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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  Hard Shifting among other things - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By caz - June 9 - 1:46 am

  I purchased a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe in February of 2010. Since day one I have experienced fast idle upon starting (1500 rpm), hard shifting, A/C that wont work when idling and then no A/C at all and a "thumping" in the cabin of the vehicle (right about center console location). After repeated trips to the service dept. the fast idle still exists, the hard shifting still exists, and the A/C has been fixed. I was horrified when the service dept. told me that the transmission may have to be replaced but they would have to get the car to "relearn" something or other (what??). Im going back to the dealership and I want a new transmission or a new car - simple as that. Totally unhappy.

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  cheap built suv - 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By robert caouette - May 14 - 5:20 pm

  does not hold there value at all

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  Nice to look at, but oh my.... - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Carol - May 10 - 12:40 pm

  Bought new in Aug 2001 and 2 weeks later, leaking evaporator killed A/C during the heat of S. FL summer. At 100K miles, have replaced more major parts than I can recall, including 2 failed alternators, a starter, rear hatch lock, window motor, oxygen sensor (nearly killed me on the highway approach), a fuel output sensor, something major in the steering, 2 front wheel boots; have computer failure that causes radio to repeatedly whine while rapidly switching back & forth from CD player to radio; turn it off and it turns itself back on! Doors unlock themselves. Awful awful mileage (16/20 & I drive moderately). Spent so much in repairs since 2001, I couldnt afford new car. A SUPER LEMON!

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  harsh ride - 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By daniel sanchez - March 12 - 4:08 am

  i am in the market for an suv with 6-8 seat my option were the Hyundai Santa Fe, KIA sorento, Toyota highlander, and the Honda pilot. I first went to see the santa fe and it looked really nice the drl made it better looking than before so the sales person let me take it for a test drive. as i got out of the dealership and on to the main road it felt like it had power to hit 40-50 mph. but as i was trying to slow down to make a right turn i felt the car just bogged down as i try to accelerate to enter the other street that to me seemed pretty dangerous because the if there was a car coming i could of gotten hit. so the sales person made me turn to another street where there was a lot of bump so i drove around 40 to see how the suspension would perform, and honestly it was the worst ride as i heard loud thump as if the the rear struts were bad or something, any little thump could be heard very clearly, it was far worse for my parent that were sitting in the back because they said that the car didnt even cushion any of the bump and that they were bouncing the entire time we were on that road , it felt like riding a horse. also the brakes are a little mushy for a 4000lb car i would expect the suspension to be somewhat decent . i have a versa and a old 98 town car and the suspension is 5 times better than the santa fe. i felt sorry to tell the salesperson that we werent interested in the car because of the ride quality.

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  Sadly Disapointed - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By jlb - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Sante Fe since April 2002. So far its been back at Fairfax Hyundai for the following 3 times for transmission problems. I would be on the highway and the damn thing would stop accelerating. The air conditioning keeps going out. Its been in the shop 3 times for that and its doing it again. Now my speedometer as stopped working and no mileage accumulates. I had it in 2 times for the vibrations underneath the drivers seat. Also, when I bought Hyundai advertised a certain size engine only to find out that a class action law suit was filed because the size engine was advertised incorrectly.

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  Ran out of gas !! - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Joseph Xavier Martin - January 1 - 4:44 pm

  Huyndai Santa Fe 2009 model has a faulty fuel indicator.Internet stories say 2007-2013 models share the problem also. How can you drive a car when you dont know if and when you will run out of gas? The USA Hundai and World Hyundai refuse to acknowledge the problem exists even though the internet is full of cases where the fuel gauge doesnt work. The fix is a $500 cost to the owner. Not fair. If a manufacturer wont guarantee that their product is reliable, customers would look elsewhere. We sure will when we buy our next car. Hyundai lists a corporate philosophy on their website. I didnt see anything there about throwing customers under the bus! Bad form !!

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  Dissapointed! - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By SF2007 - September 27 - 2:53 am

  I bought the car new in November 2007. Having high hopes this would be the last car I would have to buy for a long time. I had the car in for the 15,000 mile maintenance in July 2009 and mentioned it had started making a roaring noise, more prevalent at lower speeds. I was told it was tire noise and the tires were feathering. I have had the tires rotated at the specified times why would they feather? If they are feathering at 15,000 miles somethings wrong! I have not been able to get any results from Hyundai as to the real problem. The car is also downshifting hard at 30 miles when coming to a stop. I dont think Ill be buying any make, model or type of Hyundai again.

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  Oil Leak & Trans Issues - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By NDPA - August 23 - 6:13 am

  This is the first and LAST Hyundai I will EVER buy. I typically buy Honda (Accord, CR-V), but I bought the SF based on good reviews (Consumer Reports, etc.), enjoyable test drive, and apparent bang for the buck over the new CR-Vs. After 8K miles I have had 2 oil leaks (Timing Chain Cover Seal + cracked oil filter housing), & the intermittent transmission issues (hard shift, banging, lurching, etc.) that so many others have had. I will now crawl back to Honda for my next new car. Its a shame because without those MAJOR, inexcusable issues, the Santa Fe is an otherwise enjoyable vehicle. I thought Hyundai had done a 180 from the laughing stock it once was, looks like I was wrong.

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  it is OK suv - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Alex G - August 18 - 2:00 am

  well it is a suv after all and i am kind of a sedan person.... but it has never made me any problems at least big ones

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  NOT HAPPY - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jinxy - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The first 3 months of ownership were wonderful. From them on it has been a complete nightmare. I have had an oil leak in the front differential; the ignition went out; the fuel tank doesnt register properly and only fills above 3/4 of a tank; the crank motor sensor went out on the freeway while I was in the fast lane; the center console broke twice and not the front bushings have gone out. WHAT MORE CAN I TAKE!!! This vehicle has been in the shop 21 times since I have owned it and I am currently waiting for my 22 visit once the parts come in.