2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Midsize SUV With Improved Reliability & Low Running Costs

Alex Showalter
Feb 22, 2023

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor battery drain and engine sensor issues reported. At $21,675 to $29,875, it’s a good value for a midsize SUV with a very luxurious cabin and a long warranty.

VehicleHistory Image
likeFilled The Good
The cabin has a lot of upscale materials, the suspension is smooth on rough roads and there’s a lot of standard safety technology.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The rear visibility is poor due to the large pillars, the engines are not as quick as other midsize SUVs and the steering feels loose.

Is the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Hyundai Santa Fe since it offers a lot of technology along with a nice interior. Owner reviews praise the long warranty, low ownership costs, along with the comfortable seats.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are more luxurious than other midsize SUVs, the seats are comfortable, and there’s decent cargo space for its size.
  • Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems on the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. Avoid models form 20072014 which have a lot of engine problems. Models form 20152022 are more dependable choices.
  • Performance 7/10 – Performance is worse than other midsize SUVs from both of the four-cylinder engine choices.
  • Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Santa Fe is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, rearview camera, along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring as well as a head-up display.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 25 MPG, giving 470 miles of range from the 18.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $37 cheaper than average, at $174 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is cheaper than many competitors while still offering a lot of technology, making it a good value.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Tiffani R
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is amazing.
The performance is excellent and has many great features. One best feature is that the car shows the speed limit of the street I am driving on and what speed I am going in my eyesight on the windshield. The car has three driving modes for the driver to be comfortable. The car is very reliable and everyone should get this car!
accountCircle Ella B
Perfect family SUV at a great price point.
I have only had the car for a week. I did thorough research and test drive nearly every midsize SUV model (sans luxury). Found the Santa Fe to have the most bang for the buck in the price range I was looking for. Smooth ride, quality interior, and excellent safety rating.
accountCircle Jason D
Hyundai Santa Fe has supreme comfort as well as high-end technology and safety.
My Hyundai Santa Fe is fantastic. I love the comfort and all the wonderful features, such as the bevy of safety features, the soft leather, the automatic high-beams and the massive panoramic sunroof. I find it very comfortable and fun to drive as well as reliable.
accountCircle Victoria G
This vehicle is great for children.
We purchased the vehicle because we needed more space for multiple children. Not only does it solve our space issue but it also resolved an issue with the sun bothering our children. It has tinted windows and retractable sunshades. The gas mileage is wonderful for a svu. The ride is smooth and comfortable.
accountCircle JOLENE H
Safety technology = safety!
The vehicle has a lot of safety features which I needed as I totaled my last car by falling asleep. This one has lane assist, smart cruise, blind spot warning, self steering which keeps the car in the lane. It has hands free text and navigation so you do not have to look down at a phone for anything.
accountCircle James W
The ride is smooth and the transmission is also smooth.
I have had no problems with this vehicle. I really like this auto, ride is very good & pickup is great. Drives excellent with smooth transmission. The seating is very comfortable & vision is good in all directions. The gas mileage is good. I like the color and the trim is very good. The rear space has ample room for my golf clubs.
accountCircle Dave S.
Great Car
Love my Santa Fe SEL, 2.4 AWD. Car is quick and quiet. Not sure what others are talking about noise. Handles great. Lots of safety features. Love Android Auto. Seats are comfortable and supportive. Good sound system. Too bad car makers aren't including CD players anymore.
