The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor oil leaks and transmission computer issues. At $14,225 to $18,325, it’s a great value for a midsize SUV with a touch of luxury for the money.
The Good
The V6 engine offers good power for the size of the Santa Fe, interior materials are more luxurious than other SUVs and the stereo system is easy to use.
The Bad
Accessing the third row is tricky with the second row captain’s chairs, there are a lot of blind spots and less cargo space than other midsize SUVs.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Used SUV?
Overall Rating 7/10 – 2016 is a decent year for the Hyundai Santa Fe, improved reliability gives it an average overall score. Owner reviews praise the nice interior, powerful V6 engine, as well as the low ownership costs.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than other midsize SUVs, the seats are comfortable, although cargo space is lower than the competition.
Reliability 7/10 – There are fewer issues with the 2016 Santa Fe than in earlier years. Buyers should avoid models from 2007–2014, which all have widespread engine failures. Models from 2015–2022 are much more reliable.
Performance 7/10 – Performance is decent from the standard V6 engine, although it’s not very sporty to drive.
Safety 8/10 – The 2016 Santa Fe is a safe midsize SUV earning a 5-star rating in all government crash tests. Standard safety technology includes a rear view camera & Blue Link telecommunications. Blind spot monitoring is available as an optional upgrade.
Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 21 MPG, giving 394 miles of range from the 18.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are only $3 higher than average at $258 per month.
Value 8/10 – The 2016 Santa Fe is cheaper than many other midsize SUVs while offering good features for the money, making it a decent value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Jason L
It is safe and is very reliable. Great vehicle to own
I love the handling and safety of the vehicle. It is a joy to drive
Stephanie C
The style of the car is not outdated and most do not even realize an older model.
I have driven back and forth from Florida to NJ and have not yet had any issues besides preventive maintenance and having the drive shaft rebuilt but that was my choice. The car is roomy and comfortable. My family of three can bring a months worth of stuff to Florida and drive the long hours with no complaint. I will most likely purchase another Santa Fe.
Victoria H
The features are great. It always connects to the Bluetooth on my phone well.
I love this car! It has all of the basics that I need and enough storage to use it for longer travel or to have kids in the car. It is comfortable, extremely reliable, and I have never had any problems with it other than typical wear. I would recommend this car to anyone.
Erin P
It can fit luggage(suitcases) for a family of 9 comfortably in the cargo area.
We have the base model, no extra bells or whistles but I enjoy that the base includes a rear view camera. I enjoy the key fob system to lock/unlock, although I do wish it came with an automatic 1 touch lift gate. Growing tired of being low to the ground we opted to get an SUV when we upgraded our vehicle. This is a good sized 'starter' SUV.
Anna L
This is how great my Santa Fe is!
2016 Santa Fe. Gray color with chrome handles that make the vehicle look luxurious. Has a very comfortable drivers seat that adjusts to any position you need to drive comfortably. Has 3 different settings of steering so you can relax or tighten up the steering wheel to your liking. Sits 3 people in the back and two in the front. Has a nice dashboard that lights up nice in the night time. It alerts me when there are any doors open, including the back door. Has a spacious back so I can put my baby's stroller and groceries in without issues. The back also has these secret compartments to store more thing in the back. Windows roll up automatically and you can lock the windows from the driver seat. It is really good on gas and rides very smoothly. Great on the highway. Alerts you when your tire pressure is low.
Jennifer M
This is the most safe and comfortable vehicle I have ever owned!
The added features make this vehicle perfect. It's comfortable and safe! I love the sunroof and moonroof combo. With that open it makes the vehicle feel very open! The backup camera and driver assist notifications make the drive feel as safe as possible.
A B
Overall great car for Family with luxuries
Just ok mileage, that's where it needs improvement. Good pick up on the highway and around town. It also handles nicely and has different driving settings. Nice details inside, lots of extras, huge sunroof, spacious, and heat and air conditioned seats.
Anna W
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Best car ever!
My 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe has been a wonderful car. It is very comfortable and drives smoothly. It is very roomy. I've not had any mechanical problems just regular routine maintenance. Love the panoramic sunroof and tech package. I would highly recommend the Santa Fe.
Negative Owner Reviews
Carri D
There are terrible blind spots in the rear of the car and it makes it near impossible to back out of most parking spots. It is just a poorly designed car.
