2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Upscale Midsize SUV With Improved Reliability From Prior Years

Alex Showalter
Jan 5, 2023

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor belt and oil consumption issues. At $18,975 to $26,175, it’s a good value for a midsize SUV with a nice interior and relatively low ownership costs as it ages.

VehicleHistory Image
likeFilled The Good
The cabin is luxurious for the price, the handling is responsive and the 10-year/100,000 mile warranty is very good.
dislikeFilled The Bad
It’s difficult to climb into the third row, there’s less cargo space than in other SUVs and the suspension is firm.

Is the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Hyundai Santa Fe, great reliability ratings paired with a luxurious cabin give it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the long warranty, low ownership costs, as well as the safety technology.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are better than many other midsize SUVs, the seats are very comfortable on long drives, yet cargo space is a bit low.
  • Reliability 8/10 – There are no major mechanical problems on the 2018 Santa Fe. We recommend avoiding models from 20072014, while models from 20152022 are much more reliable.
  • Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard V6 engine, although it’s not very fun or sporty to drive.
  • Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Santa Fe is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane change assist, automatic emergency braking, as well as adaptive cruise control.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 21 MPG, giving 365 miles of range from the 17.4 gallon tank. Gas prices are $10 cheaper than average at $199 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other SUVs, while still offering a nice interior.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Karyn S
Great car to own. I would recommend to anyone looking for a new car.
This car has been reliable. It has great gas mileage. Extremely comfortable. Smooth driving. I love the way that it feels to drive. I feel very safe in This car has minimal. Blind spots. Huge trunk with lots of rooms for things. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a smaller SUV. I love it.
accountCircle Aubrey A
Hyundai Santa Fe sport is the best mom car out there!
This vehicle has been my most reliable one so far, I get great gas mileage. The comfort is great for road trips, has plenty of room in the back seat for additional passengers. During the winter, the car's heater heats up quickly to get defrost the windows and stays warm.
accountCircle Robert M
Great value for the price.
Roomy, great tech for low price. Easy ride. Great features. AWD. Could have better gas mileage. Wish it had lane assist.
accountCircle matthew G
Luxury Car for a non luxury price with the best safety features
I love the features. It's got a nice body style it looks luxury but was under 35K. It has cameras all the way around for parking. Navi, nice sound and auto open trunk
accountCircle Michael B
My car's the best! Wouldn't trade it for the world.
The car looks great sleek and sporty much like the other makes that is comparable. It performs well, power when I need it and a great gas mileage. I have no issues jumping in it to go round the corner or a long excursion road trip. My car's always up for the ride. The price was great and the value is well worth it.
accountCircle Rosemary T
My car that I wanted for the last 9 years.
Car has never given me a problem, great in snow rain, good mileage, handles beautifully, affordable, comfortable and handles curves beautiful. Nice looking and comes with many extras, service is great through dealer. Looks brand new when washed and car is not garaged.
accountCircle Tom M
It's loaded with many features that promote safe driving while on the road.
The car is equipped with many valuable accessory features. These include a backup camera,lights that turn with you, lane alerts, and automatic high beams
accountCircle Alex L
I always carries a VIP, grin.
I have problems getting into many of the new cars (6' tall) I could get into the Santa Fe which I recently bought. My favorite feature is the adaptive cruise control and the all around camera system. The hatch opens when you stand behind the car so ~15 sec. Kinda cool when you have groceries. Also 115vac available.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Kathy
Motor
27000 miles on my 2018Santa Fe sport and 150 miles from home. The cruise kicks off and the more I pushed on the gas pedal the slower it went. Had it towed in and had to have a new engine.
accountCircle tim keen
2018 hyundai santa fe hesitation acceleration
2018 hyundai santa fe hesitation acceleration
accountCircle Suzanna J
I will not buy another Hyundai brand...
Car was less than 2 yrs old and the engine had complete failure, the warranty provided a complete engine replacement. Never have I had a car that barely had 10,000 miles and it literally die. Will not ever buy Hyundai again, in fact I am asking this one soon for a reliable car.
accountCircle Li Z
Ok vehicle, could be better, could be worse.
The brakes grab very weirdly when I am braking. The seatbelt hits my neck uncomfortably. The blue tooth often has connection issues. But overall, it handles pretty well. I wish it had heated seats. For what I paid, you'd think it would. Gas mileage is ok. Eco mode does not seem to get better mileage.
accountCircle Alan
Acceleration delays
This is my 2nd Santa Fe Sport. 75000 Kms since almost new periodically when away it will not accelerate until you let off on the accelerator and several times I went back to dealer they can never find it. It’s not safe and I have to be careful to give myself as much room as possible pulling away in case the thing stalls out. This will be my last Hyundai.
accountCircle Martha J
Problems with seat belt access and console storage is difficult to access.
Captains chairs don't have 2 armrests, seat belts are difficult to buckle, cubby hole in the console is difficult to access, holes on both sides of the area to access USB Chargers lets things slip through to the floor. Love the moonroof and Bluetooth for phones and the backup cameras plus the lane warning when changing lanes.
accountCircle Christina S
It has automatic headlights and a Bluetooth system built in.
It is a very reliable car but it could be more fuel efficient. It also has just enough space for our large family.
accountCircle Lu Z
The brakes are weird and seem to catch or stick.
The brakes are weird and sometimes feel like they are catching or sticking. The overall drive is good though. The Bluetooth connection is annoying, it has issues connecting every time I get in the car. I have not driven it in the snow yet so I am not sure how it will handle.