accountCircle Rich J
Comfortable driving on the highway.
New SUV with a lot of safety features. SUV rides very smoothly with the drivers side adjustable to ride high. Steering wheel is adjustable so as your hand position do not get tired in an uncomfortable position. The interior seats are well cushioned.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle jackie
Hazards
My father has a sante fe , the wheel has locked up 3 times now. He called as couldnt find steering wheel fluid to check and they told him that all the newer SUVs don’t have a compartment for steering wheel fluid. It is all computerized.it has happened three times in the past 3 -4 weeks. They told him to switch off the car and restart it, it’s just a glitch like when the computer needs rebooted. They said there is a module you can put in if it happens too often, so they know this and then want to charge you for the module to fix their hazard. Will NEVER buy a Hyundai after this
accountCircle Jean Morley
2020 Santa Fe tarnish on chrome
Has anyone who has a 2020 Santa Fe had trouble with the chrome on the handles and side strips looking tarnished?
accountCircle Doc (Bill) Watson
Unreliable Starting
Love the SUV, but you can't rely on it to start. This is the only vehicle I've owned in 20 years that has had a mechanical (electrical?) starting problem. After just over a year, I would randomly press the start button and nothing would happen. The starter wouldn't engage. Battery fine. All the lights, etc. Came on fine, but silence when the start button was pressed. Other times when pressing start, the starter would kick on normally and it would run fine. Taking to dealer. My guess is the vehicle will be in the mood to start and they will say, "No problem found". But the car is unusable as is.
accountCircle Bill T
Rear Seat Rattle
I have a 2020 Santa Fe Limited with about 4,700 miles on it. I have had an annoying rattle in the right rear seat since probably around 300 to 500 miles. I've taken it to the dealer (Chapman Hyundai on Bell Road - Phoenix) multiple times, and while they acknowledge that there is a noise, they claim that "it works as designed". I've called BS on this many times, as the rattle disappears when I have a passenger in the right rear seat and/or the rear seats are folded flat. If it's truly working as designed, I feel that this is a design flaw that should be handled by Hyundai. Yesterday, the Service Manager told me that there's nothing that can be done, and they're not willing to work on the situation any more. I've also been back to my salesperson, asking to trade me for an equal vehicle, but he said that inventory is too low, and ultimately he advised me to sell the vehicle to Carmax if I'm unhappy.
accountCircle Shawn
Very unsafe
I’ve got a 2020 Santa Fe limited and been having issues with the electrical and lane departure. The day before thanksgiving when going to work I passed a car and after I got back in my normal lane the lane departure kicked in and pulled me into oncoming traffic. I had a head on collision and got hurt pretty bad. We loved this vehicle so much but this is a badsafety issue. I’m lucky to be alive. The wheel wouldn’t let me turn it and then after I went airborne and hit the ground I lost brakes too.
accountCircle Linda Maunu
Windshield
I don’t know about the 2020 ‘s but I have a 2015. The windshield cracked from the bottom up while sitting in the driveway in the summer. Not a rock chip on it. They would not cover it. Not a happy customer. Will never deal with Hyundai again
accountCircle Brad
Run from this vehicle
Drives sloppy after 1000miles. Climate control is horrible and passenger seat is not adjustable. Engine is very noisy after initial oil change from dealer. No head room when entering and exiting the vehicle when drivers seat is adjusted for good sight. Good gas mileage but gets less comfortable the more you drive it.
accountCircle LMH
2020 Issues
I purchased a 2020 Sante Fe a week ago and hate this vehicle. The gurgling engine is SO loud, shifts SO loudly and there are vibrations in the gas peddle. The engine noise is so loud is makes driving this vehicle very unpleasant to drive. And so much noise trying to listen to the radio is difficult. The vibration makes me feel like I am driving Fred Flintstones automobile. This vehicle is very pricey to have these issues. The sad thing is I test drove this vehicle on two different occasions and didn’t notice these issues. And I had a Santa Fe previously and loved it. I’m heartbroken over this purchase. Buyer beware.