The customer service is terrible. The car after owning it for 2 months already had to have the transmission replaced. Even though it was used it was Certified so I feel that it shouldn't have needed a completely new transmission. The employees took over a week to complete the repairs.
Terry M
Way too many problems - big & small
I would not recommend this vehicle. My vehicle had a recall for the Knock Sensor Detection software in May 2019. In December 2020 the engine needed to be replaced. It was a month at the dealers waiting for a warranty repair. Long box was replaced, unfortunately the service techs forgot to tighten all the coolant clamps which caused leakage and another trip to the dealer. Dealer service where I am is terrible but for warranty repairs I have to go there although all other repairs are done else where. The dealer is always looking to upsell you on service you don't require by saying it's part of their maintenance package versus warranty service. You can get service done better and cheaper elsewhere. Minor issues with front windshield seal - dealer said it was caused from an ice scrapper but it was only one side. Seals were eventually replaced under warranty. Driver seat heater issues, module and coil blew - repaired under extended warranty. BDS is always in need of calibration; their has been an undiagnosed "clunk" under the vehicle for years - it comes and goes like a ghost. The vehicle drives nice, but I would never buy a Hyundai again. This is my 3rd and last one. Poor service, poor availability of parts, every warranty issue is a fight. I no longer trust the quality of the vehicle nor the quality of the repairs.
Brian
Won't own another
- transmission shifts are so long to fully engage i can see why people are having problems. - the engine is always at the lowest RPM thanks to the trans that the 2.4 has no power. - The only way to drive the thing is in manual mode and pick the gears for the car so there is some power on hand when you need it. - Brought that up to my service writer at a service.....they put fuel injector cleaner in the car and charged me for it lol - The drivers door isn't aligned properly - Above the front windshield is rusting?? 42k km - Carbon deposits on the oil dip stick, probably cause of the low RPM all the time. All in all not impressed! I wont be surprised when i have engine or transmission problems and it will be once the warranty has run out. I will be trading this car off as soon as i can...... Of course at a loss,
Samantha Korenek
Engine issues !!!!
I bought the suv with about 5k miles on it. First it started out with AC blower motor broken 24k miles, than the child locks on both rear doors broke one made it so you couldn’t even open the door 26k miles. At about 35 k the major issues begin. Jul 17 th 2019 engine issues, January 15, 2020 engine issues , Feb 5th 2020 engine issues, February 26 , 2020 engine issues. Than we didn’t drive it as much due to quarantine and as of today June 18 th 2020 in the shop engine issues. Every time the check engine light popped on. One time it was smoking so bad had to pull over and get towed. One of the times it wouldn’t go past 50 on the highway. They have replaced timing belts , crank shaft , injectors , purge valve, vent valve, replaced crimped clamps , replaced fuel tank. Now at 43 k miles and in the shop for more Engine issue and the lady tells me my warranty is almost up. I put out over 36k for this suv and I am about to be without a ride. I was offered a rental car one time only. The rest I had to find rides. One of the times I came in because I left some paperwork in I had to get ,and the whole engine was on the ground in pieces. Took two weeks to get the suv back no loaner car. Honestly I believe this Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV is a lemon it definitely has major engine issues, let's just pray this car doesn’t break down and kill me or my family again on the highway.
Jagardel
Horsepower loss
My father bought 2016 santa fe 2.2 diesel @200hp at 100000km from Germany. We did after that technical inspection and the car was all good like a new car with 0km on board. After 20500 km of driving we expected some horsepower lost. The car is not fast like it was in the beginning. Rpms are going high, but car won't accelerate like it was when we just bought the car. The car accelerates like it has like just 140hp-150hp, what can we do? It feels like the horsepower loss is incredibly high. The car has 200hp but it accelerate like it has only 140-150hp. What should we do? Anyone know? Periodic technical inspection was done at 101900km and everything was fine... Could be the turbocharger problem? Should we go to reset the soft of the engine? What should we do? Everything is cool and fine on this car, the only awful thing is that it feels lot of hp loss. It's very dangerous when we want to overtake one car.