What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Santa Fe?

  • Consumer Reports says the Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most pleasant three-row SUVs on the market, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
  • Edmunds rates the Santa Fe at 4.4/5, praising the easy-to-use entertainment system, but doesn’t like the limited cargo space.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Santa Fe a 4.4/5, enjoying the well-appointed interior, but owners don’t like the weaker engine.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe include squeaking noises from the alternator belt, excessive oil consumption, as well as some black smoke when starting in very cold conditions. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs, leading to reasonable repair costs as the Santa Fe ages.

Squeaking noises from the alternator belt are the most widespread complaints on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, at around 70,000 miles. The accessory drive belts wear out as vehicles get older, and have to be replaced. Changing out the belt costs around $350, depending on local labor rates.

Excessive oil consumption is another issue mentioned by Santa Fe owners at around 50,000 miles. As engines age seals begin to wear out, leading to oil getting burnt. Usually it’s fine, although if you notice white smoke then too much oil is reaching the engine. Replacing seals in the engine can cost over $1,000. Most owners simply top off the oil regularly to make sure it doesn’t get too low.

Black smoke when starting in very cold conditions, also shows up on some Santa Fe models at around 10,000 miles. When outdoor temperatures are below freezing, the Santa Fe has a cold start mode where it will add extra fuel to the engine. This sometimes causes a small amount of black smoke in the exhaust, and is normal.

There are two recalls on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, which is better than some other midsize SUVs. The first recall covers the steering wheel which may detach from the steering column. Hyundai will replace it for free on affected models. The second recall is for the ABS unit, which can have electrical issues which could cause a fire. Hyundai will replace the ABS multi-fuse on affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $340 per year.

As a used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the oil pump for $1,100, the knock sensor costing $400, as well as the oil pan gasket, which costs $550.

accountCircle Dawn H

Very reliable car. No problems so far that we have had it. I drive 20 miles to and from work worth it about everyday.

accountCircle Lameese T

Very reliable! Even though I have only had it for about a year and a half, the issues are very minor and are more cosmetic than anything. However it has yet to give me major problems and I can trust it for long drives and various road conditions.

accountCircle Joyce J

The Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4l sport is a very reliable vehicle. I haven't had any problems with it since I got it.

accountCircle Tracey P

This vehicle is reliable and having such an awesome warranty attached to the price, makes it easy to select this vehicle.

accountCircle Craig P

The air conditioning gave out much too soon. It was a covered repair but should not have happened. Ok otherwise.

accountCircle dan n

Have not had any problem with our Santa Fe sport, except for the damage from the rear end collision.

accountCircle Jordan J

My car has been very reliable! The only issues I've encountered have been with recall alerts. My car has had several alerts but only needed on update which was provided for free by Hyundai.

accountCircle Marri C

Yes, it is reliable. My car is garage kept; however, in the winter it heats up fast and in the summer it cools off fast too. It has vents for front and back so my back passengers are comfortable as well.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is great in the 2018 Santa Fe since it has a standard 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a larger 8-inch touchscreen available as an optional upgrade.

