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Hyundai Santa Fe Review - What the Auto Press Says

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks 17 out of 23 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 49 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Santa Fe, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Though the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is practical and reliable, reviewers say that it’s not very interesting to drive or look at. 

In recent years, Hyundai has made its vehicles competitive with the best of their classes by adding lots of standard features and an element of fun to their performance. Now that the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Accent are ranking fairly well in their classes and posting good sales numbers, test drivers say it’s time Hyundai updates the Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe comes with most of the things that help other Hyundais rank well: an exceptional warranty, good fuel economy and great value for the money. The brand is known for its long powertrain warranty coverage, which matches Kia’s and Mitsubishi’s and outlasts the rest of its competition. Both of the Santa Fe’s engine options get above-average gas mileage, even when equipped with and all-wheel drive. The Santa Fe also includes more standard features than most of its competitors.

Still, test drivers say that some of the Hyundai Santa Fe’s interior materials feel low-grade and they have noticed some shoddy craftsmanship. It’s not very fun to drive by any account, with reviewers noting that the ride can be slow, sloppy and harsh, depending on how the SUV is configured. Though it gets a new grille this year, reviewers say it still looks dated and unexciting.

Fortunately, Hyundai says it’s replacing the Santa Fe next year. If you need to buy right now, the current 2012 Santa Fe offers an attractive combination of fuel economy, reliability and value. But the 2013 model might see the same improvements that Hyundai has been making across the rest of its lineup, so next year’s Santa Fe might be worth the wait.

Other SUVs to Consider

The Kia Sorento is another affordable midsize SUV that’s on the small side for the class, but unlike the Santa Fe, offers a third row. It starts at about the same price as the Hyundai Santa Fe and offers more standard features than many of its competitors. Though test drivers say the Kia’s third row isn’t big enough for adults and cuts down on cargo space, it’s a good choice for shoppers on a budget who want a third row.

If you like the Santa Fe for its reasonable price and cargo space, but want a vehicle that feels a bit more upmarket inside, take a look at the Ford Edge. It starts at a significantly higher price than the Santa Fe, but comes with an interior that’s classier than most competing brands and a fairly long list of standard and available features. Plus, it gets comparable fuel economy to the Santa Fe.

Details: Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in three trims: GLS, SE and Limited. All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels. Its only changes for 2012 are standard downhill brake control, some exterior color changes and standard low-rolling resistance tires on the base trim.

See the full list of 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe specifications.

• "If the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe were a person, it would be a straight-talking, unpretentious guy. Sure, maybe he's not the flashy bad boy who'll sweep you off your feet, but he's quietly dependable and easy to like. He's the guy you marry, not the one you date in college. … But practicality is a big reason to buy a family crossover, and to this end, the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe has the kind of sensible personality with which it's worth settling down.” -- Edmunds
• "Santa Fe is a competent and capable midsize SUV with a comfortable interior and great cargo-carrying flexibility. The 4-cylinder engine has decent power; fuel economy is also good considering this is a fairly heavy vehicle. A floppy suspension hurts the ride, and we have some concerns about the long-term durability of the interior materials. Still, aggressive pricing and Hyundai's strong warranty mean Santa Fe is worth a look if you're in the market for a 5-passenger crossover.” -- Consumer Guide
• "Like the rest of Hyundai's lineup, it's a good value." -- Car and Driver

Santa Fe Performance - 7.1 (Good)

 While the 2012 Santa Fe isn’t thrilling to drive, reviewers say it’s acceptable for most buyers’ commutes and around-town use.  Read More

Santa Fe Exterior - 7.6 (Good)

Though the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe’s looks likely won’t stand out in a parking lot, test drivers say it’s fine for a crossover. View Photos

Santa Fe Interior - 7.4 (Good)

Reviewers say the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is fairly attractive, comfortable and well-equipped for a midsize SUV in its price range. Read More

Santa Fe Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe earned the title of Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but didn't fare as well in crash tests conducted by the federal government. Read More

Santa Fe Reliability - 3.5 of 5

The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates.  Hyundai backs the 2012 Santa Fe with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a powertrain warranty that’s one of the longest on the market.  Read More