Martin D
Horsepower loss
My father bought 2016 santa fe 2.2 diesel @200hp at 100000km from Germany. We did after that technical inspection and the car was all good like a new car with 0km on board. After 20500 km of driving we expected some horsepower lost. The car is not fast like it was in the beginning. Rpms are going high, but car won't accelerate like it was when we just bought the car. The car accelerates like it has like just 140hp-150hp, what can we do? It feels like the horsepower loss is incredibly high. The car has 200hp but it accelerate like it has only 140-150hp. What should we do? Anyone know? Periodic technical inspection was done at 101900km and everything was fine... Could be the turbocharger problem? Should we go to reset the soft of the engine? What should we do? Everything is cool and fine on this car, the only awful thing is that it feels lot of hp loss. It's very dangerous when we want to overtake one car.
Donna
Two major issues in 4 years...
We have loved all of our Santa Fe vehicles over the past 16 years... However the 2016 Sport has just had the transmission replaced with a cost to us of $700 for labour, and now our engine needs to be replaced. Seized up on the hwy. What is going on Hyundai?? I’m really concerned about the safety of this vehicle. These are two major parts in just 4 years.
Janet Cameron
Heat problems
All the vents broke. You can't maintain the heat at a constant temperature. It gets too hot on the lowest heat setting, so all you can do is constantly turn it on and off.
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Santa Fe?
Consumer Reports says the Santa Fe is a very well-rounded three-row SUV, although owner satisfaction scores are slightly lower than other SUVs.
Edmunds rates the Santa Fe at 4/5, praising the powerful V6 engine, but doesn’t like the low cargo capacity.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Santa Fe a 4.4/5 enjoying the passenger room for up to 7 people, but don’t like the poor all-wheel-drive capabilities.
What Common Problems Does the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
Common problems found on the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe include oil leaks, erratic shifting between gears, as well as frequent dead batteries. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs, leading to affordable repair costs too.
Oil leaks are the most common problem reported by owners at around 100,000 miles. Various gaskets throughout the engine start to fail as the Santa Fe gets older, and have to be replaced. Changing out the gaskets can cost $150 to $500, depending on the source of the problem, since some are difficult to access.
Erratic shifting from the transmission has also been mentioned by some owners in the first 20,000 miles. Usually when the transmission shifts poorly, it’s a sign of an issue with the transmission control module. Updating the software on the module fixes the problem, costing around $100.
Frequent dead batteries also show up on some Santa Fe models in the first 15,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Hyundai Santa Fe which can drain the battery while it sits. Diagnosing the electrical problems can usually be done by a shop for around $100. From there, repair costs can range from $20 to $300, depending on the source.
There are 3 recalls on the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is similar to other midsize SUVs from 2016. The most serious recall covers the ABS module, which can catch fire in the engine compartment. Hyundai will replace the ABS module for free on affected vehicles which solves the problem. The other recalls are fairly minor, covering a hood latch as well as a seat belt chime.
How Long Will the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Last?
A well-maintained 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe should last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $470 per year.
Since many 2016 Santa Fe models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the fuel pump for $1,000, the MAP sensor costing $210, as well as the fuel door release actuator, which costs $150.
Kylie L
It has been very reliable. The biggest problem I have had is with the windshield wipers. I have had to replace them twice a year and the original ones from the manufacturer only lasted a few months.
Corrie C
It is been a reliable vehicle, I have had minimal problems. The gas cap opener can be difficult to use and I wish there was more cargo room with the third row up.
Rhonda L
Yes, it is reliable. No problems that I can think of. I have no complaints. I would only get a newer one for the captains chairs.
Elizabeth B
Yes it has worked well so far. Only problem is the configuration of the seat belts in the back make it difficult to fit 3 car seats even though it has the space.
Randy M
It is very reliable. I have not had any problems with it. I can get it worked on anywhere if I needed to
Jean C
It is reliable. I have trouble with it properly shutting off. The navigation system is not good at all. The remote entry is very inconsistent and needs improvement.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good in the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe with a standard 4.3-inch touchscreen stereo system with Bluetooth. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen. Safety technology is also decent with a standard rear view camera and Blue Link telematics. There’s an optional blind spot monitoring system available.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Value?
Yes, the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good value since it offers good features and nice materials for the money. Blue book prices range from $14,225 to $18,325, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $24,950 to $36,250. Depreciation is slightly worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
There are two models of the Hyundai Santa Fe offered for 2016, from the base SE up to the more well-equipped Limited.
The engine found in the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is a reasonably strong 3.3L V6 which makes 290 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. The towing capacity is good for a midsize SUV, at up to 5,000 pounds.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is a comfortable midsize SUV with seating for up to 7 people. Seats throughout the cabin are supportive and comfortable for longer drives with high quality materials used as well.
