• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Hyundai Santa Fe - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks 10 out of 27 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 41 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Santa Fe, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Hyundai Santa Fe delivers safety and especially value, but lackluster performance prevents it from standing out in a competitive segment. For 2010, the Santa Fe receives a new 2.4-liter base engine and a slightly tweaked exterior.

Edmunds says the Santa Fe is "a very good choice when it comes to midsize crossover SUVs" and cites its "excellent value plus plenty of safety features and amenities." That value includes Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is one of the most generous on the market. However, the Santa Fe's driving experience just isn't as exciting as that of its competitors. For more dynamic performance, consider the Saturn Outlook and Toyota Highlander.

The Santa Fe comes in three trims -- the GLS, SE and Limited. All-wheel drive is available.

• "Santa Fe offers impressive room, build quality, and standard safety features, all at competitive prices. Hyundai's generous warranty is another value plus. GLS models need more zip, and all Santa Fes could benefit from a better ride and handling balance. Most shoppers, though, should find this crossover a satisfying choice." -- Consumer Guide
• "...Santa Fe is about as large as key competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The interior is relatively spacious, which allows for an optional pair of flat-folding third-row seats. Like the rest of Hyundai's lineup, it's a good value." -- Car and Driver
• "With its long list of standard features and surprisingly upscale quality cabin materials, the 2009 Santa Fe represents a good buy, considering its relatively low pricetag and long-term powertrain warranty. A desire for more power and better fuel economy top the list of driver complaints." -- Car Gurus

Santa Fe Performance - 7.3 (Good)

The Santa Fe's adequate performance doesn't measure up to top competitors. On the plus side, the Santa Fe's all-wheel drive system is great for snow -- although not for rugged terrain. Of the handling, Consumer Guide writes, "Pleasant and competent, if less sporty, precise, or car-like than the Nissan Murano or Toyota Highlander." For 2010, a new 2.4-liter base engine replaces the previous 2.7-liter V6. Read More

Santa Fe Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Before a 2007 redesign, the Santa Fe boasted a quirky exterior. Since then, however, the styling has become more conventional - and even forgettable. But reviewers still generally like the look, which is updated for 2010 with new headlight and taillight lenses. "Hyundai showed good taste in moving away from the overly busy appearance of the previous Santa Fe," says Kelley Blue Book. "Where the outgoing model's lines and creases seemed like design for design's sake, the new model takes a much simpler approach." Read More

Santa Fe Interior - 7.9 (Good)

The 2010 Santa Fe's interior may be one of Hyundai's best yet. "This second-generation Santa Fe has an attractive dashboard and quality materials throughout," writes Edmunds. "In Limited trim, the convincing faux wood and aluminum accents give the crossover a definite luxury feel." Though the Santa Fe boasts three rows of seating, that last row is cramped and suited mostly for kids - a typical trend in this class. Read More

Santa Fe Safety - NA

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe gets very good scores in federal government frontal crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the mechanically-similar 2008 model a "Top Safety Pick" for its good performance in front, side and rear tests, and for its standard electronic stability control. The Santa Fe's safety equipment includes side curtain air bags for all three rows of seats. Read More

Santa Fe Reliability - NA

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and one of the most generous powertrain warranties on the market. Read More