What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Santa Fe?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offers more luxurious features than other midsize SUVs in its price range, with good owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds rates the Hyundai Santa Fe at 4.5/5, praising the standard safety technology, but doesn’t like the lower fuel economy.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Santa Fe a 4.6/5, enjoying the quiet interior, but owners don’t like the weak standard engine.

What Common Problems Does the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?

Common problems found on the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe include excessive battery drain, hesitation while accelerating, along with the rear A/C not blowing. Overall, these problems are similar to some of the other midsize SUVs on the market, with average repair costs as it ages.

Excessive battery drain is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Santa Fe owners in the first 1,500 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Hyundai Santa Fe which sometimes continue to draw power while the vehicle is off, draining the battery. Diagnosing the source of the excessive battery drain costs around $150, and fixing it can cost $20 to $200.

Hesitation, while accelerating, is another problem mentioned by owners of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, at around 6,000 miles. Usually the source of the problem is with the mass air flow sensor, which becomes dirty and fails. Replacing the sensor costs roughly $200, depending on local labor rates. Often when it fails early in the ownership experience, it’s replaced for free under Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

The rear A/C not blowing has also shown up on some Santa Fe models in the first 1,000 miles. Usually the problem is simply caused by a disconnected piece of ductwork from the front A/C compressor to the rear vents. Usually this is repaired under warranty. If something damages the duct work out of warranty, it’s around $250 to fix.

There is one recall on the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, which is better than some other midsize SUVs its age. The recall is for the windshield glue failing. Hyundai will remove and reinstall the windshield on affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Last?

A well-maintained 2020 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 similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $480 per year.

As a used 2020 Santa Fe reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the liftgate struts for $300, a variable valve timing control solenoid costing $400, along with the EGR valve which costs around $650.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is excellent in the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe with a standard 7-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a premium Infinity stereo system.

Standard safety technology is fantastic, offering driver assistance features such as:

  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Forward automatic emergency braking
  • Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
  • Driver attention Monitor
  • Forward collision warning
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Lane keep assist
  • Rearview camera

Optional advanced features available on higher end models include:

  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Safe exist assist
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Surround-view parking camera system
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Blind spot camera
  • Head-up display

Is the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Value?

Yes, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other SUVs while still offering a nice interior. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,675 to $29,875, making it less than a Honda Pilot or Subaru Outback. When new, the price range was $28,380 to $39,198. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing around 8% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Santa Fe?

There are three different models of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offered from the base SE model up to the more luxurious Limited. The Santa Fe comes standard with front-wheel drive and has optional all-wheel drive available.

SE is the entry-level model with:

  • Alloy Wheels
  • Cloth Upholstery
  • Noise-Reducing Windshield
  • Reclining Rear Seats
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 7-Inch Touchscreen

SEL is a step up, adding:

  • Push-Button Start
  • Leather Upholstery
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
  • Hands-Free Liftgate
  • Optional Panoramic Sunroof

Limited is the flagship model which has:

  • Ventilated Front Seats
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • Heated Rear Seats
  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • 8-Inch Touchscreen Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • 12-Speaker Infinity Sound System
car
SE w/SULEV
185 HP 25 MPG
car
SEL w/SULEV
185 HP 25 MPG
car
Limited w/SULEV
185 HP 25 MPG
car

What Engines Come In the Hyundai Santa Fe?

  • The base engine is a relatively weak 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 185 horsepower while getting up to 25 MPG. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
  • An available upgrade is the stronger 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, which produces 235 horsepower at up to 23 MPG. This engine also has an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is okay, taking around 8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Santa Fe?

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a comfortable midsize SUV, with supportive and well-cushioned seats that offer good comfort even on long drives. According to owner feedback, the Santa Fe’s interior is spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of room in both the front and rear seats. The second row offers ample legroom and headroom, making it a great choice for families with taller passengers.

In terms of ride comfort, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, keeping the ride quiet and comfortable. Wind and road noise are well-controlled, and the cabin is generally quiet and serene.

How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Have?

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV with a spacious interior that offers ample storage space for your gear. The cargo area behind the second-row seats has a total volume of 35.9 cubic feet, which is enough to accommodate a couple of large suitcases or several smaller bags, depending on how you pack.

If you need more space for longer items like skis or lumber, you can fold down the second-row seats to increase the cargo volume to 71.3 cubic feet. The rear seats fold flat, creating a large and uninterrupted cargo space that can accommodate bulky items with ease. Additionally, the rear seatbacks are adjustable, allowing you to choose between a balance of passenger and cargo space.

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What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fourth generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe was launched for the 2019 model year.

2015: Hands-free power liftgate added, smoother suspension.

2016: GLS model renamed to the SE model

2017: Small exterior styling changes, standard 7-inch touchscreen stereo system, optional adaptive cruise control

2018: Limited model removed from the lineup.