Passenger room is good in the first two rows, especially with the second row captain’s chairs. The third row is best suited to small children since there’s not as much legroom as other midsize SUVs.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
Cargo space is a bit less than other midsize SUVs with enough space for 2-3 suitcases behind the third row, 5-8 behind the second, and over 15 with the seats all folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe came out in 2013, and was replaced by the fourth generation for 2019.
2014: Parking assistance system & ventilated front seats added.
2015: Hands-free power liftgate, upgraded smoother suspension.
2016: No major changes, GLS model was renamed to SE.
2017: Small exterior styling changes, standard 7-inch touchscreen, optional adaptive cruise control & 360 degree cameras added.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new interior, exterior, and technology.
2020: Better blind-spot monitoring system, Ultimate model discontinued.
How Does the Santa Fe Compare to the Competition?
The Hyundai Santa Fe ranks well in the competitive midsize SUV category since it offers an upscale interior for the money and improved reliability ratings from earlier years.
The Hyundai Tucson is a smaller SUV from Hyundai which costs around $500 less. Where the Hyundai Tucson stands out is that it’s easier to park in large cities, while the Hyundai Santa Fe offers better power and passenger room. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe for most shoppers since you get a lot more space for your money.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV which costs about $3,000 more. Where the CR-V stands out is with better standard technology, while the Hyundai Santa Fe has more room. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe, although the CR-V is a very dependable SUV worth checking out if you’re in the market.
Ranks #11 Midsize SUV by Owners
1
2016 Toyota 4Runner
4.71
2
Tie
2016 Ford Flex
4.7
11
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
4.43
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe?
Kylie L
It is a great vehicle. It has a lot of space inside but does not feel large when driving it. The ride is very smooth. Love my radio system as well as the amazing heat.
Corrie C
I have liked it so far, the third row is a nice benefit for driving groups. The blue link service is ridiculous, I only need remote start and I have to buy extra packages to get it.
Gretchen M
Yes, roomy and even some space when using the 3rd row. It has a smooth ride, sporty looking and safe!
Kali S
Yes it has good storage space and is comfortable to drive. It has pretty good gas mileage. It fits car seats well.
Kali K
Yes. It is all wheel drive and gets really good gas mileage. It is very easy to drive and I feel very safe in it
Ashley R
Yes it is reliable, comfortable, has upscale features but at a good price. Some of the technical features are clunky and inconsistent.
Unfortunately, all of the other reviews are older and don't tell the real stories. The 2016 engines are failing too although some seem to last a bit longer. Mine failed at 108,000 with absolutely no warning and I wasn't the original owner so the warranty expired at 60,000. If you're the original owner, you're covered until 100,000 miles. Stay far away from These! Many have been recalled but not the 3.3l V6 but it has all of the problems of the other engines.
John
on July 26, 2021
Great little big suv
Great ride. Limited 2t sport. Fast comfy reliable. Love the heated mirrors and wheel in winter. Heated/cooled seats too. 2 memory seat settings & driver seat retracts when turned off & opening door.Very cool. Aside from luxury comforts it's very comfy and rides smooth. Love the pana roof too. Lotsa power with the turbo when you need it. No complaints at all. I agree with all the positive reviews from others and have nothing negative to say.☺☺
Haley W
on June 25, 2021
I love the Bluetooth features and open sunroof.
It is a reliable car to get me to and from places! Definitely recommend for a small family. I have had the car for a few years and it is still in good condition. It is white, Santa Fe! Driving cross country with no issues - Chicago to Las Vegas with two dogs in the back of the car. I plan to get a similar car next time too.
Denise G
on June 24, 2021
Why I love my Santa Fe sport.
Other than a couple of recalls, I haven't had any problems with my Santa Fe sport. I love the backup camera, heated seats, & touch screen controls. I also enjoy the controls on the steering wheel, & Bluetooth capability. This car gives a smooth, comfortable ride, it is also very roomy & is a great vehicle to take to the beach. There's lots of room in the hatch for traveling & shopping. The gas mileage is pretty standard.
Ronalee L
on June 1, 2021
Lots of storage space for all your needs.
