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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  2003 Santa Fe Base - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mike C. - August 2 - 9:40 am

  I have tested and drove almost all the SUVs, except for the real expensive, over $40,000, nothing compares. The RAV- 4 was like driving a bus. The CRV was very narrow inside and was not comfortable to drive more than a few miles. The Santa Fe has superior room and drives better. The drive is good.

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  Great vehicle for the price - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Mikeraxom - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, good milage for a SUV. Fun to drive. Graet front, rear and side vision. We picked the Santa Fe after test driving the Kia and found the Kia to ride rough and have a cheap interior.

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  Good Ride - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By PPeterson - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The Hyndai Santa Fe is fun to drive. The standard shift, however, has one get a little too friendly with the passenger. The vehicle has good looks, a comfortable ride, and easy conversion to put back seats down. After driving a standard shift Camry for 19 years, the gas milage seems higher than I am used to. I still enjoy the Santa Fe and have found it useful and affordable.

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  hyundai santa fe vs toyota rav4 - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By plb - August 2 - 2:00 am

  santa fe as an automatic seems to have more power than manual rav4 2.4 engine. there certainly seems to be more interior room in the santa fe than the rav4, both front and back seats, according to my 57" daughter whom has sat in both front/back seats during trips. i loved my rav4, but have found that i have a new favorite. just bought this santa fe 2/2/04---well see

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  Huge Advance - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By BorisB - July 26 - 10:13 pm

  My driving and ownership experience are really excellent. I am the owner of Santa Fe 2000 and next year I am planning to buy new Santa Fe 2007. I have already tried it and I can only say "HUGE ADVANCE!"

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  100000 + - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By nazu - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Being a single female that travels for a living I bought my sanya fa in 2001, it has proven to be the most dependable vechicle Ive ever owned.I now have 109999 miles on it with only routine maintance. very user friendly and comfortable.looking forward to the next 100000.

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  4 Cyl Santa Fe - 90 day Review - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Bft_Mike - July 22 - 9:16 am

  We purchased a 4 cyl. FWD Santa Fe Ltd in late March and waited to drive it awhile before posting a review. We were looking for a mid-sized SUV to drive north each summer with kayaks and bikes. The SF had more room and comfort than the CR-V or RAV-4 for about the same price. This is our first Hyundai. This Santa Fe model is a very comfortable car with adequate acceleration but does require the driver to plan ahead a bit when passing or pulling out into traffic. Mileage in small town/rural driving has been in the mid-20s so far. We are still concerned about what we have heard are owner experiences with the warranty - but so far we are very pleased with our purchase.

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  My honest opinion - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Jose Santiago - July 21 - 10:53 pm

  Good sturdy vechicle. It is slow to accelerate but when it catches up it will blow you away.

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  Read before you buy - 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Josh - July 21 - 7:33 pm

  Beware of a problem. the ignition system is designed very poorly. every 20k miles the car needs plug wires and/or ignitoin coils. $200-$550 every 6 months for us. 2.4l engine design is bad. Hyundai does not help except charge us every 6 months for the same replacement parts as they do not warranty these. BE VERY BEWARE!!!!!!

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  Reliable, Smooth, and No Regrets - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By carfan2011 - July 21 - 3:20 am

  Ive had my Santa Fe almost 3 years and have put almost 45,000 miles on it. The only time its been back to the dealership is for oil changes! The car is such a pleasure to drive, its so smooth you cant feel the transmission shift even under hard acceleration. The engine is whisper quiet even when underway, merging into traffic. The interior is holding up beautifully and the cloth seats are proving to wear very well. I love the adaptable transmission and how it adjusts to your driving style. Im averaging about 27 mpg on the highway and overall its a great car that I plan to drive it for a long time.