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

2020: Improved blind-spot monitoring system, ultimate model removed from the lineup.

2021: Minor exterior styling changes, new Calligraphy model, upgraded engines available.

How Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Compare to the Competition?

The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a very good midsize SUV offering a lot of luxury for the money paired with one of the longest warranties in the industry, which helps it earn our recommendation.

The Hyundai Tucson is a smaller SUV from Hyundai which is around $5,000 less. Steering is more responsive in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Hyundai Santa Fe offers more passenger room. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since the extra practicality is worth the cost.

The Kia Sorento is another midsize SUV which is around $2,000 less. Both the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are built on the same platform. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers more luxury, while the Kia Sorento has a sportier driving experience. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since the interior is nicer, although it’s worth test driving both to see which you prefer since they are so similar.

Ranks #13 Midsize SUV by Owners

1
car
4.83
2
car
4.82
13
car
4.52

Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe?

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Shawn on November 30, 2021
Very unsafe
I’ve got a 2020 Santa Fe limited and been having issues with the electrical and lane departure. The day before thanksgiving when going to work I passed a car and after I got back in my normal lane the lane departure kicked in and pulled me into oncoming traffic. I had a head on collision and got hurt pretty bad. We loved this vehicle so much but this is a badsafety issue. I’m lucky to be alive. The wheel wouldn’t let me turn it and then after I went airborne and hit the ground I lost brakes too.
accountCircle Bill T on September 13, 2021
Rear Seat Rattle
I have a 2020 Santa Fe Limited with about 4,700 miles on it. I have had an annoying rattle in the right rear seat since probably around 300 to 500 miles. I've taken it to the dealer (Chapman Hyundai on Bell Road - Phoenix) multiple times, and while they acknowledge that there is a noise, they claim that "it works as designed". I've called BS on this many times, as the rattle disappears when I have a passenger in the right rear seat and/or the rear seats are folded flat. If it's truly working as designed, I feel that this is a design flaw that should be handled by Hyundai. Yesterday, the Service Manager told me that there's nothing that can be done, and they're not willing to work on the situation any more. I've also been back to my salesperson, asking to trade me for an equal vehicle, but he said that inventory is too low, and ultimately he advised me to sell the vehicle to Carmax if I'm unhappy.
accountCircle Angela P on June 25, 2021
It is smooth and easy to drive.
I love my car. The only issue I have is with the rear camera turning off on its own. Sometimes I have to push the home button to get rid of it. Otherwise it drives smooth and turns easily. It is very comfortable and tons of room. There is a tiny blind spot when trying to change lanes though.
accountCircle Amanda S on June 17, 2021
Great comfy vehicle with lots of great features!
The vehicle drives very smooth, gets great gas mileage, and I love the built in window shades in the back doors. The only thing I do not like is that you have to bring it the dealership to get maintenances because they have to turn the maintenance warning off. There is a lot of legroom in back and front of vehicle and ac is in the back. There is a large back storage area that is great for groceries, two large dogs, suitcases, etc.
accountCircle Sabrina R on June 16, 2021
Awesome Hyundai Santa Fe 2020.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a very comfortable car. It is spacious enough for a family but also feels luxurious. Apple carplay is amazing, along with the assisted lane keep and the care looks nice inside and out. I would recommend this amazing car to anyone.
accountCircle Nancy D on June 16, 2021
The hidden storage area adds more storage but hides it too!
We absolutely love out Hyundai. We bought if primarily for traveling to see our daughter and family. It is such a nice ride! It has ample room for luggage and anything else you need. There is a hidden compartment in the back to add more storage and hide things. So far, we have no problems! We love our car!
accountCircle Jean Morley on June 14, 2021
2020 Santa Fe tarnish on chrome
Has anyone who has a 2020 Santa Fe had trouble with the chrome on the handles and side strips looking tarnished?
