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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  This SUV is absolutely AWESOME!!!! - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By deethebee - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Im a mother of two small children, and to me(and Im sure every mom out there in America)safety comes first. I have reviewed alot of SUVs and for some reason I always came back to the Hyundai Santa Fe. I think its not only fun to drive but, I feel safe driving my little ones in it. Women look for safety, comfort, style and luxury. And this has it all. Hyundai built a great SUV....Thanks!!

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  Poor quality - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Christopher Herrman - July 17 - 4:16 pm

  I have owned this Santa Fe since it was new. A lot of repairs. Most were covered under warranty. The worst is the valve cover gasket. It has been replaced 5 times. It drips oil on the alternator then it shortens the life of the alternator and then the battery. The alternator replaced 3 times and battery 2 times. Hyundai did finally own up and reimbursed me for the repairs. But now I dont have a Hyundai dealer. There was a recall on the alternator/ valve cover replaced both 9/15. There is oil on the alternator again. Plus the power seat is junk too, replaced twice. The rear tires are very sensitive to alignments. Im on my 3rd set, less than 100,000

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By refusetostop - July 16 - 8:40 pm

  I love thge warranty but after the purchase I dont have to think about it because everything works great. This vehicle is very fun to drive and has alot of get up and go with the 3.5 v6.The heated seats are a plus in the cold weather months and the leather cleans up easy when my kids make a mess. The only down side is not having power seats. That one option would make my Sante Fe perfect.

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  Love the car - but now its a beater... - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By leftoverchef - July 15 - 10:47 pm

  Well, Ive had the car since brand new and have loved it. I havent been too punctual with the routine maintenance (oil changes, etc.) and the car still has performed well (until recently, but more on that later). I made it to 100k miles on the original clutch - which is a record for me. I didnt even replace the timing belt until 110k miles! The only problem I really have had with it has been a faulty clutch pedal sensor when we bought it - and a crank-shaft position sensor that died just before i replaced the timing belt. That said - recently the Catalytic converter broke and the Exhaust manifold cracked - a $2600 repair - but my son will pay that to buy it from me instead!

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  Best car I have owned to date - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By k2kes - July 10 - 7:43 pm

  I traded in a Ford Escape with 30000 miles on it for the 2004 Santa Fe. I got tired of Fords expensive service practices and terrible warranty...and the great warranty on the Hyundai sure beats Fords...

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  love this vehicle - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Linda - July 9 - 10:23 pm

  I purchased this vehicle mainly due to the warranty and reliability. I also have a 2004 Sonata and have had no problems.This is a fun vehicle to drive with enough room for hauling. I love all of the features and strongly recommend it.

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  Great Suv - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By e, comer - July 9 - 4:36 am

  My family and I are pretty pleased with our purchase. The suv is roomy but also small enough to handle & park easily. We love it. We had an easy time purchasing the auto from the dealer but the dealer once we went off the lot didnt care what happened after that. We had two incidents happen as we drove off the lot and one has not been addressed yet by them... yet they state that the autos go thru a 37 pt inspection. Will probably not buy from this dealership again, but will definitely buy another Suv like this one as we are enjoying it.

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  Buyer beware! - 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dj - July 3 - 1:20 am

  I agree with previous posters, very bad transmission that definitely bogs and slips when cold. Hyundai has a horrible warranty service because they will always try to discount the problem. Poor quality. Gas mileage is about 20% lower than the sticker averages on the vehicle. Just another falsehood.

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  Good compromise - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Richard - July 1 - 10:00 am

  There is nothing exceptional about the Santa Fe, however it looks nice, accelerates briskly, has a great warranty and gets decent fuel economy. The interior is mediocre but functional. The seats are comfortable and the ride quality is acceptable. Heated cloth seats on the SE are a bonus. Over the initial 3187 miles, I averaged 21.53 mpg with about 50% highway driving. Prior to purchasing, we test drove the Pilot, Highlander, RAV4, Murano and Forester. The Pilot and Highlander were more desirable-- but would have cost several thousand dollars extra with similar options. After the incentives, we paid $24,000 for the V-6 SE and feel like it was by far the superior value.

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  Bad Transmissions - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Bad Transmissions - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely disappointed in my Santa Fe. I purchased this vehicle due to there popularity. I immediately noticed that the transmission was slipping and making a loud banging noise when shifting from 1st to 2nd and so forth. I have since found out that this is a huge problem with the new Santa Fe and Hyundai is doing nothing about it as far as a recall. New transmissions are replaced with ones with the same problems. The Santa Fe must need a complete trans redesign. Just Google Hyundai Transmission Problems.