In-depth reviews

Hyundai Santa Fe (2013-2018): owner reviews

"The Hyundai Santa Fe is a pretty stylish seven-seater SUV that’s big and practical inside, but also quite expensive to buy"

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by Richard Ingram

27 Feb 2018

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Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.6 out of 5

Price

£46,775 - £59,225

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

90%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Brakes (1 case)
Engine (2 cases)
Electrics, Other (1 case)
Other (1 case)

Review 1 of 20

Tell us what you think about your car?

Alloy wheels corroded and replaced twice under warranty, no hassle. Windscreen washers failed due to sediment at 24000 miles. Handbrake linings came adrift and and jammed handbrake on rendering car undrivable at 25000 miles. However new shoes rectified this, but Hyundai wouldn't refund the cost under warranty, although it was in my opinion a manufacturing failure, because had to use an independent garage whilst touring and towing.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Love my santa fe. Great for everyday commuting and family trips out (2 kids, 1 baby and the dog). Comfy on the motorway, nippy enough for a big lump round town. Copes well with everything asked of it.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never a problem

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

The car is fantastic

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I have covered just over 10K miles with the car on a mixture of roads but mostly A roads in Yorkshire. I am mostly on my own unless it's the weekend or a holiday trip to the lakes or Scotland with the family. I have no complaints at all and I think this version (MK3) looks a lot better than the newer version and it is a great value for money. I'm 6ft2 and I find it a joy to drive long hours in it. I got it in Silver brand new from a dealer that had had it pre-registered so managed to snap it for under £25K. I haven't had the need to use the 2 extra seats but they'd suit children or smaller persons just fine. The far back seats are treated with good sounding system and A/C too. Overall more than happy to recommend to young families.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Absolutely no issues

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems experienced

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Best car we have owned, has had no defects/problems

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I have really enjoyed the Santa Fe and find it very comfortable. A couple of months ago it developed a whining noise from the front end, in the engine compartment. It has been in to dealership who admit the noise is there, but say they can not find the source. I have contacted Hyundai UK and also the motor ombudsman who both are powerless to help. The car is less than 2 years old and has a five year guarantee . So although I'm happy with the car, this very annoying whining noise is enough to make me look elsewhere for my next new car purchase. A friend who has more experience of diesels says it’s either a fuel pump or oil pump noise.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

This is my second Santa Fe, having driven many many cars, I worked in car rental for 16 years, this is one of the best equipped, most comfortable, reliable cars I have ever driven, it's no sports car but it gets along really well, handles really well and stands out. I've looked at other SUVs but by the time you get close to the equipment levels this has, you'll have spent upwards of £50k.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I bought the Santa Fe as we both liked the look and stance of the car - we went for the top of the range model. The engine is good and strong and we also went for the manual as I had heard the automatic wasn't up to much. I have never had so many issues with a car. We have had water inside at least two inches worth on the boot. Steering wheel peeling, rattling exhaust, lacquer coming off the wheels, failing rear mirror, flickering headlight, door electrics failing, front trim peeling and lower plastic trim going grey! A very poorly built car for £36k.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Positives: Great car, solid build quality, lots of perks and gadgets, amazing value for money. Negatives: Nothing except poor fuel economy with conservative driving usually reaching 32-33 mpg on long distances. Claimed combined 41 mpg and extra urban 51 mpg but nowhere near.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

had a Santa Fe before never had a problem

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

This car is the best that I have ever had over the last 65 years. It's very economical and never fails to start, very comfortable, pulls our caravan with no effort, and the first car that I have owned with built in Phone and reversing camera, this all makes it a pleasure to drive. With three different modes of steering and also only requires servicing once every three years. I don't look for any car that will do "0 to 50/60 mph" in a given number of seconds, I want a totally reliable car and this is just that, as well as being very comfortable.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great car with many features. Fuel consumption not that great in town. Rattling backseat irritates the hell out of me. Have asked the dealer to look at it in terms of the guarantee. He had the car for 2 days and did some adjustements, but it still rattles and shakes visibly and makes a noise.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I have been fortunate enough to previously run a Nissan X Trail, and a Mk2 and Mk3 HONDA CR-V, so when I moved on to the Santa Fe I believed I knew a bit about SUVs. It has covered over 45,000 miles in 2.5 years over a mixture of roads but I think it feels happiest on motorways when loaded to the gunnels with 4 adults and all their luggage as it seems to sit better on the road and by keeping below 2,000 rpm I have managed to get an average of 48mpg, which is as good as what I could get out of the Mk3 CR-V. I have had a couple of issues, a knocking drivers seat that annoys mostly in traffic as you move away and stop, a clunk from the transmission (a common issue apparently) and the ECU didn't seem to like the summer and played havoc with fuelling at low speeds, but this was changed by the dealer. I have also been privileged to drive many premium German vehicles over the years and whilst the quality is visible I am not convinced that it is worth the extra money you have to pay to have a badge, and of course they don't come as well equipped. Looking ahead to what I will drive in the future? well given the size, equipment, value for money and reliability it might just be another Santa Fe.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Superb car. No issues whatsoever. Plenty of features as standard on this model including sat nav and rear parking camera. Also comes with 5 year manufacturer's warranty. Used for commuting and long distance continental touring with our 4 berth caravan. Cannot recommend this car enough for all round performance and value.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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