2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Dependable & Safe SUV With Low Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter
Jan 9, 2023

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is an affordable and reliable SUV that offers great value for money. It features a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 21 city/28 highway MPG fuel economy. The price range for the 2011 Santa Fe varies depending on the trim level, but generally ranges from $17,000 to $23,000.

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likeFilled The Good
Offers a great combination of affordability, power, and technology features, making it an ideal vehicle for those on a budget who want a dependable and safe SUV.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The Santa Fe’s interior is cramped, which may be an issue for those hauling around a large family or a lot of cargo.

Is the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall 8/10 -. The 2018 Santa Fe is an affordable and reliable SUV with plenty of features for its price point with low running costs. A smooth suspension provides a comfortable ride. The interior cabin may be too small for some, but otherwise the Santa Fe is an excellent choice.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo: 8/10 – The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe’s interior is well-designed and comfortable. It has plenty of storage space in the front and back seats, but may be too small for larger families or those carrying around a lot of cargo.
  • Reliability: 8/10 – The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is a reliable and dependable car. It has been tested to last over 200,000 miles with routine maintenance and regular oil changes. Its engine is robust and can handle plenty of wear and tear without any problems. Additionally, its parts are easily accessible if they do need to be replaced.
  • Safety: 7/10 –  The Santa Fe comes with a variety of safety features such as ABS, traction control, and multiple airbags. It also has additional driver aids such as a rearview camera and blind spot monitoring.
  • Performance: 7/10 – The Santa Fe offers a smooth and comfortable ride. Its 2.4-liter engine provides plenty of power for an SUV of its size.
  • Gas Mileage: 9/10 – Compared to other SUVs, the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is very efficient, getting an estimated 21 city/28 highway MPG.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jovy K
A spacious and stylish SUV.
My Hyundai Santa Fe served its purpose. I never had issues with it and it is very comfortable. I also love driving it because I do not have to worry about not seeing the road like the other smaller car. It also has big space at the back for storage. It is actually more spacious compared to other SUV of its kind.
accountCircle Michael A
Totally reliable and solid made auto. Great extras package and an awesome suv
Love this model, will buy another Sante Fe in the future. Totally reliable, lots of room , and a comfortable ride
accountCircle Melissa G
It is very roomy, I have 1 car seat and a booster and an adult can sit in the back with both those seats
I love my car because it is safe. It has a lot of room in the back to put baseball gear and chair. The inside is big as well
accountCircle Rag R
Awesome mini SUV that I love with all my heart
Great car. I did have problems with the hazard lights a couple of months ago. But otherwise I love it
accountCircle Amanda K
It helps you drive appropriately to safe fuel. I also really enjoy the miles left to empty feature it really helps on trips.
My car has been and still is a very good car. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a crossover.
accountCircle Patricia c Greene
Serviceability
Yes, i have a santa fe ltd that has been a great car itit has only required normal maintenance for 86,000 miles.only problem ws the alternator went bad.
accountCircle Stephanie G
That the gas and brake pedal are not sensitive so a small tap will not jerk the car. The only way it will jerk is if you hit the pedal hard
I love the color of the car first off. I also love the way it drives, it is a smooth drive. I also love that the gas pedal isn't sensitive; I don't feel like the car jerks when I hit the gas pedal
accountCircle alana K
Amazing Santa Fe that has yet to let me down.
My vehicle is awesome! My car is always reliable and has not let me down once. Hyundai cars are my favorite type and brand of cars. They are of great quality and service. The features in my car include a Bluetooth radio. I am able to connect my phone to my car to listen to music while driving. I am able to connect 5 devices to my car as well. This allows my friends to connect to my car and play music which makes aux control very exceptional.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jacklyn S
Do not waste your money! Do not buy this brand.
So many recalls, not comfortable, all the features does not work properly. It does not work with iPod. So many blind spots in the car. Not sturdy enough for a SUV. Tires were not good. Windshield wiper does not work well. Not easy to find out the temp in the cabin, etc.
accountCircle Tammy W
This car is very reliable. Have not had any problems in the past three years
Omg thing people should know is this car is Reliable
accountCircle Patrick Kinlan
Vehicle quality
Can not recommend this vehicle, I have had 2 major failures in this car in the last 2 years. Both the engine (head gasket) and drive train (differential) have required major repairs as well as the radiator which needed replacement. I'm very disappointed in the quality of this vehicle.
accountCircle Stephanie C
A complete waste of money. Will not buy a foreign car again.
We bought it from a dealership and we have had nothing but problems with it. We've had to put $2000 into the front end and it still gives us problems. The spare tire didn't even have air in it. Pretty sure transmission is slipping. We used to get 42 mpg and now we get 19. We hate our car its a total heap of junk. Would not recommend nor wish upon anyone else.
accountCircle bonnie b
Headlight placement is hazardous and could cause accidents
Can't think of one thing I like. Headlights I hate. They are a safety hazard.
accountCircle Lisa W
Gas mileage is good. Plenty of space to haul things. Easy to park.
It's easy to drive around. For a smaller SUV you can haul several things at once. I've had it in at the dealership 6 times for electrical issues. I will never buy another one.
accountCircle Bonnie K
Purchase an AWD Hyundai, not front wheel drive.
Front wheel drive is not good in snow. Definitely feels like a light weight vehicle. The door electric system seems to have a glitch and does not lock on back doors. Nice comfortable seats, with a great heating and defrost system. If I ever purchase another one, all wheel drive is a must.
accountCircle Alexis J
Electrical issues out of nowhere
Electric problem throughout the vehicle that the dealership can't fix. The dome light doesn't work, door locks will not stay locked, and the car alarm goes off randomly so I had to remove my horn from the fuse box. Good on gas mileage and comfortable to sit in