My vehicle is super comfortable. It drives well, rides well, and has great steering. It has a ton of storage capacity, especially in the back. There is an area that goes down about 8 inches under the trunk space that stores a ton of stuff and then has a cover so nobody knows it's there. It also has a drawer for the jack and other things to keep them out of sight and put away. It comfortably seats five. There are air conditioning/heating vents in the back seat so the back passengers can adjust the air on themselves. It also has two cupholders in the middle pull down. There are charger ports in the back seat as well. The front dash includes a cubby which is handy for paperwork and whatnot. The middle console has two cup holders and a very deep storage space. The car comes equipped with charging/cable ports in the front cubby as well. It is spacious and roomy and a great overall car.
Chace M
on May 31, 2021
Comfort, storage, smooth ride.
I love the amount of space you get for the size of the car. We drove across the country from Boston to San Diego and had no issues at all. The ride is smooth and really quiet. I put a storage rack on the roof for added storage. There was and is plenty of space for my wife my dog and myself to make the long trip comfortably. The storage in the floor in the back is great for emergency gear. And lastly the gas mileage was a huge money saver for us.
Marie M
on May 17, 2021
The good & the funny problem with gas
The Santa Fe has very comfortable seats, plenty of legroom that even adults can fit in the back, and has a cool large sunroof that expands pretty much the entire roof. The sound system is great and allows for many different types of music. The only problem (not really a problem) would be that when you get down to less than 30 miles until empty on gas, the car stops telling you how far you have until you are empty. I guess I shouldn't run it until empty anyway.
Meg S
on May 7, 2021
Dependable car with good gas mileage.
My car is very nice and spacious. Comfortable but does not have many desired features, such as heated seats or leather seats. Overall, a nice car to travel in but not luxurious. I have not had any performance problems with it and normally have it on eco mode to get good gas mileage.
Dennis H
on May 7, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe - comfortable but lacking in quality driving control and pickup.
We had the car packed with extras. It is pretty comfortable, but it drives just ok. Doesn't have a ton of pick up and the steering is sensitive. Still for to cost it has a lot of niceties. We got the leather and it is very nice. The sound system is a little lackluster. Leg room is nice and gas economy is pretty good.
Albert I
on April 27, 2021
It's a mid size SUV with 7 seat capacity. Large trunk space and excellent quality.
It's a grande model very smooth and powerful. No performance issues and very comfortable. Sometimes I feel like air intake for ac is not functioning but other than that I had no issues with my car. Rude is smooth even at off roading it's very powerful and smooth.
Katie M
on April 25, 2021
My favorite features about the Santa Fe.
I love the heated and cooling seats! My favorite feature in the winter is the heated steering wheel! It also has a double sunroof which is very nice to have in the spring and fall seasons. The vehicle also comes with a very handy backup camera which allows me to back into my garage with ease.
Brandon R
on April 25, 2021
The vehicle is comfortable, spacious, quiet, and reliable. I would recommend.
The vehicle offers a quiet ride and very easy handling. The Santa Fe comes with a spacious rear seat and generous trunk space. However sometimes the vehicle feels like it struggles to accelerate quickly when pressed. All in I have experienced no problems with the vehicle since my purchase.
Audrey S
on April 24, 2021
Great car but has a smell from ac lines.
My only complaint is that the ac lines have an off putting odor when you first turn the car in. But I just bought the car a few months ago, so could be something last owner did. Overall I really like it. The trunk has fantastic compartments. It is a great car and drives nice.
Samantha Korenek
on April 11, 2021
Engine issues !!!!
I bought the suv with about 5k miles on it. First it started out with AC blower motor broken 24k miles, than the child locks on both rear doors broke one made it so you couldn’t even open the door 26k miles. At about 35 k the major issues begin. Jul 17 th 2019 engine issues, January 15, 2020 engine issues , Feb 5th 2020 engine issues, February 26 , 2020 engine issues. Than we didn’t drive it as much due to quarantine and as of today June 18 th 2020 in the shop engine issues. Every time the check engine light popped on. One time it was smoking so bad had to pull over and get towed. One of the times it wouldn’t go past 50 on the highway. They have replaced timing belts , crank shaft , injectors , purge valve, vent valve, replaced crimped clamps , replaced fuel tank. Now at 43 k miles and in the shop for more Engine issue and the lady tells me my warranty is almost up. I put out over 36k for this suv and I am about to be without a ride. I was offered a rental car one time only. The rest I had to find rides. One of the times I came in because I left some paperwork in I had to get ,and the whole engine was on the ground in pieces. Took two weeks to get the suv back no loaner car. Honestly I believe this Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV is a lemon it definitely has major engine issues, let's just pray this car doesn’t break down and kill me or my family again on the highway.