accountCircle Kelsey L on June 11, 2021
Safe, comfortable, and reliable car.
I have had the Santa Fe for a short time and so far no problems! Comfortable seats that form to your back nicely. The Hyundai blue link app is an added bonus that allows you to check your vehicle status, lock or start your car from anywhere. Overall good car and happy so far.
accountCircle edtherock on June 7, 2021
2020 Santa fe 2.0 litre turbo! Love it after 17,982 miles still
Love the car...Dealer paid oil and filter changes to 36k miles.. Car rides SMOOTH.. Is Quiet.. I get around 27 mpg on average... The Turbo is Great-- it gives the car the power it needs when needed unlike the 2.4 non turbo which was too week.. Glad I got the turbo!! No issues with the car to this point and I can not say enough good things about all the Tech gadgets this car has.. Love all the cameras to get the top down view, ventilated seats are great in Atlanta in the summer and heated steering wheel is excellent in the winter! I would buy the new 2021 2.5 liter turbo- limited if I had the money!!! Looks cool like the palisade inside !!!! Enjoy
accountCircle Alexis R on June 6, 2021
Heated cloth seats, extra storage in the back, and, warranties, rides smoothly.
My 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is amazing. Spacious, comfy, heated cloth seats and it rides so smoothly! We travel for my boyfriends job with two big dogs and a small dog so I can lay the seats down and they have all the room in the back. Has storage space underneath the back mat that comes in handy often! Plus, I had to buy it with all the amazing warranties that come with the vehicle.
accountCircle D Daniele on June 4, 2021
Back Seats
This is the second SantaFe we have owned. Just purchased the 2020 limited fully loaded. Our problem is the back leather seats rattle and vibrate so loud. Anyone else have this problem
accountCircle Skye S on May 23, 2021
Fantastic vehicle with some flaws.
I love my Santa Fe. It drives great and quiet and has all the features I want. I do not care for the auto shut off feature for the engine. The only thing that really bothers me about this vehicle is the fact that I cannot lock the car if it is running. There are times I just need to run in and out of a store and I do not want to have to turn off the vehicle and let it heat up but I do not want to leave it unlocked either.
accountCircle Desiree A on May 18, 2021
Luxury car at an affordable price.
I just bought my santa fe limited 2.0 a couple of weeks ago. I haven't had any problems, and I do not expect to have anything go wrong for a long time. Hyundai offers a 10 year warranty on some parts of the car. This car is very lexus-like without the lexus price tag. I have black leather seats, a fully-functional infotainment system, a pano sunroof, and heated seats and steering wheel. If you haven’t test-driven a hyundai, I highly encourage you to shop the different models and trims and select the one that best fits your needs.
accountCircle Barb W on May 18, 2021
Why I love my Hyundai Santa Fe.
Reliable, good performing, no problems so far, love the interior and moonroof. Lots of room, has all the features I would ever want or need in a car. Very cool and sporty car anyone would be proud to own it. Lots of storage space for a smaller SUV.
accountCircle Toni A on May 18, 2021
The back up cameras so you can see how to park without having to turn around.
It has excellent gas mileage. Lots of interior space. Handles the road very well. It comes with a lot of nice features like parking assistance and warns you about any potential problems on the road farther than you can see. It has back up cameras and multiple USB ports. This car has never given me any trouble and I would highly recommend it.
accountCircle Rebekah M on May 18, 2021
Love my new car and cannot wait to experience everything it has to offer.
I love my Santa Fe. It drives really well. I love the lane assist, the backup camera, the screen size, feel of the car. I cannot wait to learn all the features. I got my car not long ago and haven't had a chance to test everything out. I cannot wait to see how the set distance for cruise control works.
accountCircle Bobbie E on May 18, 2021
2020 Hyundai SUV Santa Fe is the best SUV on the market!
The car is very nice. There are a few things that could be changed, like on the door panels the place for a drink is not sufficient to hold a drink. My husband is a 6 ft 2 in man and he could use another 2 “ for head room. No place to put your cell phone if your driving. As far as the general performance of the car it's wonderful and we also get 25 miles to the gallon of fuel.
accountCircle Dan Reardon on May 18, 2021
Great Car