What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Santa Fe?

Consumer Reports says the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good choice for those looking for an affordable SUV with plenty of features, and good owner satisfaction scores.

Edmunds reports the Santa Fe is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a reliable and practical SUV. It offers plenty of features for its price point, has good fuel economy, and provides a comfortable ride.

Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is an affordable and reliable SUV. It features a powerful engine, good fuel economy, and plenty of safety features to keep drivers safe on the road.

What Common Problems Does the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?

Oil Leaks: Some components of the engine can develop oil leaks over time. This is likely due to wear and tear, which can cause gaskets or seals to become loose or worn out.

Wheel Bearings: The wheel bearings on the Santa Fe may need to be replaced prematurely due to excessive wear and tear.

Air Conditioning System: The air conditioning system in some models of the Santa Fe have been known to malfunction due to poor design. This can cause the blower motor to fail or not work properly.

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe has had three recalls. The first recall is for the brake calipers which may leak. The second covers the wire harness for the converter module. The third recall is on the stop lamp switch, which may not function properly.

How Long Will the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Last?

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is a reliable and durable vehicle that should last its owner many years of use. With proper maintenance and care, the engine and other components should last for at least 200,000 miles or more. The chassis, suspension and brakes are also likely to last for many years with regular maintenance. Used car buyers can expect this vehicle to last up to 8 years with the proper preventive maintenance.

accountCircle Meritto S

For the most part it runs fine. There were recalls on the software of the car and the company forgot to coat the underside of the car for rust protection.

accountCircle Kim S

My Santa Fe has and still is very reliable. The only problem a few years back I had to replace the whole engine. But the car is 9 years old.

accountCircle Dwight S

Yes! The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is a very reliable car. I have only had mine for a little over a year but so far it has been a great car.

accountCircle Ariana T

The 2011 Hyundai Santa-Fe is very reliable. I have never broken down or had an engine failure while driving. The only problem I've had was my fault because I left the light on in the car overnight, killing the battery, so I had to get it recharged. That was my own fault, but the car has never let me down.

accountCircle Sarah D

Yeah eh got to have some electrical problems with my car due to the lights do not lights wells suddenly the turn off when I'm driving

How Is the Technology?

The Santa Fe comes with some nice technology features. The technology featured in the Santa Fe includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming through the radio, along with a rearview camera.

Unfortunately, this model does not come with some of the more advanced safety features such as lane departure warning or automated emergency braking systems.

Is the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Value?