Terry M
on April 11, 2021
Way too many problems - big & small
I would not recommend this vehicle. My vehicle had a recall for the Knock Sensor Detection software in May 2019. In December 2020 the engine needed to be replaced. It was a month at the dealers waiting for a warranty repair. Long box was replaced, unfortunately the service techs forgot to tighten all the coolant clamps which caused leakage and another trip to the dealer. Dealer service where I am is terrible but for warranty repairs I have to go there although all other repairs are done else where. The dealer is always looking to upsell you on service you don't require by saying it's part of their maintenance package versus warranty service. You can get service done better and cheaper elsewhere. Minor issues with front windshield seal - dealer said it was caused from an ice scrapper but it was only one side. Seals were eventually replaced under warranty. Driver seat heater issues, module and coil blew - repaired under extended warranty. BDS is always in need of calibration; their has been an undiagnosed "clunk" under the vehicle for years - it comes and goes like a ghost. The vehicle drives nice, but I would never buy a Hyundai again. This is my 3rd and last one. Poor service, poor availability of parts, every warranty issue is a fight. I no longer trust the quality of the vehicle nor the quality of the repairs.
Mary D
on April 3, 2021
Versatility with lots of safety features.
This vehicle is incredibly reliable; we've had zero issues since purchasing it. When comparing it to other vehicles during the buying process, we appreciated that it makes efficient use of the back seat, with seats that are easy to stow and extend the trunk space as needed. This vehicle also has a generous sized screen and I love the safety features of the backup camera.
Robert A
on March 30, 2021
It has great safety features and rides smoothly. Good gas mileage
Easy to maintain Good gas mileage looks good Affordable
Kess M
on March 29, 2021
The most interesting detail of my car is that it has a place to hide things.
My seat are great in the front row and second row. I really enjoy driving my car. It has heated seats and a great air conditioner. I wish the back seats had more leg room they can get sorta cramped if you have long legs. My Santa Fe drives very smoothly and I never have had a problem getting stuck anywhere.
Nicole S
on March 27, 2021
The sporty family SUV made with the whole family in mind.
I have nothing to complain about the car. I love the comfort. I enjoy driving it because it is a smooth drive, easy to turn, and I like how the steering wheel is not to tight. The comfort of the seats is good and I can change my seat with the push of a button. Good space when all the seats are being used and the third row down provides a lot of space for packing. When the 3rd row is up. I have room for two kids in the 3rd row. Also the middle row usually has 2 car seats and plenty of space in between for someone to sit. The ability to turn the fan off in the 3rd row is a great feature especially if no one is back there. I can have the third row up and still fit a small stroller in the rear trunk area. The flipping and skidding of the middle row seat to get someone in and out of the third row is not the easiest but we have been able to make it work. I would like captains chairs in the middle if I get this model or similar in the future. . I love the feature of controlling the stereo on the steering wheel. I use the bluetooth and can hear clearly. The car looks sporty but can fit the whole family.
Amy P
on March 23, 2021
Santa Fe sport is the best!
No problems so far a really great car. I have had it for two years and do monthly maintenance on it as needed. It really runs great and handles well. I love my car very much. I recommend a all wheel drive car to anyone who lives in New England. It is a absolute must to feel safe driving in the winter.
Brenda B
on March 23, 2021
Things I do not like about my car.
Passenger should be able to raise seat up and down like driver can. Headrests are too high for shorter people. Cannot get hand in the coin department. Love the heated seats and able to raise driver seat high. Do not like the fact the spare is under the car and hard to get to. Like the back up camera wish mine was bigger.
John H
on March 23, 2021
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a clear winner.
I have experienced no problems with this vehicle. It has been extremely reliable. It is has been a tremendous value, with fully loaded features comparable to much more expensive brands. A luxury feel without the luxury price tag. I would highly recommend this make and model to anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable crossover SUV.
Sharon K
on March 22, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2016.
I love everything about it, except the headrests are a little too far forward. Have not had any problems since purchase. Would recommend it. It is a comfortable ride without street noise. Gas Mileage is approximately 22 to 25 miles per gallon. The cargo space is ample and easy to convert.
