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Hyundai Santa Fe - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks 6 out of 20 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 39 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Santa Fe, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Redesigned in 2007, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a value-priced family hauler that just doesn't stand out in a competitive segment. It delivers safety and value, but can't match the performance of competitors.

"Santa Fe offers impressive room, build quality, and standard safety features, all at competitive prices," says Consumer Guide. "Hyundai's generous warranty is another value plus. Santa Fe needs more zip, and some buyers may appreciate a better ride and handling balance, but many people should find this a satisfying 2008 Recommended choice." For 2009, the Santa Fe gets standard USB and iPod inputs. Also consider the Saturn Outlook and Toyota Highlander.

The Santa Fe comes in three trims -- the GLS, SE and Limited -- with either a 2.7-liter or 3.3-liter V6 engine. All-wheel drive is available.

• "Redesigned for 2007, the 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
• "Here is a top-notch mid-size SUV with solid features, a good ride, a great warranty that I understand is not costing as much as had originally been feared, and a ton of attributes that make other manufacturers' mouths water." -- The Auto Channel

Santa-Fe Performance - 7.3 (Good)

The 2009 Santa Fe's performance is adequate, but doesn't measure up to top competitors. "Overall, the driving experience is transparent, meaning there is nothing outstanding, negatively or positively," says New Car Test Drive. "The steering has a pleasant feel, neither too tight nor too loose, the brakes work well if not dramatically, the ride is smooth and the vehicle is quiet." The Santa Fe's all-wheel drive system is great for snow -- but not for rugged terrain. continue

Santa-Fe Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Most reviewers praise Hyundai for the Santa Fe's conventional exterior, which was redesigned in 2007 and shed some of its quirkiness. Still, the Santa Fe's design may be more forgettable now. "I liked the bumpy, bubbly shape of the original Santa Fe," says About.com. "The new one is a bit more anonymous but still handsome." continue

Santa-Fe Interior - 7.9 (Good)

The Santa Fe's interior was revamped as part of the 2007 redesign -- and it may be one of Hyundai's best yet. "More soft-touch surfaces would be nice, but the faux metal and wood trim is convincing, the headliner is handsome, and no plastics look cheap," says Consumer Guide. Even so, the Santa Fe's cabin has trouble competing in a crowded class. One reviewer calls the third row "a kids only area." continue

Santa-Fe Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe gets very good scores in federal government crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 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. continue

Santa-Fe Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. continue