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is a great value for the money. It is reliable, efficient, and includes all the necessary features that many buyers are looking for in a used car. It’s cheaper than many other SUVs on the market.

What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in five different models from the base GLS all the way through to the more well-equipped Limited.

GLS FWD:

  • 2.4L 4-cylinder engine
  • 6-speed manual transmission
  • Cloth interior seating
  • 17” alloy wheels

SE FWD:

  • 3.5L V6 engine
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Leather interior seating
  • Heated front seats
  • 19” alloy wheels

Limited FWD:

  • 3.5L V6 engine
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support
  • 18” alloy wheels

SE AWD:

  • 3.5L V6 engine
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Leather interior seating
  • Heated front seats
  • 19” alloy wheels

Limited AWD:

  • 3.5L V6 engine
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support
  • 19” alloy wheels

What Engines Come In the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with two different engine options depending on the trim level chosen. Both engines are capable of delivering reasonable performance, but the V6 provides a noticeable increase in power and acceleration.

The GLS FWD and SE FWD trims include a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.

While the SE AWD and Limited trims are fitted with a more powerful 3.5L V6 engine.

What Colors Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The 2011 Santa Fe has been praised by owners for being surprisingly comfortable. The seats are well-padded and supportive, perfect for long drives or commuting in stop-and-go traffic.

The interior cabin is spacious and quiet, with minimal road noise making its way into the vehicle. Additionally, all trim levels come with a 3-zone climate control system, allowing the driver and passengers to all customize their temperature settings.

The available leather interior seating also adds a luxurious touch to the cabin of the Hyundai Santa Fe. Overall, this vehicle is great for long road trips, providing both comfort and convenience.

How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Have?

The 2011 Santa Fe offers an impressive amount of storage space and cargo capacity. The interior cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for passengers to stretch out and relax.

Additionally, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats offer increased flexibility in carrying items or additional passengers. Behind those seats, buyers will find a generous amount of cargo space, measuring in at 35.4 cubic feet.

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What Are the Differences Between Years?

2008: SE models have standard premium cloth seating, Limited adds Logic 7 stereo system.

2009: Standard USB & iPod Inputs across the lineup, limited version gets a towing prep package.

2010: Minor exterior styling changes along with two new engines and transmissions. Bluetooth added to all models, third row seating removed.

2011: Limited model adds a standard 10-speaker Infinity sound system.

2012: Minor improvements including hill-descent brake control on the GLS model.

2013: Fully redesigned with a seven-passenger long-wheelbase model and five-passenger Sport version.

2014: New features including ventilated front seats and a parking assistance system.

How Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Compare to the Competition?

Potential competitors for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe include other small SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Rogue. All of these vehicles offer similar features and benefits regarding fuel economy, cargo capacity and technology offerings. However, when compared to the Santa Fe, many of them offer slightly better reliability ratings as they age.

Ranks #15 Midsize SUV by Owners

1
car
4.82
2
car
4.71
15
car
4.3

Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe?

accountCircle Meritto S

No it is not. There were multiple recalls on the car and at 120000 miles, the shocks were shot. Additionally, the dealership wanted to charge me $4000 to fix the shocks, even though it was just a simple bushing problem.

accountCircle Kim S

It is a great vehicle! This is my second one and will definitely buy another! It is a great vehicle for vacation and also in town too.

accountCircle Jeremy G

Yes. I have always wanted to have one so now that I do it definitely makes me feel good to have my own

accountCircle Haley J

Yes. The size of the car plays a big role in helping me in daily life because I can fit lots of grocery bags in the trunk. I also just moved and was able to fit plenty of large furniture with the back seats down, so it made for less trips which was nice. I like that the car allows me to play music from my phone through the Bluetooth feature because I don't have to have an aux cord. It's also nice to be able to audibly give commands to call someone, so I don't have to be on my phone while I drive.

accountCircle Judy G

Yes. My car is very comfortable and nice with enough space for my family and friends for vacations and work

