overall great car. Go with the heated seats their the best!

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  Owned for 3 years - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dave - October 19 - 3:53 pm

  We have owned our SanteFe XL AWD for nearly 3 years now with 21,500 miles. Still a great vehicle for us and plan to keep for another year. When bought new it was a hands down choice vs Highlander, Pilot, the Mazdas, Nissans or Subarus. Leather & interior has held up very well, outside finish has held up very well. No squeaks or rattles, still a quiet cabin and same good ride and you set up high. One problem, mirror with remote garage door opener died, fixed in one day at dealership. In Denver are we have averaged 20 mpg with 65% in town short trips. Best 25 on mountain interstate driving, worst about 16 oi short trips cold/snow driving. Brakes and tires holding up well

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  Happy for now - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By aquaman105 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This truck is worth the money. The dealers will not come down on the price, but where can you get all this for so little anyway.

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  thrifty me - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By blackdiamond - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I first saw this car at a car show a couple years ago and was so excited! An suv I can afford! Then reality hit... but its a Hyundai. One afternoon I was listening to "the car guys" show and he talked about the bad rap this make of car has and that it is too bad because now, people are missing out on a gem. It was time to get a car and I did my research for months. Noone offered what Hyundai was offering. Found a base model on sale for 15,990. For this price, you get so much. I drive around feeling I have this best kept secret. I love this car. Even my beautiful base model.

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  Checked them all - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By wvlawyer - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I tried every small and mid-size suv on the market. For the money, the Santa Fe has them all beat. It drives better than all but the Rav4 and the Forester, but comes in a V-6. Its bigger too, with more features. The only worry is whether it will be reliable, but with a 100K mile warranty, Im hoping this wont matter much.

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  Bought it knowing the possible problems - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By suekar - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I almost immediately experienced the"bump" when after driving a short distance I came to a stop. It seems to have been fixed with a computer replacement however I have just recently, after 5000 miles, had a scarey bump when going about 50 on highway. My passengers all felt it. That was two weeks ago and have not felt it since. Thats the extent of the problems and I knew about the transmission unevenness from extensive board reading. So, Im very pleased. Its great for the mountain and city driving I do -- now wishing for a hybrid that gets 40 mpg.

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  93000 miles and counting - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Dean from CO - October 9 - 6:36 am

  A fantastic vehicle, never a single problem (except for a software problem that made it stall twice), upkeep is minimal (finally replaced the original tires after 85000 miles), 27+ mpg (even in the city). I cant rave enough about my Sante Fe. Comfortable, fun to drive, reliable, economical, lots of cargo room. Excellant on long trips. I would keep it another 5 years, but have you seen the 2007s?

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  Not Happy with the 2009 Santa Fe. - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Keeley - October 6 - 3:11 pm

  I have been the owner of my 2009 Santa Fe all wheel drive 6 cylinder for approx. 3yrs and I bought it with 38,000 miles. I drive at least 85 miles per day. First: the 09 Santa Fe drives terrible on the highway. It vibrates terribly and upon bring to dealer they said it was possibly tires or rotation was needed. (I put brand new tires on the vehicle at 45K and at 53k & rotate every year) this never fixed the vibration or the poor handling. Dealership told me I guess thats how it drives and there is nothing they can do. Second: my 09 Santa Fe has a horrible sound system that you cant put up over 14 decibels without blowing a speaker. The volume goes well up to 50. All of the speakers have either blown or went out which I have replaced three times with factory speakers and again they are blown. I have a three year old in the car constant so its not like Im blaring rap music with the bass at 10+. Horribly annoying and expensive to fix and not covered. Third & most disturbing: my 09 Santa Fea gas gauge malfunctioned at 61,000 miles. After filling my gas tank to a range full line I noticed I drove the car to just above a half tank. After turning car back on the gas gauge needle was buried at empty and gas light on. Very nervous immieditely went to get gas. Only took 18$ to fill. Strange which means its not empty. Thought was a fluke. Drove to work used 1/4 of tank. Turns car back on after work. Read empty again. After filling the car yet again now using only 8$ I knew there was a issue. I brought to dealer they told me it is electrical. Fully serviced the vehicle through Hyundai. At the tune of $184.00. Two days later. Started again. After reading on forums this is a severe issue and souls have a recall. Its the tank sensor. Brought back to dealer. They told me to remove old sensors and put new ones it will cost roughly between 500-1000 dollars. It is not covered under warranty and there is no recall. So much for 100K bumper to bumper warranty. This is a severe issue that can cause death or harm. If you dont make sure to reset your miles and keep an eye on your mileage you can run out of gas. The car may even just shut down at high speeds. I would not advise anyone to buy this suv Im a former Jeep owner and as soon as I get the money to fix the gauge issue I will be selling ASAP and buying either a new jeep or Subaru. The gas mileage is terrible the car vibrates and you dont know if you have gas. Sounds like a death trap to me. Hyundai is putting people at risk with the above issue and should recall the vehicle to fix for free. DO NOT BUY!! Any Sante fa prior to 2011. They all have the same issue

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  Good one - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Roch Menard - October 4 - 10:00 am

  So far so good