Hyundai Santa Fe (06 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 23 November 2009
The Santa Fe is one of the best cars in the Hyundai line-up and a great 4x4. It has a versatile seven-seat option, a good quality interior, comfortable ride and a cracking diesel engine. It stacks up well alongside the competition too and there are few cars that can match it on space, equipment and value for money. Alternatives like the Toyota RAV4 and, Honda CR-V are smaller (and not available with seven seats), while similar sized models like the Volkswagen Touareg are far more expensive. Some of the interior plastics could be better and it can feel a little soft in corners, but as family transport goes, it makes plenty of sense. It was significantly revised in late 2009 with a more powerful yet economical engine, an upgraded cabin and exterior styling tweaks. However, it remains as good value as ever.
4 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Buying new

List prices that start higher than £20,000 will put the Santa Fe out of the reach of many buyers used to cheaper Hyundai models, but this is one of the best models Hyundai makes. It's also great value when you take into account the space it offers and the level of standard equipment. The seven-seat models cost around £1,000 more than the five-seat but are worth it for the extra flexibility - plus there's no impact on boot space when they aren't in use.

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4 out of 5

Buying used

The V6 model is very rare and best avoided as it's not great to drive and only returns 27mpg. Seven seaters are the best choice and even entry-level GSI models (later Style) come well equipped, although the CDX (later Premium) gets extra luxuries like cruise control and leather seats. Revised models were introduced in late 2009 so will be on a 59-plate or later. The most noticeable differences on the outside are the new grille and fresh rear light clusters. Expect diesel used values to be significantly higher than the V6 model. If you're after a seven-seat bargain on the used market the V6 will be more acceptable, but with official figures showing fuel consumption to be 12mpg worse than the manual diesel it will probably be a false economy.

  • Boot/Load Space Hyundai Santa Fe (06 on)
  • Interior Hyundai Santa Fe (06 on)

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3 out of 5

Selling

You could struggle to sell a V6 version as the diesel is the only model most people are interested in. The Limited models will command a premium thanks to their extra equipment levels and most family buyers will prefer the seven-seat versions, especially as there's no difference in boot space thanks the clever fold flat system. The lengthy five-year warranty can be transferred onto a subsequent owner, which is a great selling point.