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Naci T on June 23, 2021
My car is a Hyundai Santa Fe. I have had it for 9 years.
I have had this vehicle for a very long time. I have almost 300,000 miles on this vehicle. I have not had many problems out of this vehicle, but I am scared it may start having problems in the future. I am not sure if I will get another Hyundai, but they are great cars.
accountCircle Tara P on June 11, 2021
Very roomy and comfortable for all passengers. The interior holds up well also.
I like the large cabin space of the Santa Fe. It is roomy when you are driving and it is comfortable. It is also roomy and comfortable as a passenger in the front seat and in the back seat. It has plenty of legroom, which many SUV black. The back cargo area has a ton of space. It is great for long trips and large grocery shopping trips also.
accountCircle Jaide R on June 8, 2021
Navy blue 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe.
I like my car but my aux port broke after I bought it and the Bluetooth stopped working as well. The mileage is okay and better on highway-usually about 25 mpg on the highway. I also had some issues with the wheel bearings and they needed to be replaced along with the alignment. That cost about $500.
accountCircle Chloe A on June 6, 2021
Great highway gas mileage and lots of back seat room!
I really like my car! It is drives amazing has some really good features too! Has Bluetooth so you can connect and make phone calls on the road. Has a command so you can say “call so and so.” cruise control is amazing. Has heated seats for the front and air vents for the back. Has lots of room in the back too! Which is amazing for groceries! Does really good on gas on the highway but if you do a lot of in town driving maybe not the greatest. I would definitely recommend a vehicle like this if you need plenty of room in the back!
accountCircle Dona V on May 12, 2021
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe se is a great SUV.
I really like the car. It is a comfortable ride. It gets good mpg. It has lots of storage. It handles well in the snow and tows small trailers with ease. I like the sound system in it. I would recommend it. My next car will probably be another Hyundai SUV.
accountCircle DaVannis D on May 12, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe 2011 reoccurring issues.
The vehicle performance for the most part has been good. Since when I purchased it last year from the dealership I have had to replace: the throttle body, gas pedal, the brake pads, both struts, both control arms, the windshield wipers, get another alignment is what I can think of thus far. It has been a pleasant feeling but I now feel like I am able to at least get around and enjoy it with limited issues. Do not buy this particular vehicle or maybe it is just the year. But I have read other reviews about the throttle body in addition to the gas pedal having to be replaced. Please pay attention before purchasing. I had taken my vehicle to two mechanics beforehand and for an inspection at firestone.
accountCircle Michael D on May 3, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe, the greatest car you can own.
No problems with the car, it is reliable & overall great. It has plenty of space for our family & dogs plus our groceries. Great gas mileage, comfortable interior. The seats are heated, which comes in handy during the winter. The controls are easily accessible, plus access on the steering wheel. This is a great vehicle for a family or those who want a roomy SUV.
accountCircle Doug S on April 24, 2021
2011 Santa Fe highlights.
Transmission / power transfer issues with both the 2011 and 2008 (complete replacement due to known issues). Very stable on ice and snow, comfortable for long road trips. Roomy with good amount of storage area under rear cargo area. Great visual 'out the window' area!
accountCircle Kathryn B on April 4, 2021
Details of a Hyundai Santa Fe.
Haven't had any major problems, drives well, gets good gas mileage. Has lots of storage space, easy to put seats down. Seats are comfortable enough for long trips, they recline good. Just wish it was a little quieter, on the road, sometimes road noise seems loud.
accountCircle Kayla M on April 2, 2021
One tough cookie. Strong and reliable. Keeps on going.
My vehicle has gotten me through a lot. It is very strong and keeps pushing even if something is wrong. When my tie rod went bad it held strong til I could fix it. When my struts broke no one knew until they pulled on it to do an alignment. It never drove like there was ever an issue.
accountCircle Jason C on April 1, 2021
It is reliable and handles well in all kinds of weather.
I like the engine, reliability and warranty. I dislike the interior materials and automatic door locks, they do not work on driver door.
accountCircle Sue A on March 30, 2021
Our Santa Fe Is A True Utility Vehicle
