Hyundai Santa Fe
In 2001, Hyundai brought its first SUV to the U.S., naming it after a Southwest city that reflects its adventurous spirit. The Santa Fe has since become one of the most popular offerings in its class, thanks to its appealing combination of affordability and practicality. Owners of the midsize crossover give it high marks for its smooth ride as well as its comfortable and well-appointed interior. However, some note that acceleration with the base engine is a bit sluggish, while handling isn’t as athletic as some rivals. Nevertheless, the Santa Fe remains a compelling choice for used car shoppers who need a value-oriented family hauler that doesn’t skip on style or features.
In 2001, Hyundai brought its first SUV to the U.S., naming it after a Southwest city that reflects its adventurous spirit. The Santa Fe has since become one of the most popular offerings in its class, thanks to its appealing combination of affordability and practicality. Owners of the midsize crossover give it high marks for its smooth ride as well as its comfortable and well-appointed interior. However, some note that acceleration with the base engine is a bit sluggish, while handling isn’t as athletic as some rivals. Nevertheless, the Santa Fe remains a compelling choice for used car shoppers who need a value-oriented family hauler that doesn’t skip on style or features.
Hyundai Santa Fe Model Lineup
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize crossover SUV that’s available in two-row or three-row configurations, depending on the model year. In the automaker’s sport-ute lineup, it slots between the compact Tucson and the larger, more upscale Palisade, and it shares a platform and some components with the Kia Sorento, which is built by Hyundai’s sister company. The automaker also offers two electrified versions, the Santa Fe Hybrid and the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid, which are reviewed separately.
In recent years, the Santa Fe has been offered in a range of trims, including the base SE, the mid-range SEL, the well-equipped Limited, and the top-of-the-line Calligraphy (previously known as the Ultimate). In 2021, Hyundai added the more rugged-looking XRT trim to the lineup. Standard features across most trims include a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add luxuries such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats.
The Santa Fe’s most recent (fourth) generation was introduced in 2019, bringing significant changes. Most notably, the model shifted from a three- to a two-row design, reducing its seating capacity from seven to five. Other revisions include updated exterior styling, improved interior materials, and more standard tech, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and a suite of advanced safety features that includes forward collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control.
In its transition to the fourth generation, the Santa Fe also changed its standard engine from a V6 to a four-cylinder, dropping horsepower from 290 to 185. Its upper trims offer a little more oomph, employing a turbocharged version making 235 hp. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, an upgrade from the earlier generation’s six-speed unit. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on most trims.
In 2021, the fourth-gen Santa Fe underwent a mid-cycle refresh that further refined its appearance and added new powertrain options, including a revised base four-cylinder with 191 hp, with upper trims gaining a turbocharged version making 277 hp.
Popular Trims
Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2014
3.9
37 verified owner reviews
Top 2014 Reviews
Greg B. from NV
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2.0T) FWD
Size of fuel tank is unsatisfactory, range is limited.
Valerie H. from MS
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS/Limited - FWD (6-cyl)
Any blue tooth features need to keep up with time times on phone update so features work!!!
Servando V. from TX
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS/Limited - FWD (6-cyl)
I like very much. I am Enthusiastic about the new and first Pick-Up model coming out; fom the design I have seen, I LIKE VERY VERY MUCH. I will be looking at the towing Bed and Capicity and Towing Package, Mileage, Fuel ecomony, Tire Size. Height, ETC.
Cecil S. from OK
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS/Limited - FWD (6-cyl)
High Beam display light is difficult to find sometimes. A/C and Heat adjustment should be available from the app. Headlights are different in color.
Justin H. from TX
Verified Owner · Jan, 2015
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS/Limited - FWD (6-cyl)
This is the best purchase we have ever made!
Deborah N. from CA
Verified Owner · Jan, 2015
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2.4L) AWD
The only thing I would change would be to have the built-in Navigation because I don't like the Navigation provided by Bluelink. It takes too long to connect and the one time I used it for a long trip, it did not take me to the proper address and there is no way to physically enter the address, it's all voice-activated. Not a very good experience so I continue to use the GPS on my phone.
Olga C. from CA
Verified Owner · Dec, 2014
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2.4L) FWD
I love my new car and I'm very pleased with the purchase experience. I would have liked more cup holders in the front seat of the car. I would have considered navigation if it was more reasonable.
Tom V. from CA
Verified Owner · Dec, 2014
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2.0T) FWD
Our daughter bought a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe and loved it so we got this vehicle for my mother-in-law to drive. She did the research and decided this was the car for her so we gave it to her for her 80th birthday.