Safety technology is good with a standard rearview camera. Optional advanced safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, rear parking sensors, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Is the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good value since it’s more affordable than many other SUVs while still offering good reliability. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,975 to $26,175, making it cheaper than a Subaru Outback or Honda Pilot. When new, the price range was $24,950 to $41,300. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Santa Fe?

There are three models of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe offered, from the base Santa Fe SE, the popular Se Ultimate, all the way up to the Limited Ultimate. It’s also offered with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. There’s also a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport which is a completely different model.

SE is the entry-level model with:

  • 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Cloth Seating
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • 40/20/40-Split Folding Second Row
  • Power-Adjustable Driver Seat
  • 7-Inch Infotainment Display
  • Rearview Camera
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Satellite Radio
  • Six-Speaker Sound System

SE Ultimate is a step up, adding:

  • 19-Inch Wheels
  • Leather Seating
  • LED Fog Lights
  • Heated Front and Second Row Seats
  • Ventilated Front Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • 8-Inch Touchscreen
  • 12-Speaker Audio System
  • 115-Volt Outlet

Limited Ultimate is the flagship model which adds:

  • Second Row Captain’s Chairs
  • Tech Package
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Automatic High Beams
  • Hands-Free Liftgate
  • Rear Window Sunshades
car
2.4L Sport
185 HP 22 MPG
car
2.0T Sport
240 HP 22 MPG
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2.0T Ultimate Sport
240 HP 21 MPG
car
2.0T Ultimate
240 HP 21 MPG
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SE Ultimate
290 HP 19 MPG

What Engines Come In the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The engine found in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is an average 3.3L V6 which makes 290 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is okay, taking 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a very comfortable midsize SUV offering room for six or seven passengers depending on the configuration. The Santa Fe seats are nice, offering high quality cloth and leather options with a lot of cushioning.

Passenger room is great in the first and second rows with enough legroom for adults, especially with the available captain’s chairs. The third row has limited legroom, making it best suited for younger children.

How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Have?

There’s less cargo space than many other midsize SUVs. The Santa Fe offers enough room behind the third row for 2-3 suitcases, 6-8 behind the second row, and around 15 suitcases with all of the seats folded flat.

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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 in 2019.

2015: Smoother suspension across the lineup, and a hands-free power liftgate.

2016: GLS model renamed to the SE.

2017: Standard 7-inch touchscreen, minor exterior styling changes, optional adaptive cruise control available.

2018: Limited model removed from the lineup.

2019: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new engines, technology, and styling.

2020: Ultimate model discontinued, improved blind-spot monitoring system.

2021: Minor exterior and interior styling changes, upgraded engines, Calligraphy model introduced.

How Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a very good midsize SUV since it’s more reliable than earlier years, while still offering a lot of luxury features for the price.

The Hyundai Tucson is a smaller SUV from Hyundai which costs around $2,000 less. Steering is more responsive in the Hyundai Tucson while the Hyundai Santa Fe has better passenger room. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since you get a lot more practicality for the money.

The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV which is available for about $3,000 less. Performance is a bit better in the Nissan Rogue since it’s a sportier SUV, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is more luxurious. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since it’s a better daily-driver, although both are worth taking a look at to see which one you prefer.

Ranks #7 Midsize SUV by Owners

1
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4.79
2
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4.78
7
Tie
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4.59

Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe?

accountCircle Dawn H

Yes, runs very smoothly and great mileage. Plenty of space for traveling which is the main reason we chose it.

accountCircle Lameese T

Yes! I love it. It is completely reliable, has great gas mileage, does everything I could wish for in a car.

accountCircle Joyce J

Yes it's a great car. And I love it. And if I had to purchase another vehicle it definitely would be another Hyundai.

accountCircle Tracey P

This is a good vehicle. I find that it is reliable and offers many features for a great price. Cannot beat the warranty.

accountCircle Craig P

In every way except large blind spots to the rear. The back-up cameras are helpful but do not work when changing lanes.

accountCircle dan n

Holding up well, rear ended and came out better than the Nissan truck that hit us. Gas mileage could be better but not bad, lots of room and comfortable.

accountCircle Mo R

Yes, this is a very reliable car and gets good gas mileage. The interior is very roomy and has seats that can lay down completely. The Hyundai service department is also always very helpful with keeping my car up to date.