Tasha S
on March 17, 2021
We really like the blind spot Detection especially since we intend to hand it down to our daughter
I like the backup camera and safety features like the like blind spot detection. I wish it had a little more room.
Alexis J
on March 14, 2021
I have nothing but love for it.
It has a very nice look to it that makes it feel welcoming yet clean cut at the same time. It also reacts very amazingly to driver actions such as smooth breaking and nice wheel turning. It holds a lot of gas too so I do not have to go filling it up every 3 days either. The heating and air conditioning also turns on very quickly so you usually do not even have to sit down and wait for it to warm up/cool down. Honestly I haven’t found a single problem with this car and it keeps getting better and better!
Kyle G
on March 14, 2021
Love the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Absolutely love this SUV. Safe, reliable and provides good gas mileage. All leather interior with built in GPS and moonroof. Provides enough space for two children and car seats. Built like an SUV, but drives like a car! Extremely smooth on the road, and has great turning radius.
Brian M
on March 11, 2021
Spacious, comfortable,. And really reliable
It is a very comfortable car, soft to drive, comfortable. Spacious. Ideal for the city, for a walk with your family, it is a pretty reliable car and in my opinion it has a beautiful design
Lauren H
on March 11, 2021
It has amazing gas mileage.
Love the size, the way it drives, the space, pick up and gas efficiency.... I don't like the size of the display screen and I wish it had keyless start-up.
Paul B
on March 8, 2021
This vehicle is an SUV so it has a lot of great space inside and can store a whole apartment worth of items
This vehicle performs well on the road. It is not very fast but it excels in being a comfortable road trip vehicle.
cassie P
on March 6, 2021
It drives great in all weather conditions
My vehicle is great. I feel very safe in it and it drives great.
Kirk L
on March 4, 2021
Santa Fe is a great all weather vehicle.
This is a real nice vehicle especially if you deal in winter season drives. The car is very stable and you feel in control during all weather conditions. The interior is roomy and comfortable and is great for trips with the family. It has a nice looking style that people seem to really like.
April K
on February 27, 2021
Very roomy, lots of space.
No issues, very comfortable, heated seats, electric seats. Third row, very roomy, lots of storage. Very reliable, great on gas being an SUV and bigger vehicle. Cargo space is very big. Even with two car seats in the second row it still has room for more in the second row.
Heather R
on February 27, 2021
That it is good on gas and a comfortable drive especially for single travels.
I love that my Santa Fe is more compact, good on gas and sporty but sometimes it is hard to see out the rear view.
Zay B
on February 26, 2021
One interesting detail is that rear view camera.
The performance of the car is very reliable. The amount of miles the vehicle can drive on a full tank is great. The car even has 5 back seats for passengers. The car drives smoothly and has no real issues that come with it. The Hyundai Santa Fe is all in all a great car.
Jessica M
on February 25, 2021
Why I love my Hyundai Santa Fe!
I love my vehicle. The display screen tells me everything from how many miles I can drive with what's in my gas tank, what needs to be maintenanced, the temperature, the direction I am traveling... The heated leather seats are so easy to clean. The 3rd row is very simple to put up and down as I need it and I have to option to fold down just half of the 3rd row. It does great in the snow and in the mud. The kids have their own temperature control in the 3rd row. I also love the backup camera and the alert I get on my mirrors when a car is passing or something is close. I honestly probably do not even know all the things it can do, features it has, yet.
Gwendolyn C
on February 18, 2021
7 Passenger 2016 Santa-Fe
I have a 7 passenger Hyundai Santa-Fe 2016. I purchased certified pre-owned with less than 1000 miles from a dealership. It has rear view camera on dashboard. CD radio, heated seats, USB ports in front and rear. Third row seating is tight and requires lowering second row seats. Cup holder in middle of seats in second row and on sides for third row. Trunk space is limited when third row is raised. Automatic transmission. Auto seat position driver side.
Lisa B
on February 13, 2021
It's a smooth ride and has a lot of get up and go for a smaller vehicle.
Love the color, style and comfortable ride of this vehicle. There are really no minuses. I like the gas mileage and the way it drives on the road. Would buy it again.
Amy F
on February 11, 2021
Great vehicle for tall folks!
I chose this vehicle because the people in my family are tall and the backseat legroom and headroom couldn't be found in other vehicles we looked at. We purchased the xl model which includes a third row. So far we have not had any problems, just regular maintenance.