I bought one last week. Quite engine, drives/rides wonderfully. Some people can't help being strange
accountCircle LMH on May 10, 2021
2020 Issues
I purchased a 2020 Sante Fe a week ago and hate this vehicle. The gurgling engine is SO loud, shifts SO loudly and there are vibrations in the gas peddle. The engine noise is so loud is makes driving this vehicle very unpleasant to drive. And so much noise trying to listen to the radio is difficult. The vibration makes me feel like I am driving Fred Flintstones automobile. This vehicle is very pricey to have these issues. The sad thing is I test drove this vehicle on two different occasions and didn’t notice these issues. And I had a Santa Fe previously and loved it. I’m heartbroken over this purchase. Buyer beware.
accountCircle Daniel M on May 10, 2021
Great ride at the right price.
My vehicle is all wheel drive with a v6 engine and lane assist. It also has auto doors that will not open if someone is coming. Auto high beams and Infiniti sound system with apple play. There is also an overdrive feature and a 4wd that locks the hubs. It is very smooth ride.
accountCircle JOLENE H on May 3, 2021
Safety technology = safety!
The vehicle has a lot of safety features which I needed as I totaled my last car by falling asleep. This one has lane assist, smart cruise, blind spot warning, self steering which keeps the car in the lane. It has hands free text and navigation so you do not have to look down at a phone for anything.
accountCircle Jacquelyn M on April 28, 2021
Features galore at a value.
Love: smartphone connectivity and automatic charging, safety sensors and terrific backup camera, large sunroof, easy to open trunk, keyless entry and driving, heating and cooling seats, dual programmable thermostats, multiple driver preference settings. Ample cargo space. Taking getting used to- lane sensors, idle motor energy saver when at red lights, pocket only on one side of the seats.
accountCircle Heather M on April 22, 2021
The headlights! They dim and brighten on their own.
I have nothing to complain about. I love the safety features! Love everything about my vehicle! I like that it always reminds you to check the back seat... And I have a toddler. I like the blind spot monitoring and the cameras that pick up people around the car before you move.
accountCircle Megan P on April 21, 2021
Great car for a great price.
I really like the way this car drives. It is a quiet and smooth ride. I have not had any problems with the car. It is comfortable and seems safe for myself and my family. I especially like the heated seats. There is enough room for my family of four and room for any shopping we do.
accountCircle J C on April 20, 2021
Radio Malfunctino
Radio freezes up while entire center console begins a reboot cycle. This behavior repeats until the car is turned off. Dealer says this is a software problem, but, gives no date for repair.
accountCircle Elena E on April 17, 2021
Easy to drive, soft breaks easy to do.
The vehicle it really comfortable, it is pretty big inside, I love how the board looks at night, the trunk is insanely big, and it has three different compartments. The lights are wonderful, they are led. The sites are pretty big, and comfortable. It has a lot of USB ports all over the car, even in the trunk.
accountCircle Kathleen M on April 17, 2021
Santa Fe. Too much tech?
I absolutely love this vehicle; however, some of the features you have to turn off rather than turn them on. For example, the feature that the car shuts off when you were at a stoplight is disconcerting to me. I would rather have to turn that on rather than turn it off with every trip. The reason is that it gives a slight jolt to power down and power back up for me that is unacceptable.
accountCircle Rich J on April 15, 2021
Comfortable driving on the highway.
New SUV with a lot of safety features. SUV rides very smoothly with the drivers side adjustable to ride high. Steering wheel is adjustable so as your hand position do not get tired in an uncomfortable position. The interior seats are well cushioned.
accountCircle Doc (Bill) Watson on April 9, 2021
Unreliable Starting
Love the SUV, but you can't rely on it to start. This is the only vehicle I've owned in 20 years that has had a mechanical (electrical?) starting problem. After just over a year, I would randomly press the start button and nothing would happen. The starter wouldn't engage. Battery fine. All the lights, etc. Came on fine, but silence when the start button was pressed. Other times when pressing start, the starter would kick on normally and it would run fine. Taking to dealer. My guess is the vehicle will be in the mood to start and they will say, "No problem found". But the car is unusable as is.
accountCircle Carol L on April 8, 2021