accountCircle Joel F

Yes, it is extremely comfortable, spacious reliable and has all of the bells and whistles that I wanted. It even has remote start from my cell phone.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Tiffany M on June 25, 2021
Check lights too short of time frame.
Drives good no problems there. It has a countdown to when it needs maintenance which is way to short it goes off about a month and a half after I get it looked at. After my last oil change it now has a leak under it. The oil change was at the dealership.
accountCircle Bob C on June 25, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe -- car worth buying.
I like the way the Santa Fe handles. I have had other Hyundai vehicles that have gone over 150,000 miles without problems. I like the way the Santa Fe looks and the amount of cargo space has come in very handy for vacations and home improvement jobs I have (I have fit freezers, lumber, furniture and many other things with the seats folded down. I gets good gas mileage and except for regular maintenance like oil changes and tires, it has been relatively inexpensive to maintain.
accountCircle Sydney B on June 25, 2021
2018 Santa Fe is dependable.
The Santa Fe is dependable, comfortable, and an easy drive. It gives you enough room, allowing for seven individuals to fit, without feeling squished or like you are driving a bus. It is the perfect size. It is also a smooth drive, brakes are not touchy.
accountCircle Ashley G on June 25, 2021
Santa Fe sport great review.
Very comfortable and great gas mileage. Hardly any maintenance issues. Maintenance is inexpensive. Looks great and I feel safe driving it. Great space in my back seat for my kid. Easy to clean and maneuver. Would highly recommend this vehicle to busy parents who cannot afford big maintenance bills.
accountCircle Becky H on June 15, 2021
I love it is heated seats and the way it handles.
I am not experiencing any issues at this time. I am not experiencing any issues at this time. I am not experiencing any issues at this time. I am not experiencing any issues at this time. I am not experiencing any issues at this time of any issues with.
accountCircle Tasia D on June 8, 2021
The best feature is the camera.
I really like my Santa Fe sport. It is great on gas, the safety features are extremely helpful, and it gets me to and from my designation better than any car I have had before. I do wish there was a third row for more seating space but other than that it is great.
accountCircle Terry B on June 8, 2021
Best luxury car at a median car price.
This car feels like a luxury vehicle and a standard car price. It has all the features of cars like BMW, Audi or infinity at a low price and much better warranty. I have been amazed at the reliability, the service and the gas mileage. It is a pleasure to drive and the features are outstanding.
accountCircle Scotti G on June 5, 2021
Fantastic vehicle for anyone.
It is great on gas. Interior is incredibly comfortable and well designed. Handles well on highways and mountains. Cargo area holds a great deal through anything 6 foot or more can be an issue. There’s ample leg room in front and back. The backseat can hold 3 people if the three people are all fairly thin, if anyone is a little bigger.. They are going to be squished.
accountCircle Amanda N on June 2, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe sport! Everything you need all in one vehicle!
My Hyundai Santa Fe sport has been the most loved vehicle I have purchased to date. It rides smooth and comfortably, with no bumps. When I purchased my vehicle it came with the option of remote start using my smartphone! Everything with the performance has been a smooth sail since purchasing. The interior is leather, keeps clean easily, only downfall is during the cold months the seats are freezing. Having heated seats is always a plus! Touch screen for adjusting the climate and music and many more options.
accountCircle Alicja E on June 1, 2021
All the bells and whistles, great family car.
This is the perfect family vehicle. It seats 6 and the third row is pretty easily accessible and comfortable even for teens. It has power and USB plugs in the middle and back (and front of course). There is also a 9v outlet in the back along with air vents that can be self controlled. The middle air vents are not very strong and can only be controlled by the driver. I do like that each side of the car has it is own air regulation! The heated and cooling seats are pretty great too! The middle seats have just the cooling function. The kids like the full sunroof and I like that I can control the music throughout the car. It even has a CD player! The drawbacks with the car are that there is no good place to store my purse (like in a minivan) and not all cups fit in the cup holders. The drive is smooth and it gets good gas mileage for a SUV. I love the google maps feature and the SiriusXM radio.
accountCircle Lorena O on May 31, 2021
Bluetooth component lets me listen to music and make calls hands free.
The car is very large and comfortable but after a certain amount of mileage the transmission starts to make a strange noise. I would say that the 2020 Santa Fe has better mileage and gas control. Once I fill the tank it I find that the 2018 version uses up more gas in a shorter amount of time than the 2020 Santa Fe.