Joy T
on February 11, 2021
Perfect SUV for Family! Looks and runs great!
We have a 6 year old and this car is perfect for bringing along all the things you need with kids. It is roomy but still stylish. Great updates with apple carplay, runs great and has given no problems in the last 2 1-2 years. Hyundai service has been fantastic!
A B
on February 8, 2021
Overall great car for Family with luxuries
Just ok mileage, that's where it needs improvement. Good pick up on the highway and around town. It also handles nicely and has different driving settings. Nice details inside, lots of extras, huge sunroof, spacious, and heat and air conditioned seats.
Becky G
on February 7, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe - do not trust the warranty.
Comfort rates high. It is well designed for long trips. Performance - no complaints. It has been fine. Problems - the warranty is the reason we chose this car over the Nissan pathfinder. We have never been covered by the warranty. Several issues have occurred and we have had to pay for all of them. I do not understand why their warranty is so good if it does not cover everything. When the car was two years old it already had rust spots along the top of the windshield. I asked if this was covered under the warranty and it wasn't. (big surprise) do not buy this car for the warranty. A caliper froze up - not covered. The air conditioner broke - not covered. Giant spring broke in the front wheel - not covered, but they actually fixed it for free because they misquoted me. I guess my biggest let down was the warranty. Also, I have had several Nissans that needed no work done for the entire time I have had them, this car has had several issues over the past 4 years. I do think the car is well designed and stylish. It has fake wood trim on the inside along the dash. I love this feature.
Clement C
on February 3, 2021
Amazing performance on lengthy rides
I like the body shape and performance. However the ac in the back is not as strong as I would have expected. The overall performance is great, we have driven it to Canada 3 times and its still running strong. We've also had a few rear collision but so far it has not hindered the vehicle performance.
alberth t
on January 31, 2021
Which is a car with a good performance and is special to enjoy with the family and travel comfortably
Has a good performance I bought it at the best price and I am very satisfied in a store its price was 32500 dollars has an insurance all states has four doors and is a perfect car to enjoy with the family my wife also has 1
Samantha A
on January 28, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe sport is the great all around car.
Everything is great. The car is comfy and great on gas. The only thing I would watch out for is the battery drainage. Keep an eye on it cus these cars are notorious for that. Other than it is nice stable sturdy and my dogs love it too haha. The whole family is able to have fun all together.
Joyce S
on January 25, 2021
The Santa Fe is an excellent car to have for safety and for driving. Very comfortable and we love the safety features.
I love the way it drives. It handles easy, turns great. No complaints other than I would have loved to have more options
Kir M
on January 23, 2021
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe sport comfort.
I love my car. It has Bluetooth, heated seats that are very comfortable and it has plenty of room for my son and traveling. It is great on gas and is also very nice to look at. I bought my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe sport used from a dealership with only 60,000 miles on it. And I am looking forward to traveling in it very soon.
Teresa J
on January 20, 2021
Great safety and comfort features.
Very safe feeling, very comfortable, many great safety and comfort features, heated steering wheel with front and back heated seats, blinker alarms, back up camera, great in winter weather with anti lock brakes, lower gears for downshifting going down icy roads, amazing sunroof,
Cortni B
on January 18, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe sport review.
I loved it at first but not a fan of no backup camera. My key stopped working and does not control the lift gate for the back even though there is a button for it. One of my headlights constantly goes out. It is a nice ride and roomy. I would like and upgraded model.
Jonathan Q
on January 16, 2021
Amazing with comfort and in style!
I have been very pleased with the reliability of the Santa Fe as well as the performance. Knock on wood that I have not had to do much for maintenance besides the normal regular work. It is great for trips and is comfortable for everyone in the car from passenger to driver. The extras on the sport are worth the price and it has been one of my vehicles that I have ever owned.
Tanya P
on January 15, 2021
Dual purpose: fun and functional.
I have had no issues at all. It is a comfortable and reliable car. I have taken it on many roadtrips and it is great on gas too. It is the best camping vehicle I have ever owned easy switch to 4wd if I need it too. This was the first SUV that I ever bought and I am impressed. I love the storage area in the back.
ClAudia S
on January 12, 2021
It is very spacious and offers a lot of extras.
I like the way it drives, looks. I do not like the color. Too many silver cars out there.. Hardly have any choices when buying a car. White or silver..
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.
