Updated: January 17, 2022
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
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The Hyundai Santa Fe (Korean: 현대 싼타페) is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 2000. It is named after the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was introduced for the 2001 model year as Hyundai’s first SUV. The Santa Fe was a milestone in the company’s restructuring program of the late 1990s because the SUV was a hit with American buyers. Between 2006 and 2012, the Santa Fe was positioned between the smaller Tucson compact crossover and the larger Veracruz.
The third-generation Santa Fe introduced in 2012 was available in two versions, which are regular (short) and extended long-wheelbase version. The short model was sold as the Santa Fe Sport in North America (three-row seating was not available) and simply Santa Fe in global markets (three-row seating was standard or optional), while the extended long-wheelbase model is called the Santa Fe in North America and called the Hyundai Maxcruz in South Korea.
The fourth-generation Santa Fe has been slotted between the Tucson and the Palisade, with the latter being the replacement of the long-wheelbase Santa Fe.
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page – Hyundai Santa Fe
- Price: Starts at $31,399 CAD
- Comparable to: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango
- Maintenance costs: This vehicle will cost approximately $8,056 to maintain over 10 years.
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many Audi e-tron reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about the e-tron then these videos are worth the time.
- Kelley Blue Book Review
- Car and Driver Review
- Edmunds Review
- USNews Review
- JD Power Review
- Motortrend Review
- Motortrend Hybrid First Test Review
- Driving Electric
- Cars.com (Hybrid Review)
- Driving.ca
OUR SCORE
You can view the overall Mid-Size SUV Rankings here and the Luxury Mid-Size SUV Rankings here.
Our Score
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5
USNews: 8.2 / 10
Edmunds: 7.7 / 10
J.D. Power: 81/ 100
Car and Driver: 8.5 / 10
Motortrend: 8.5 / 10
Driving Electric: 3.5 / 5
What the critics have to say…
The Santa Fe nameplate was first introduced nearly 20 years ago, and since then, Hyundai has sold more than 1.6 million examples of this five-passenger midsize SUV. With two gas and two hybrid powertrain options as well as your choice of front- or all-wheel drive, the Santa Fe provides capacious and capable versatility.
Motortrend
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
We tested the Santa Fe with the 277-horsepower turbocharged engine. It’s pretty potent and our test vehicle covered 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds, which is quicker than most other small and midsize SUVs. However, if you aren’t asking for maximum speed, its power delivery is a bit inconsistent and unrefined. Hyundai seems to have tuned the eight-speed automatic transmission to get up to its highest gears as quickly as possible, which can also be off-putting.
Edmunds
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe Reliable?
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe has a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Hyundai Santa Fe Warranty
Hyundai covers the 2022 Santa Fe with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
The Santa Fe’s suspension soaks up most bumps and road impacts, but the ride can sometimes feel a little too soft and wallowy. But the front seats are very comfortable and have a broad range of adjustments and available heating and ventilation. The rear seats are also comfortable and have lots of recline adjustment, though we’d prefer thicker padding on the door armrests.
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
Hyundai interiors are better known for their solid build quality and worthwhile features rather than edgy designs and upscale materials. Still, the Santa Fe has an attractive cabin that offers a variety of contemporary options that include a digital gauge cluster, head-up display, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and more.
Car and Driver
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
Our test vehicle had the optional 10.25-inch screen. Unfortunately, we found it slow to respond to our inputs at times, and its graphics aren’t particularly eye-catching. The Santa Fe’s premium audio system produces accurate sound and plenty of volume, but it isn’t as fully immersive as we’d like it to be. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is included, though CarPlay only uses about two-thirds of the 10.25-inch screen.
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
Its most impressive attribute is generous passenger space in both rows that are a boon on long road trips. The Santa Fe also has ample cargo space behind the back seat where we stuffed 15 carry-on bags and an additional 18 with the rear seat folded flat.
Car and Driver
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
On a price-per-feature basis, the Santa Fe remains an excellent choice. The quality of materials and design are standouts even if a few small areas, particularly thinly padded door armrests, aren’t perfect. But even the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim level undercuts similarly equipped competitors yet offers a powertrain that is both quicker and more efficient.
Edmunds
IS THE Hyundai Santa Fe A GOOD SUV?
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good midsize SUV at a great price. The five-seat Santa Fe starts at around $27,000, yet it comes packed with standard features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and Apple CarPlay. The interior is spacious, both for passengers and cargo, and it’s trimmed with quality materials. The Santa Fe also handles nicely and can return an efficient 26 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. It’s backed by a lengthy 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty as well.
USNews
SHOULD I BUY THE Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2022 Santa Fe deserves a look if you’re shopping for a two-row SUV. It’s a terrific value and a practical companion for busy families, but it isn’t the only option in this segment. Before you buy, you may also want to consider two-row compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, or Hyundai’s own Tucson.
USNews
THE FINAL WORD
The Hyundai Santa Fe is good at hauling people. If that is your main concern then you should give it a look. It doesn’t drive particularly well however, so there are likely better choices out there.