The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor transmission software and steering system issues. At $16,200 to $22,425, it’s a good value for a comfortable SUV with an upscale interior and a long warranty.
Is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Hyundai Santa Fe, good reliability ratings paired with a nice interior give it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, comfortable seats, as well as the all-wheel drive system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are more luxurious than other SUVs, seating is comfortable throughout the cabin, although cargo space is low.
- Reliability 8/10 – Reliability ratings are good with no major issues on the 2017 Santa Fe. Avoid models from 2007–2014 which have engine failures. Models from 2015–2022 are better choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is good from the standard V6 engine, yet it’s not very sporty to drive.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2017 Santa Fe is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, brake assist, adaptive cruise control, as well as lane departure warning.
- 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 similar to the competition, at $251 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other midsize SUVs on the market while still offering good features.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Santa Fe?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most pleasant three-row SUVs on the market, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2017 Santa Fe at 4.3/5, praising the strong V6 engine, but doesn’t like the relatively small cargo area.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Santa Fe a 4.4/5, enjoying the excellent technology, but owners don’t like the firm suspension.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe include hesitation from the transmission, the steering pulling to one side, as well as some navigation system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs, with lower repair costs as well.
Hesitation from the transmission is the most widespread complaint on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe at around 30,000 miles. The problem is caused by a software issue with the transmission which makes it slow to shift between gears. Hyundai issued a software update which most dealers will install for free, while some may charge up to $100.
The steering pulling to one side has also been mentioned on some Santa Fe models at around 20,000 miles. There is a technical service bulletin for the column-mounted motor-driven power steering system. Recalibrating the steering fixes the problem in some cases, while others will need a new steering motor. Usually this problem is covered in the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty for free.
Navigation system issues are also reported by some owners at around 15,000 miles. The stereo system freezes and has to be rebooted to get it working again. There are software updates available which improve the reliability, and are also available for free from Hyundai dealers.
There are 6 recalls on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, which are more serious than some other midsize SUVs. The most serious recall covers the ABS unit, which may overheat or cause a fire while parked. Hyundai will replace the ABS module for free on affected models. Another serious recall covers engine bearing wear, which can make the engine seize up. Hyundai will rebuild the motor in affected SUVs for free as well, although it’s not as widespread as in earlier years.
How Long Will the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe should last around 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles less than the highly-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $347 per year.
As a Hyundai Santa Fe reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the evaporative canister for $500, stabilizer bar links costing $150, as well as the radiator fan assembly, which can cost around $700.
Very reliable. Have never had any problems with it. Great for my family. We have a son with autism that will not fly and we were able to drive across Texas comfortably.
Yes, it is very reliable. I have not had any major problems, just small things here and there from wear and tear.
Very reliable. I do not believe I have had anything wrong with it except for one of my tires but that's not the vehicles fault.
I believe it is. This is my second sport the first one I got 115000 miles with no issues. This one currently has 60000 and I am still enjoying it.
So far I have not run into any issues with my vehicle. It was purchased used with one previous owner.
I have not had any problems so far. Have only had mine 6 months though. Hyundai are generally good brands. This is my second one with no issues.
So far we have had no problems. Seems reliable and worth what we paid. It runs well. A/c always works.
It's very reliable..A fairly good on gas mileage even being a six cylinder. I've had it for 2 years and so far no problems.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2017 Santa Fe, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity. Safety technology is also decent, offering a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, a 360 degree camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, brake assist, adaptive cruise control, as well as lane departure warning.
Is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Value?
Yes, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other midsize SUVs, while offering good reliability. Blue book fair market prices range from $16,200 to $22,425, making it less expensive than a Honda Pilot or Subaru Outback. When new, the price range was $25,300 to $41,150. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Santa Fe?
There are four models of the Hyundai Santa Fe offered in 2017, from the base SE model all the way up to the luxurious Limited Ultimate model.
SE is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Heated Outside Mirrors
- Roof Rack Rails
- Eight-Way Power Driver’s Seat
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Satellite Radio
- Rearview Camera
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six Speaker Sound System
Limited is a step up, adding:
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Leather Upholstery
- LED Taillights
- Hands-Free Power Rear Liftgate
- Lane Departure Warning
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
SE Ultimate is next in the lineup with:
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 360-Degree Multiview Camera
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- 8-Inch Navigation System
- Heated Second Row Seats
- Infinity Surround Sound System
Limited Ultimate is the flagship model with:
- Premium Leather Seats
- LED Foglights
- Xenon Headlights
- Adaptive Cruise Control
What Engines Come In the Santa Fe?
The engine found in the Hyundai Santa Fe is a strong 3.3L V6 which makes 290 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Performance is average, taking 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Santa Fe Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Santa Fe?
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is a very comfortable midsize SUV offering seating for 5 to 7 passengers depending on the configuration. Seating is very nice with supportive cushions as well as high quality materials.
Passenger room is good in the front and rear seats, although the third row has limited legroom, making it best suited to younger children.
How Much Storage Space Does the Santa Fe Have?
Cargo space is lower than other midsize SUVs on the market. There’s enough room for 2-3 suitcases behind the third row, 5-6 behind the second row, and around 12 suitcases with all the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe was launched in 2013, and replaced by the fourth generation in 2019.
2015: Upgraded smoother suspension, hands-free power liftgate.
2016: GLS model renamed to SE, otherwise no major changes.
2017: Minor exterior styling changes, 7-inch touchscreen is standard, optional adaptive cruise control and 360 degree camera system.
2018: Limited model discontinued.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new exterior, interior, engines, and technology.
2020: Improved blind-spot monitoring system, Ultimate model discontinued.
2021: Interior and exterior styling changes, updated engine choices, new Calligraphy model added.
How Does the Santa Fe Compare to the Competition?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a good midsize SUV since it offers upscale luxury, an outstanding 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, along with a comfortable suspension.
The Hyundai Tucson is a smaller SUV offered by Hyundai which is about $1,000 less. Steering is a bit more responsive in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Hyundai Santa Fe offers more room for passengers. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since it has fewer mechanical issues reported.
The Kia Sorento is another midsize SUV which costs about $1,500 less. Both the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are built on the same platform, while the Hyundai Santa Fe offers more technology and a nicer interior. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since the extra features are worth the money.
Do Owners Recommend the Santa Fe?
Yes, it is spacious on the inside and perfect for a family. Including trunk space for camping and lots of groceries. Gets great mileage as well.
Yes, it is a dependable vehicle. Since I have owned the vehicle I have taken care of it with routine maintenance and never had any major issues.
Yes, I enjoy it. I have had no problems with it and it looks really nice but I do not like the plastic detail on the exterior.
Yes it is gets great gas miles very comfortable to drive nice pickup. Love my heated seats in the winter.
Yes it is a reliable small SUV that's good in the snow. Has ample room in its trunk and plenty of room for passengers in the back.
Yes I absolutely love it! It is stylish, fun to drive, and gets decent gas mileage. Has multiple features. Heated leathers seats in the front and back. Heated steering wheel.
We love it! Drives well. The sport mode definitely picks up. Sears are comfortable. Screen & computer system easy to use. Would recommend.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a great vehicle. It has just about everything to make a great car..Good gas mileage..It looks great... Comfortable seats..Good looking interior, and it rides smooth.