My Hyundai is very reliable, and has great gas mileage. I feel safe driving in the winter. The visibility is above average. We use it for hauling garden supplies, we have moved kids back and forth to college, and transported our large family dog. It's the car of choice for any job.
accountCircle Kimberly B on March 29, 2021
Perfect mid-size car for an awesome mid-size family.
I really like that while this car is affordable, it has high quality. It may not be a luxury car, but I think it has great lines to it. I always feel safe and secure when I am in it. Bigger than a sedan but smaller than a regular SUV, it is perfect for a small family. This car has a lot of great features as well as accessories. I highly recommend it.
accountCircle Melissa M on March 28, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe perfect for small family on a budget.
Overall, my Santa Fe is very reliable. Maintenance, parts, and comfort and ideal for our size of family. However, I wish it had the option to push the back seat further back to make more room. The hatch back is large and deep making shopping easier. I really like that I do not have to take it to a specialized garage to be fixed when there are problems. I have not experienced any abnormal issues outside of regular wear and tear.
accountCircle Joyce P on March 27, 2021
Great fit. It expensive repair.
Great car my kid's love it..Only complaints are the ventilation to back of car is very minimal. Wires in wheel column have shorted out and smoked before. Also the replacement parts are expensive and often have to be ordered from manufacturer which is across the country from me.
accountCircle Jennie B on March 27, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe for the win.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned. Smooth ride, great backseat room. You have ample room in the very back for plenty of luggage or groceries. Gas mileage is great! You cannot go wrong with this great vehicle made by Hyundai!
accountCircle cynthia C on March 26, 2021
Small yet roomy. Feels like a full size vehicle inside
Santa Fe is very roomy. The back seats fold in for more carrying space. Its Bluetooth capabilities comes in hand when driving to answer phone. Great AC Leather seats are soft and comfy as well. No problems so far n has 145k miles. All I've had to do is the oil change and filter change on a regular basis.
accountCircle Lissa P on March 18, 2021
Great family vehicle with lots of space.
Our Santa Fe is very comfortable and reliable. As long as we keep up with the maintenance it has no big problems. It does not have a lot of features and a reverse camera would be nice to have. Bluetooth is available and radio. Am and FM. Has lots of room for storage and the trunk is large. Fits 3 people in the back or caraways for kids. Great car for a family of 4 or 5.
accountCircle Dana M on March 16, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe SUV love.
It is beginning to rust. But other than that it has been a very reliable car! I do love the limited model! The heated leather seats are so nice! I have 200,000 miles on it and it is still going! My car is in white, and it really stands out in the crowd!
accountCircle tina r on March 13, 2021
It has a super warranty of 100,000 miles on the engine.
I love my santa fe. It has awesome get up and go. Gas mileage isn't too bad for an SUV. It drives very smooth and is great on long trips as it is very comfortable. I don't love the color (bought used). No complaints.
accountCircle Brittany B on March 12, 2021
The vehicle is extremely reliable and provides comfort desired by customers.
The vehicle provides Optimal comfort and advanced features. It has proved to be extremely reliable and no real performance problems. At times it does give off odd sounds coming from the engine but nothing that has caused it to stay in a repair shop overnight.
accountCircle Cindy K on March 9, 2021
Very Reliable with few problems
I have owned this vehicle for 7 years and never had any major problems to deal with other than normal maintenance. It has great pickup and is very roomy. It also provides a nice ride on road trips.
accountCircle Joe B on February 28, 2021
Great Gas mileage for an SUV. Driven it all over the east coast
Great gas mileage for an SUV. Tons of space in the back for all of my belongings whatever the season may be. Awesome radio feature and is very reliable
accountCircle Holly S on February 27, 2021
The perfect size! Great for traveling and city living.
This is the third Santa Fe I have owned, and I cannot imagine owning anything else. Not too big, not too small. Room for kids, pets and traveling, yet easy to park. Even with back problems, the seats are comfortable for long trips and with many miles my car still runs well.
accountCircle Chelsea S on February 21, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe reliable and roomy!
I love my Santa Fe! Very roomy and comfortable. A very reliable vehicle with few major repairs needed. Large trunk space which is big enough to fit my side by side double stroller. It is a 2011 but feels like a very modern vehicle. I am very happy with this car.
