Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2018 review
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a great large SUV and a good used buy
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2018 front cornering
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2018 infotainment
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2018 interior
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2018 side driving
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2018 rear cornering
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2018 boot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2018 third row of seats
What's the used Hyundai Santa Fe like?
A few years ago, those in the market for a seven-seat SUV had very little choice, and would often end up having to choose a more sober-looking MPV instead. However, SUVs more or less now rule the roost, with the Hyundai Santa Fe being a compelling option.
This third-generation Santa Fe did much to move the game on, offering a spacious and versatile interior, a long warranty and a robust build quality. Interestingly, buyers of the car when it was new could also specify to have it with just five seats, but again it seems most opted for the full seven.
Pros
- Practical interior
- Well equipped
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- Below-par refinement
- Can be thirsty
- Limited head room in third row
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Engines & Performance: The Santa Fe has but one engine, a 194bhp 2.2-litre diesel, and it provides the car with enough oomph to make light work of sharp inclines and heavy loads and even occasionally both at the same time, while still enabling reasonable fuel efficiency.
Every version of the Santa Fe came with four-wheel drive as standard, as well as a six-speed manual gearbox, although the optional automatic gearbox is the more popular option and, in our opinion, deservedly so.
The Santa Fe is also a useful proposition if you regularly use a car for towing. Its maximum towing capacity is 2.5 tonnes in manual cars and 2.0 tonnes in an automatic one.
Interior & Practicality: Inside is a solidly constructed interior that makes use of some good-quality materials and nicely damped switches. The driving position is multi-adjustable and the visibility is good, and the dashboard and its surrounding controls are all logically laid out and easy to use.
But its raison d’etre is the space on offer. There’s plenty of space for driver and passenger up front, while three adults will find the second row of seats manageable for short journeys. Likewise, the two third row seats are fine for children, and adults will be happy in them for shorter distances. These rear second and third row seats fold almost flat, and leave a large load bay. The boot opening is nice and wide, too, which means getting large things in and out is relatively easy.
Trims & Equipment: As with the engine, trim options are kept to a minimum. Earlier cars had an entry-level SE trim, but this was phased out and replaced by Premium. The entry-level Premium model included 18in alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, cruise control, electric windows, parking sensors and electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors on the outside, with dual-zone climate control, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, a premium sound system, heated front seats and a touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav included on the inside.
Opt for the seven-seat version and besides an extra row of seats, there is climate control in the rear and adaptive suspension included. The range-topping Premium SE models come with luxuries such as 19in alloys, blind spot detection system, heated steering wheel, xenon headlights, lane departure warning system, panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats.
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Ownership cost
What used Hyundai Santa Fe will I get for my budget?
An early 2014 Santa Fe with a high mileage for the year might be bought for around £8000, but we’d stick with one that has an average mileage for the year and a full service history and spend a bit more, say around £10,000 to £12,000. Up the money to between £13,000 and £16,000 and you’re looking at good cars from 2015 to 2018 that satisfy the same criteria.
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Tips & Advice
Our recommendations
Which used Hyundai Santa Fe should I buy?
As far as the engine goes, the choice is Hobson’s, as there is only the 2.2 diesel. With the trims, we’d seek out the SE version of the older cars, as it has all the goodies you could reasonably need, or the corresponding entry-level version in later cars, Premium.
Our favourite Hyundai Santa Fe: 2.2 Blue Drive SE
Tips & Advice
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Kia Sorento is a close sibling of the Santa Fe. Underneath its butch bodywork is a strong 2.2 diesel, just like the Hyundai, and it seats seven in relative comfort. It’s spacious and practical, and if it’s not brilliant to drive it is at least competent.
The Skoda Kodiaq is the firm’s first seven-seater car, and it’s spectacularly good in some areas. It’s good to drive, cheaper to run than most of the competition and it comes with a solidly built and classy feeling interior.
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How reliable is the Hyundai Santa Fe ?
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