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.
3.5 out of 5

Safety

The Santa Fe was awarded four stars for adult protection in Euro NCAP crash tests along with three stars for child protection. However it was given zero for pedestrian protection and Hyundai was criticised by the safety organisation for not doing more to protect pedestrians. Six airbags are standard across the range while CDX models (and all revised models from late 2009) come with an electronic stability programme as standard. There are also fixings for child seats fitted and seven seat models come with self-levelling rear suspension.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    3 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

Hyundai's ever-growing reputation for reliability is backed up by one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry, with the exception of some Kia models. Even better, the five year/unlimited mileage scheme is also transferable to the next owner.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.