Sold on Santa Fe and loving it!
I love everything about this car. I have had leather seats in my car for 20 years but this time I decided to skip the leather and I have loved my fabric seats! I love the seat warmers. I love that it does not get too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. Spills clean up nicely as well. I went from an Elantra to the Santa Fe and I am enjoying the extra room. My son's feet are not hitting the back of the seat and he enjoys the extra room. The safety features are great and I love the alerts the car gives me like “‘consider taking a break’ with a coffee mug lighting up.” that came on when I was taking a long trip and might have been slowing down every once in a while to hand my son a snack. I love my Hyundai and have enjoyed every piece of it!
accountCircle Ciera C on April 7, 2021
Spacious standard sized SUV, wonderful price.
This car is very comfortable and has many safety features and is high tech. It is incredibly spacious and anyone who is in the backseat raves about the legroom. It is very quiet and is a nice standard sized SUV. We debated a third row SUV but this was a much better fit with a great sized trunk.
accountCircle Louise R on April 6, 2021
The 2020 Santa Fe has great safety features!
My vehicle is extremely reliable. It looks great, drives great and has room for the whole family. I recommend it to anyone looking for an SUV. The backup camera is a helpful tool. There are a long list of supportive safety features such as lane assist and safety breaking. All together the car is amazing.
accountCircle Lawryn D on April 4, 2021
Luxury hyundai santa fe with self driving features.
My 2020 santa fe is so comfortable and feel like a luxury car without the luxury price. It has shades for the windows in the backseat for privacy and comfort and the back seats recline. I love the panoramic sky roof. The front seats have heated seats and dual temperature control which is nice for the driver and passenger. The suv is great on gas for it to be a suv. It has great driving assistance features such as lane keeping assist, blind spot collision warning, rear view camera, safe braking.
accountCircle Melissa C on March 31, 2021
A luxurious looking car without the ludicrous price point.
The Santa Fe looks luxurious without the luxurious car price point. Our model has cloth seats and dark interior with a backup camera and lane assist. I am not too crazy about the lane assist because it has a tendency to jerk the car into the other lane.
accountCircle Larry C on March 30, 2021
Great value for your money. Compared to Its competitors the Santa Fe is a winner.
The Santa Fe is very comfortable driving in all modes. The turbo packs a lot of punch. If just using eco mode the vehicle does very good with gas. The safety features are really good and came standard on my model. The automatic lift gate is one of my favorite features.
accountCircle Bill M on March 24, 2021
Adjustable cruise control and lane assist is like semi-autonomous driving.
It is so comfortable and easily adjustable seat. The controls all work so intuitively. I love the adjusting cruise control and lane assist. Takes strain off commuting. Great car. I owned a Volvo xc90 and Porsche cayenne before and this is my favorite. And 1/3 cost!:).
accountCircle Mark Marcial on March 15, 2021
Radio won't turn on when temperature is lower than -20 °C
Radio wont turn on or keeps on restarting when temperature is lower than -20 °C
accountCircle Alex R on March 13, 2021
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe - a real winner.
Our Hyundai Santa Fe limited 2.0t has been better than we could have expected. We decided to go down to one car and picked our Santa Fe. It rides comfortably, is very quiet on the road, has every safety feature imaginable and is sporty enough got us. Highly recommend it.
accountCircle NANCY S on March 6, 2021
One thing I hate about my car.
I hate how it keeps going off when you are at a light or even stop sign. It is a pain in the neck having to restart it all the time. I have written the company and there is no way to stop it. You can't remove a wire or anything like that. It is annoying and probably not good for the transmission.
accountCircle Bao L on February 27, 2021
The vehicles size, gas per gallon, and comfort makes it a great purchase.
Overall, the car is very comfortable to drive. It is convenient and is very large. It is size is very useful on long road trips and transferring large packages. Not to mention, the seats are comfortable so long trips are more enjoyable. Overall, the car was a very smart and reliable decision that has helped my family in our means of travel.
