Used Hyundai Santa Fe 4x4 2006 - 2012 review

Only its rarity stops the Santa Fe from being a great used SUV

What's the used Hyundai Santa Fe like?

Put the Santa Fe on your shortlist if you're looking for a comfortable and capable SUV that won't cost a fortune to buy.

It's good to drive, with a smooth ride and accurate handling, yet it's also capable of mild off-road duties. The diesel models are refined with little wind- or road noise, while their power, size and weight also makes them an ideal towcar, which has made it a hit with caravan owners.

Overview
Only its rarity stops the Santa Fe from being a great used SUV

Pros

  • Well built, stylish and available with seven seats

Cons

  • Not the cheapest to run
  • hard to come by

Used cars available now

In partnership with
AutoTrader logo
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£4,299

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£4,391

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£4,750

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£4,795

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (5 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (5 seat)

£4,995

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£4,999

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Style Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£5,249

Hyundai SANTA FE 2.2 CRDi Style 2WD Euro 5 5dr (5 seat)

Hyundai SANTA FE

2.2 CRDi Style 2WD Euro 5 5dr (5 seat)

£5,399

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£5,489

The option of two extra seats in the boot means that the Santa Fe can double as a decent people carrier. The extra seats fold down flat into the boot floor when not required, but legroom is limited, so they're best for children.

Despite all of its abilities, the Santa Fe has never been a big seller as a new car, so the supply of used cars is limited. http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/Hyundi/Santa-Fe)**

Our recommendations

Which used Hyundai Santa Fe should I buy?

A 186bhp 2.7 V6 petrol model and a 148bhp 2.2 CRTD diesel were available from launch, but despite its power advantage, the petrol model isn't much faster. The diesel unit has plenty of grunt, giving the car decent acceleration. So, with its impressive performance and noticeably better fuel economy, the diesel is the one to buy.

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The entry-level GSI model is well equipped, with 17-inch alloys, air-con and electric windows all round. It also comes with six airbags (eight in the seven-seater), but doesn't have electronic stability control fitted. It's worth looking for the CDX model, because it comes with climate and cruise controls, a leather interior and upgraded alloys.

The Seven-seat version is far more desirable on the used market, and prices reflect this. However, it's worth spending the extra money for the added practicality. From mid 2006, the diesel engine had a power increase from 148bhp to 155bhp, yet CO2 emissions fell by 2g/km.

Towards the end of 2009, the Santa Fe underwent a series of revisions and improvements.

http://www.whatcar.com/classifieds/used-cars/Hyundi/Santa-Fe)**

Tips & Advice

How reliable is the Hyundai Santa Fe ?

Hyundai Santa Fe

Used cars available now

In partnership with
AutoTrader logo
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£4,299

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£4,391

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£4,750

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£4,795

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (5 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (5 seat)

£4,995

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium SE Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£4,999

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Style Auto 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£5,249

Hyundai SANTA FE 2.2 CRDi Style 2WD Euro 5 5dr (5 seat)

Hyundai SANTA FE

2.2 CRDi Style 2WD Euro 5 5dr (5 seat)

£5,399

Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

Hyundai Santa Fe

2.2 CRDi Premium 4WD Euro 5 5dr (7 seat)

£5,489

About the writer

Stuart Milne, digital editor

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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