2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

Many reviewers note that the 2009 Santa Fe's interior has a high-quality look and feel, especially for its price. In 2007, the Santa Fe began offering an optional third row of seats, increasing passenger capacity to seven.

• "The Base model's interior is fitted with above-average-grade plastics and comfortable cloth upholstery. Only the fuzzy headliner feels cheap. Sport models have good-quality suede and metal trim throughout the cabin. The Limited's interior adds some unconvincing faux-wood trim." -- Consumer Guide
• "Interior design is among the best yet from Hyundai." -- Motor Week
• "This second-generation Santa Fe has an attractive dashboard and quality materials throughout. In Limited trim, the convincing faux wood and aluminum accents give the crossover a definite luxury feel." -- Edmunds

Seating

Reviewers are generally happy with the Santa Fe's first two rows of seats. They note that carrying adults in the optional third-row seat might not be the best idea -- but that's typical for the midsize class.

• "Pushing the front seats well back means adults behind front-seat passengers sit knees-up, but they're not cramped, and there's good underseat foot space. Headroom suits six-footers. Three grownups can fit, but only short trips are recommended. No-strain entry and exit from 2nd row, but not to the skimpy, kid-size 3rd-row seat." -- Consumer Guide
• "The interior of the Santa Fe is impressively quiet and boasts a third-row seat, which is a tight fit for adults and should be considered a kids-only area." -- USA Today
• "One of our few complaints about the Santa Fe's interior involves the driving position: The seats are mounted too high up front, and short seat-bottom cushions provide minimal thigh support for taller adults." -- Edmunds
• "Just avoid sitting back there for any length of time unless you have a thing for your chiropractor." -- Autobytel

Interior Features

Reviewers like that you don't have to go to the highest trim level to get a quality-looking cabin inside the Santa Fe. For 2009, all trims get standard USB and iPod inputs. A new option package for the SE adds a power driver's seat and universal garage remote. A new navigation system is optional, but you should also consider the affordable -- and portable -- options available. Check out our GPS reviews to learn more about what's offered.

• "Belies price with a smart and upscale cabin. Audio and climate controls are large, simple, handy, and share blue, night lighting with the easy-to-read gauges. A navigation system is available on Limited." -- Consumer Guide
• "All trims come equipped with tilt and telescopic steering, power accessories, a CD player, and wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. The SE adds automatic headlights, leather trim, and a trip computer, while the Limited goes all out with heated leather seats, a power driver's seat, a 7-CD changer, sunroof, and a rear spoiler." -- Car Gurus
• "Take the Santa Fe for a drive a night and you'll be basked in a very trendy and hip looking blue glowing interior. Not only did Hyundai ensure every button, switch and display featured the same blue glow, it went as far to include blue lighting inside the front cup holders. Set a bottle of water inside and watch it glow an electric blue." -- Autobytel

Cargo

Many reviewers are impressed at the amount that this SUV can haul. The Hyundai Santa Fe has 10 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row of seats. With the third row removed, the space increases to 34.2 cubic feet.

• "All rear seats fold easily for extra cargo space; dropping 3rd row forms a level floor, but the floor is not level with the 2nd row folded. The liftgate lacks opening glass. Cabin storage is good but not exceptional by absolute standards." -- Consumer Guide
• "Although the Santa Fe is one of the smallest midsize SUVs in exterior dimensions it is far from being the smallest inside, a tribute to its space efficient design." -- New Car Test Drive