accountCircle Robert T on February 21, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe a great family car.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a great car for families. We are a family of four and all of us fit comfortably in the vehicle. I have the ltd trim, so my Santa Fe has all of the conveniences a person would want. There are a lot of driver assist features, like automatic braking with sensors when backing up, a hold switch that allows you to remove your foot from the gas or break when sitting still, brake assist downhill, lane change and blind spot warning. You can adjust the driver's seat up, down forward back, lean in, straighten up with lumbar support and memory. You name it the car has got it. The heads up display is awesome, it tells you your speed as well as the speed limit on the road you are traveling on. I was not sure about the pick-up so I bought the AWD turbo and it performs when pushed. Overall I recommend this car. The only thing it does not have is automatic fold in\out mirrors.
accountCircle Victoria G on February 20, 2021
This vehicle is great for children.
We purchased the vehicle because we needed more space for multiple children. Not only does it solve our space issue but it also resolved an issue with the sun bothering our children. It has tinted windows and retractable sunshades. The gas mileage is wonderful for a svu. The ride is smooth and comfortable.
accountCircle Jennifer S on February 20, 2021
Spacious and very comfortable.
No issues so far had the car a few months. Great performance and great gas mileage. Seating is very comfortable and lots of space. My daughter loves the oversized sunroof and we have plenty of storage space for travel to the beach and vacations. I would highly recommend this car!
accountCircle Abby C on February 18, 2021
It has lane assistance and helps you drive in the lanes for you.
The 2020 Santa Fe is everything I wanted in a car! Tons of space in the trunk and the back seats fold down you can fit anything you want. Great on gas mileage. The seats are comfortable and the apple CarPlay is a great feature and very easy to use. The safety features are great as well.
accountCircle Bob B. on February 17, 2021
2020 Not as good as hoped.
I purchased a 2020 Sante Fe Sel with the convenience package two months ago. I now have 1200 miles on it and the engine noise on start up is extremely loud, there is a loud buzzing sound and the values are very loud. The engine noise while driving is beyond acceptable. I have also been experiencing wind noise coming from both front windows. I really regret purchasing this vehicle, I should have stayed with the gut feeling to avoid it but I kept telling myself it was going to be a good purchase but it has not been.
accountCircle Donnie T on February 11, 2021
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is a fun, exciting and exceptional vehicle.
The 2.0t ultimate Santa Fe is an amazing SUV. I love how quick it is and how it handles. The sport mode adds extra pep and makes it fun to drive. I get around 27 to 31 mpg on the highway. The only problem so far is sometimes when it starts it seems to struggle like the engine is flooded. Also, the auto stop feature when you come to a red light is aggravating. You can disable this at the push of a button. This vehicle is in my book a 5 star purchase.
accountCircle Misty J on February 10, 2021
Small detail, but I love the blue link feature.
Have had no problems, my two previous vehicles were also Santa fes. My current one is so new we haven't even had to do an oil change. My 2003 Santa Fe was my first car, and I had it for eleven years and multiple cross country moves. We just ran it into the ground.
accountCircle Casey C on February 10, 2021
Is the 2020 Santa Fe for you?
Santa Fe is pretty roomy and the back seats lean back to give a more comfortable roomy seat. The seat itself is a bit firm. The car has great gas mileage getting usually about 28-32 miles/gallon through city/highways. I wished the car had a bit more engine power but you got to work with what you got. It is a good family car. Definitely invest in the leather seats!
accountCircle Brad H on February 1, 2021
Options are wonderful, truly.
Smart cruise control allows safe distance between car in front, keeps you in the lane automatically, homelink, auto seat folding, good cargo storage, Bluetooth, navigation with USB, overhead console, voice control, phone charger, center console, great color, rainforest green.
accountCircle Kari W on January 22, 2021
Hyundai Santa Fe. Great SUV for the family.
I love the new Santa Fe. The trim is very stylish and sleek looking comparable to luxury cars. It is very comfortable. Seeks are comfortable. The tech inside is great. I love the apple car play. Works great. Overall I have no complaints about this vehicle.
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.