Test Drive Reviews
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Completely redesigned for 2019, the Santa Fe has a new look inside and out and now includes a two-row design without using the Sport model name. This marks the fourth generation for the Hyundai Santa Fe and it remains a choice abundant with features and quality for the price paid.
The renaming of the Santa Fe may be confusing to some. The "Sport" title has been dropped altogether and the Santa Fe is now a two-row midsize crossover by default. The three-row model is now designated the XL. The two models are almost identical except for that third row addition in the XL and the slightly larger body dimensions that result. The new Santa Fe is much larger than the previous-generation Santa Fe Sport and more on par with the full-sized Santa Fe instead.
Big improvements to the 2019 Santa Fe include a larger interior, more smartphone integration for infotainment, and lots of standard advanced safety technologies. There are a few downers too, like the anemic four-cylinder base engine and the large roof pillars impeding the driver's view.
Still, in all, the new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is a very well-made crossover with a lot of upsides. The Santa Fe comes in two model designations (Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL) and five trim levels (SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, and Ultimate). There are two engine options and either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
See the full 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Test Drive Review.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe's appeal is its mixture of affordability and accommodation. The Santa Fe offers comfortable seating for six or seven passengers, a strong-performing V6 engine and plenty of family friendly capability.
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe carries over largely unchanged from the excellent 2017 model. There are three trim levels to choose from, each seating six or seven, depending on configuration.
Although the 2018 Santa Fe may not be the best option in the midsize three-row market, it's certainly one of the more economically appealing because of its value orientation. (The smaller Santa Fe Sport is reviewed separately.)
See the full 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Test Drive Review.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
Often overlooked in the midsize crossover market, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a value-oriented three-row offering that deserves more recognition. There aren't many vehicles in this segment that offer as complete a package as the Santa Fe.
A few changes to the Santa Fe for 2017 bring it into an even more competitive light, remedying one of our primary beefs with the crossover last year. Slight changes to the front fascia, a lot of new technology options for safety and convenience, and a new, higher standard of infotainment for all models. Hyundai really wanted to keep the 2017 Santa Fe highly competitive and these changes have taken an already well-done crossover and pushed it forward towards the front of the pack.
The three-row 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize crossover with seating for up to seven and one of the industry's best warranties. The 2017 Santa Fe is offered in four trim levels, not including the smaller Santa Fe Sport.
See the full 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Test Drive Review.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is the most overlooked crossover in the 3-row segment, yet it offers one of the more value-oriented and compelling packages available. An easy "A" for us to rate, the Santa Fe has a solid V6 powerplant, good fuel economy, excellent interior ergonomics and a lot of understated class.
For the 2016 model year, the Santa Fe is virtually identical to its 2015 update with just some trim level name changes and a slight update to its technology package. Not much needed changing with this crossover, which has many things a family requiring seating for up to seven might want.
Basically, if the Santa Fe's warranty doesn't sell you, its wonderful interior experience will.
See the full 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Test Drive Review.
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is a strong entry into the small and midsize crossover markets. Hyundai is stepping up their game overall as a company, with their on-point marketing strategy focusing on the surprise many might have at the quality and bold styling the company is bringing. Hyundai is doing a good job of moving away from the "knockoff next door" label that many have attached to them and becoming a self-identifying brand throughout their lineup. The 2015 Santa Fe is a big part of that.
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in both a three-row standard model and a two-row Sport model. Both offer similar, muscular styling and beautiful interiors that rival even some premium brands for comfort and accommodation. On the road, the standard V6 in the Santa Fe and the optional 2.0T in the Sport model are solid goers with more punch than expected. These combine well with the nimble chassis of this surprising crossover.
See the full 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Test Drive Review.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, completely redesigned, does double duty in the hotly-competitive crossover SUV segment. It's split into a five-passenger, two-row, midsize Santa Fe Sport model and larger, three-row seven-passenger Santa Fe, replacing the outgoing Hyundai Veracruz. Attractive styling, good fuel economy and performance for the price, easy-to-use infotainment system and outstanding warranty are pluses for small to larger families.
See the full 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Test Drive Review.