accountCircle Shirley C on May 31, 2021
Santa Fe are great and fun to drive.
I bought the Santa Fe 1/2029 and I haven't had a single problem. I love it. It is fun to drive, easy handling. It is good on gas, I drive 400 miles a week and only fill it up once a week. Only things I'd change is I wish I had gotten a different color outside and inside and I wish it had an automatic trunk door with the open button on the fob and a open button inside like my old traverse had.
accountCircle Pedro P on May 23, 2021
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport.
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe sport that our family owns runs really well. It is actually the newest car that we've ever owned. Totally worth the money. You can push forward the back seats so that you can fit more stuff in the trunk. We were given a twin size bed for our son and when we took it apart, everything fit perfectly in the trunk. The car really is a blessing for our family. All we owned in the past were small family size cars, mainly Toyota. They were great but my kids are so tall that my wife and I went for an SUV. Best choice ever.
accountCircle Alysha F on May 20, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe gas gauge issue review.
I got it used and it started out fine seemed like it ran okay till we learned that the gas gauge doesn't work. And it gives you zero notice before it dies which makes me now keep a gas can in my truck area. The other problem is the trim on the front of car where lift the hood up. One day I was getting ready to go somewhere and I heard this noise I couldn't tell what it was so I got out and looked around the car and the front part of the car's trim had 'popped' off and was just hanging there half on they said the screws that hold it on needed to be replaced.
accountCircle Losehina A on May 16, 2021
Reliable. Adventurous. Worth it.
The Santa Fe sport is super reliable. The automatic FWD is awesome and kicks in whenever the sensor feels the need so I always feel safe. The trunk is super roomy and can fit all your camping supplies. The back row is very roomy and has rear a/c keeping the backseat cool on hot summer days.
accountCircle Julie S on May 14, 2021
It is blue with beige interior.
I have a Hyundai Santa Fe sport blue in color. This is the second one I have had. I love driving my car. I take it to when, drive the children around, go to church and out of town to see the family as much as I can in it. It is a great vehicle to have. I love it.
accountCircle Lusa B on May 8, 2021
It is a perfect family car.
Great no problems, roomy, family size, rides nice, color and comfortable, price is good, warranty, great miles, great for travel, great in snow, extras, radio and airbags, attractive, great size, reliable, drives nice, great quality, best car, popular.
accountCircle Patrick B on May 6, 2021
Great car, needs better gas mileage.
I find that the gas mileage is awful with this car. Each time I put gas in the car, it feels like it burns quickly, and I do not even drive that much.
accountCircle Michelle C on May 6, 2021
Awesome car, but comes with a quirk.
For the most part I love my car. It is reliable, handles bad weather really well and gets decent gas mileage. I also love how roomy it is. Compared to other crossovers I feel the Santa Fe gives a little extra elbow room. However there is a knock in the engine and keeps tripping the sensor. I've had it checked multiple times but they can never find the source.
accountCircle Trista F on April 26, 2021
The first SUV of your dreams.
I haven't had any problems in the 1.5 years I have had the car. It drives well, it has plenty of room for me, cargo, and anyone else I want to bring along. I have the AWD model, and I love it! It is a major upgrade from my little, old Altima I had before. My only complaint would be the acceleration sometimes. I think if you got the turbo that wouldn't be an issue.
accountCircle Meg W on April 26, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe = quality.
I had one issue shortly after purchasing due to an updated computer code, but that is it. It is comfortable, gets good gas mileage, and has all the features I love! I love my heated and cooled seats, panoramic sunroof, and power liftgate. My backup camera and blind spot warnings make me feel safe as well.
accountCircle Matt W on April 22, 2021
The Santa Fe is a great car and although it is not unique, is very consistent.
My household's car is dark blue and looks great. My family previously had a 2008 maroon Santa Fe, so we were definitely satisfied with the Hyundai and the Santa Fe model. We have no complaints with the car and we think it is a great car for the price. It is not flashy but it is above average and has no issues in the years that we have had it.
accountCircle Reilley M on April 20, 2021
Extremely reliable and comfortable car.