accountCircle Danielle G on February 20, 2021
It gets great gas mileage and lets you feel safe without being overly massive.
It's a great car. Handles well. Large enough to feel safe but not so large that we have trouble finding parking. Gets pretty good gas mileage. We've been in one accident (rear ended) and it totaled the other car, but we only had a cracked bumper. Great sound system. The one problem we have is that there are only two cupholders in the front seat and their placement is really strange and awkward, at least for the driver.
accountCircle Telicha H on February 18, 2021
2011 amazing Hyundai Santa Fe limited.
It is a very reliable, economical car with lots of interior space. It has a sunroof, huge trunk space and the back row seats are comfortable and spacious from the front seats. Leather interior with wood grain, pioneer sound system with infinity speakers and dual warming front seats.
accountCircle Jen M on February 15, 2021
I wouldn't purchase another one.
I have a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe gls AWD. I am likely to never buy one again. Ever since I purchased, it has been problem after problem. The only pro’s is the AWD, and the good gas mileage. I have had my struts go out, my control arms, and something by my mother the first 8 months after purchasing my car. I would much prefer to get a new one.
accountCircle Sheryl S on February 14, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe is a win for dependability over time!
My Hyundai Santa Fe se has been a reliable vehicle for me for 9 years and 180k miles. It is reliable, attractive and fun to drive. The mileage continues to be pretty good even years later. I have no issues transporting people, boxes, luggage, or whatever items I may need to carry. It is a great, versatile choice for an active lifestyle!
accountCircle Jackson N on February 8, 2021
Reliable and has a good 4 wheel drive if you ever need it.
In terms of problems there's really none with mine, driving on freeways in the wind is the only iffy part about it because the wind really pushes it around so just got to be extra cautious with it being so light, it performs great not too bad for long drives and the comfort and space is great, it definitely felt innovative during its time with the Bluetooth options but it's still reliable for 5 people and has plenty room for everyone and space in the back.
accountCircle Kay P on February 6, 2021
Good vehicle for driving to and from places, but costs a lot to fill up on gas. The vehicle has a lot of room for one person, but can also fit others in it as well.
Bluetooth is available with this model of vehicle. The vehicle handles well while on the road.
accountCircle Michelle M on January 25, 2021
It is dependable and has not had much for issues outside of routine maintenance.
It is a no frills reliable SUV, though our family has outgrown it since the addition of another child, so our next vehicle will need to be a little bigger.
accountCircle Barton S on January 20, 2021
They need to know that this vehicle is roomy and safe.
I like the size of my vehicle seating is roomy. I dislike the vents for heat and air conditioning they are too small and you don't feel the air. I also like the armrest in the backseat having cup holds in it and that it flips up.
accountCircle Don C on January 19, 2021
Outstanding mid size SUV that I highly recommend.
I purchased my 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe new. I also purchased a 2003 Santa Fe new which I gave to my son with 185, 000 miles, he put another 40, 000 miles on it before he traded it in. I had zero issues on the 2003 Santa Fe which is why I bought another Santa Fe. I never had to replace the timing belt in either car which my mechanic is totally shocked. There was not one mechanical issue out of the ordinary for either car. I highly indorse the Santa Fe.
accountCircle Donald P on January 15, 2021
It is roomy and gets good gas mileage.
Very nice ride, dependable, cost effective and durable. I have not had any major maintenance issues on the santa fe.
accountCircle El S on January 14, 2021
Santa fe: a vehicle for the family.
My hyundai santa fe has been very comfortable for long road trips for my family of four as well as a commuter vehicle for myself. It has been reliable and I have enjoyed driving it. I will probably visit hyundai when it is time for my next vehicle.
accountCircle Jaycee D on January 13, 2021
The hidden gems of Hyundai Santa Fe: there is a lot of hidden storage.
The gas mileage is great, it takes me one half tank to get to my university that is three hours away. It is great for hills, snow, and bad weather. It is very reliable, and I have yet to run into any problems. It is easy to navigate and has amazing storage space. I constantly drive to clinicals and I can comfortably fit 5 people in my car. It is a very smooth ride. There is a lot of storage in the huge trunk, so my trunk always seems clean when there is a lot of hidden storage pockets and compartments. It was great to use during my road trip to Vermont, which was over 7 hours. The passengers were comfortable, and it fit all of our luggage.