I have had this car for about 2 years now and I can honestly say I have had little to no issues with it. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for something extremely reliable. I recently drove it across country and even through the Arizona heat in the middle of summer it kept its performance level up to par. Not only is it reliable but super comfortable as well. There’s plenty of room to stretch and the back seats recline along with the front. The backup camera is one of my favorite features as it provides a better view of where you are backing into or out of.
accountCircle Angel M on April 18, 2021
Santa Fe review-all the luxury and extras that are included.
Very reliable and comfortable, I love the air conditioning seats and all the little bells and whistles such as blind spot assist and heated steering wheel. The GPS system is very easy to use and I love the fact that you are able to use apple carplay with the vehicle and that there are plenty of USB ports for everyone to use.
accountCircle silviya G on April 14, 2021
An interesting detail is the touch screen board at the front of the card.
The performance of the vehicle is great. The interior is beautiful and the seats are extremely comfortable and have a great finish to them. I like how the engine turns off when you are at a stop and I enjoy how quickly the vehicle is able to accelerate. I also like the touch at team at the front of the car with the car play option.
accountCircle Michelle W on April 14, 2021
Safe and secure with many great features.
I love my Santa Fe. It is the third row for my grandchildren. There has been no problems. Its very comfortable and the performance and reliability are outstanding. The front and back cameras have been very helpful when backing up detecting if there is anything back there or going by. Hyundai's warranties are the best. The car tells you when you need to change the oil or get it maintained.
accountCircle Carol F on April 13, 2021
The awesome ride. Lucky to have a great find.
I found that this is one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever purchased. The vehicle starts smoothly and gives a great ride. Cannot ask for anything better.Comfort is great and the car has been comfortable inside, a lot of legroom. Which is grand.
accountCircle Olivia H on April 3, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe- great car!
The Santa Fe is extremely comfortable to be in, it is very smooth to drive, it has very good safety features, alerts, I really like that it connects to apple car play. Back vents do not have that much pressure but the front ones do. Overall I really like the car, would definitely recommend.
accountCircle Susan H on March 30, 2021
Comfortable, roomy ride for the family.
Car always runs smooth, never any trouble out of it. We take our family trips in this car, it is very comfortable and roomy. It has a USB port included and screen for radio etc. The only complaint is that the vents in the backseat take a long time to get warm in the winter.
accountCircle Layla B on March 27, 2021
One of the best long-term cars ever!
My car is extremely durable for the cold winter months. I drove all the way to and from buffalo while it was snowing for like three days, and still felt safe in my car despite the unsafe weather conditions. The literal only downside to my car is that it is pretty big/wide, so it is a litter nerve-wracking driving on two-way streets that are super narrow. Other than that, my car is amazing, it drives well, it has amazing features, such as GPS and adjustable side mirrors. It is a long-term type of car.
accountCircle Josey E on March 25, 2021
My car is safe and reliable.
My car is very safe and reliable. It has a lot of safety features such as camera all around and while backing up.
accountCircle TGK N on March 24, 2021
Handles very well no matter what the weather.
Safe, handles well in all types of weather. I live in a state where we get a fair amount of snow and was concerned about and - I have only had 4wd - Hyundai handles great. I get 20 -25 miles per gallon in this vehicle. It is safe, has a lot of room and seats five people very comfortably. Good trunk space also.
accountCircle Loren S on March 24, 2021
It gets great gas mileage and rides very smoothly at high and low speeds.
Roomy, easy to drive, visibility sits up high ride is smooth color is attractive good gas mileage fantastic warranty.
accountCircle Brian A on March 23, 2021
Satisfied customer with some specific feedback.
Tire pressure issues and oil pan fails. Overall impact on reliability is low but does require more awareness as the driver. Also the Bluetooth functionality can be spotty even in areas with good service. Finally I feel the car features although reliable are not as up to date as other comparable models of the same year.
accountCircle Dennise B on March 22, 2021
Problem check engine light solved.
The car would go into limp mode and I’d get check engine light. After several times without clear indication of problem, I took it to dealership abs they discovered the setting on an item was set too sensitive. They adjusted it with no cost abs no problems since.
accountCircle Christen N on March 20, 2021
The back up camera is my favorite feature. Super useful.
I work in sales and always traveling. I have put 70,000 miles on my car in under 2 years and the performance is as good as new. This car is reliable and safe. I haven't put a lot of money in this car and it is the best one I have owned yet. Great gas mileage, user friendly, I have small children who spill and melt chocolate into the seat and it cleans right up.
accountCircle Sharon S on March 17, 2021
It's very Reliable and safe. It gets me where I need to go
This is my 2nd Hyundai. I never had any problems with the first. Very reliable.
accountCircle Leslie B on March 16, 2021
Has a great warranty and is easy to drive. Very comfortable and great seats
Has all the bells and whistles. Love to Drive, very comfortable and stable
accountCircle Jamila M on March 15, 2021
Wonderful small sized SUV
Great car, good on gas, base model for this year has great features, like the 7 seas in the XL model
accountCircle Evelyn R on March 12, 2021
It has an alarm and a backup camera.
I love that there is Bluetooth. I love that there is a backup camera. And I love that there’s extra space in my car to fit stuff.
accountCircle Samantha P on March 9, 2021
Great family vehicle option
Not fuel efficient however, it is roomy and safe. No problems whatsoever! Dependable and lots of legroom.easy to drive and handles extremely well. Features are great! Love the seat warmers and interior is easy to clean. Seats recline and fold so makes it easy to load and move large loads.
accountCircle Deborah T on March 9, 2021
Excellent car for senior citizens!
No complaints on the vehicle. The performance is excellent. It is a great car for seniors! There are alarm sounds if your drifting into other lanes. Unless the changing signals are on than there is no alarm sounds. The interior blue lights are easy on the eyes at night. The only thing I found difficult getting use to is the accelerator pedal. My foot has to press down hard. To accelerate.
accountCircle VaDonna S on March 8, 2021
Great gas mileage with sporty look.
I love my Santa Fe. It is sporty, yet easy to drive in city traffic. Gets very good gas mileage and is very comfortable. Has electric seat, both driver and passenger sides. The back seats are the able to fold down, either, one seat or both. Dealership is good to deal with and very knowledgeable.
accountCircle Ari V on March 6, 2021
Great car for family and road trips! Very spacious and comfortable.
Love my vehicle. All leather inside. Third row seat. Runs like a car. Does not feel as big when driving it. Fits a family of 7. Super reliable. Great on gas! I use it to commute to work and it has not given me any problems. Comfort level is 10/10. Quiet rides.
accountCircle Diana C on March 5, 2021
360 cameras and sensors are the best.
I absolutely love the bird view cameras, my car is also very roomy and comfortable. The only thing I would change is the gas mileage, it doesn't get great gas mileage and the gas tank isn't very big so I constantly have to refill, but other than that it's perfect.
accountCircle Lee H on March 4, 2021
Safety features of the car are standard and come with all trim levels.
Looks and how it drives. Has the options I requested but was reasonable in price.
accountCircle Ariel S on March 4, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe: superior safety.
No problems to date with the vehicle. Performance has been outstanding. Acceleration could be better. Reliability has been amazing. No issues to date. Prior car was also a Santa Fe and it withstood being t boned going 50 mlp with minimal injuries to myself. I feel incredibly safe in the vehicle. Comfort is good, however, the headrest is a little difficult to adjust but not impossible. I wish the display was a little bigger but that is an added feature in some models. Backup cam is nice to have but again the display is a little small. Phone features has some issues as it takes a while for contacts and previous call to download every time I enter the car.
accountCircle Rosalia M on March 4, 2021
My Hyundai Santa Fe is a very reliable steady and comfortable car.
I love my car. I feel safe driving it. Soft steering wheel but steady. It has anti-slip track and eco feature. It is roomy inside and the stereo sound is great. Has Bluetooth and tinted windows. It also have the backup camera. It is silent and big enough but not huge. It is very economic on gas.
accountCircle April N on March 3, 2021
Perfect size for small family with kids.
I have only had the vehicle for 8 months. No issue so far. I bought it as it was the perfect size for me and my family. It has a lot of tech that I am still trying to figure out. The seats are comfortable. It fits two car seats with ease. Also has a third row that folds completely providing a large cargo area in the rear.
accountCircle Linda N on March 3, 2021
Convenient features and comfort.
This vehicle rides very smooth and has significantly more power than the 2016 Santa Fe sport. The seats are very comfortable, but the heated seats do not get as warm as they should. The gas mileage is not all that good. Once in awhile I will get 30 to 35 miles per gallon, but not often. Highway miles are better, of course. So far this vehicle is very reliable. I would suggest that the compass be standard in every model. I like how easy it is to fold down the back seats to make more room. All in all it is a nice SUV to have if you do not need a full size SUV.
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.