accountCircle Marna S on January 13, 2021
It is safe and reliable and is quite capable of hauling a lot of stuff in adverse conditions.
I like that it has plenty room to haul things. Also the AWD feature is nice to have when living in the country. And, I love having my XM radio subscription in my car.
accountCircle Barbara B on January 11, 2021
The reliability. I have never had any problems with it.
I bought the Santa Fe because I wanted a smaller suv. I often have my grandchildren with me, and there is plenty of room for them. It is easy to park, and has been totally reliable from the day that I bought it.
accountCircle Kevin C on January 4, 2021
The most important thing someone should know about my car is that you can fill up the tank with $50.
What I love about my vehicle is that is has good storage space in the trunk of the car. Also like the fact that the interior is all leather, making it easier to clean up. However, if I was to dislike something from my car it would be the wiring issue it has.
accountCircle Karen J on January 4, 2021
My bad weather challenges in my Hyundai Santa Fe.
Overall, the performance is pretty good. There is an odd feature when the roads are slippery that you have to remember to push a button so it will drive better in bad weather. Since I only have to do this in the winter, I was forgetting if it was always on and I had to turn it off or if I had to turn it on. This resulted in me getting stuck going up a hill once, causing a major traffic jam and difficulty getting home. It was pretty scary and took many hours and had me very upset and tearful. I had roadside service but could never get an answer. I have also had to put a lot of money into it as time goes on.
accountCircle Tyler T on December 31, 2020
It has some cool compartments.
I bought my car used so there is a downside to that. But I wish it had some stuff that my parents had. The gas could be better. I wish it had a camera in the back. It is not to smooth while driving on the highway but remember it's used. Anyway I would not get the Santa Fe Hyundai.
accountCircle Patricia c Greene on December 31, 2020
Serviceability
Yes, i have a santa fe ltd that has been a great car itit has only required normal maintenance for 86,000 miles.only problem ws the alternator went bad.
accountCircle Tammy M on December 31, 2020
The Santa Fe is a dependable vehicle.
Even with our Santa Fe getting older and having high mileage we have not had any major issues. The Hyundai is 9 years old, we are the second owners and it still looks and rides well. The vehicle is still very dependable. As long as you keep it maintained the vehicle will be a good investment.
accountCircle Stacey J on December 29, 2020
May car has all wheel drive. Drives smoothly in all types of weather.
I like how smoothly it drives, it has airbags, power locks and windows. Spacious seating and lots of cargo room.
accountCircle Jesus J on December 27, 2020
It has a good gas mileage and is has a good smooth ride.
Comfortable ride when you are going to far away places and you have to dive for hours, it has good fuel economy that helps the environment out. The quality from the interior is incredible. Has good cooling and a okay back camera Santa Fe is a good midsize SUV it has just about everything most people look for in a car.
accountCircle Alyssa P on December 25, 2020
Santa Fe is a sturdy family vehicle.
Great gas mileage, very reliable, comfortable ride, low maintenance as long as you stay on top of it. Can be pricey to fix/replace parts, particularly engine parts. Sturdy and durable. Roomy without feeling too big or like you lack trunk space, easily fits 2 kid car seats.
accountCircle Robert J on December 24, 2020
An excellent family vehicle.
This is a very reliable vehicle, gets good gas mileage and performs well. The car has plenty of luggage storage space. I moved my children to and from their college dorms with ease and regularly travel with three passengers and a medium sized dog. Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps it running like a charm!
accountCircle Dixie S on December 19, 2020
Gets good gas mileage and extremely reliable. I have low mileage on the car. Right at 60000 but have never had anything wrong. I have replaced tires. The low tire light works perfectly when one of my tires is low.
I have had nothing at all go wrong with my car. It performs well
accountCircle Isabella B on December 12, 2020
Reliable, efficient and not costly.
Had this vehicle for almost 6 years. Bought it used. No real issues. Tires I had to change almost every year. Reliable. I've had worse vehicles that never lasted this long so the fact it's still in pretty good shape. I am impressed. Would buy again in near future.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.