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Vehicle Overview:
Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
ABS Brakes: Standard
Standard Airbags: 6
MPG: 17/24 (City/HWY)
Engine Offered:
3.3L V6 242HP
2.7L V6 185HP
Consumer Ratings:
Performance: 3.6
Exterior: 4.4
Interior: 4.0
Overall: 3.8
Review Guide:
5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
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2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
Consumer Car Review Summary
Top 5 Pros of 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
1. Outstanding value vs. competition
2. Attractive exterior design
3. Refined and comfortable ride
4. Acceleration and power
5. Safety features
Top 5 Cons of 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
1. Better fuel economy
2. Tighter suspension
3. Interior light for front seats
4. More color choices
5. Blue dash lights bothersome
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews by Consumers
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
By Patriots Rule
Submitted 2010-07-22 00:42:10
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
* Excellent value for the money.
* Well-built all the way around; hardly anything looks or feels "cheap".
* Interior deceptively roomy.
* Interior and dash lighting is unique.
* 2009 GLS came with 185 HP V-6 (newer base models are V-4).
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
* Make 17-inch wheels standard, instead of 16-inch, on the base GLS trim.
* Cargo area cover, liner, and netting should be readily available as an option.
* Rear cup holders should be based in center console, not center seat.
* Like the other reviewers, I feel a better set of starter tires would be a plus.
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
I just purchased a used 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, GLS trim, AWD. It replaced a 2001 Nissan xTerra. The xTerra was more rugged, no question. But anyone looking to four-wheel-it shouldn't consider a Santa Fe in any case.
The Santa Fe does provide a smooth ride and the all wheel drive is great.
The power is adequate - I'm not drag racing - and the fuel efficiency is better than the xTerra's was (even though the Santa Fe has the same room and the same-size engine).
It is a well-designed and refined vehicle, especially for the price.
By Charles A Spencer185
Submitted 2010-04-24 07:47:05
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
My Santa Fe seems to be well built and sturdy.
I like the 3.3 ltr. engine - it is plenty powerful enough. Sometimes you need to be able to move a bit more quickly when merging on the interstate, or some other traffic situations.
The instrumentation panel is well laid out and has a pleasant glow to it at night.
Also,there is plenty of cargo space with seats folded down, not planning on hauling everything I own with me.
The reclining rear seats are nice as well.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
GAS CONSUMPTION!!! I list this first and probably foremost because the mileage is poor. Although, it's about average with other SUV'S of comparable size.
I would also use a higher quality tire on this vehicle.
I believe that accessories like a bra for the front bumper and other things need to be readily available as well.
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
I like my vehicle very much. Just hope that the quality is there for the long haul. This is my first Hyundai product so there is no track record for me to go by. Other people I have talked to, and reviews online say that Hyundai products are pretty reliable.
By Liquid
Submitted 2010-01-13 23:17:53
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Side profile nice.
Front profile soft, lady like.
Rear profile large, for a good reason; get rid of the back hatch handle, tuck it away.
3.3 V-6 built on the Sonata frame, good. I own a 2006 Sonata, with 3.3 V-6, and the power to weight difference is too much in a 4 season climate.
Too much power for the front end. I bought the SE front wheel drive because I couldn't justify the AWD that didn't prove to be a $2500 upgrade. I live with 4-5 months of snow.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
A more powerful grille design.
Accessories: Front Grille. Side running step bars. Wheel well flares or mud guards.
5000 in rebate...LOL
Two piece bathing suit delivery! (Without the family present)
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
This vehicle is not for the off road minded mud flippers. It does give you a piece of mind to drive from "A" to "B" under unusual STREET conditions. Snow. If you seek something to get you from point "A" to point "B" comfortably, safely, and keep you're hard earned dollars off the emblem on the front of your hood; buy one and take the family on an awesome vacation, like I'm doing this year.
By wanda
Submitted 2011-08-30 21:02:47
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Lots of room.
Nice touches (blue lighting, wood grain look, easy controls).
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Better gas mileage.
Better paint and clear coat - scratches too easy.
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
After 2 years of owning - I wish I would have bought an Outback Subaru...
By Barb Smith
Submitted 2011-07-30 22:23:27
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
My first front wheel drive. They said it would be good in snow, so taking there word for it.
Looks great, excellent to drive, mileage could be better, will see what the winter brings, in snow belt.
Nice looking and comfortable.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Door locks auto.
Better mileage.
Auto front seats.
By GUEST
Submitted 2010-11-02 14:20:40
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Very nice vehicle.
GPS is great.
Option for 7 pass. is great. Have used it for 7 men...
By GUEST
Submitted 2010-04-14 19:29:28
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Exterior is updated yet easily identifiable from other SUV's.
Price.
Extras included as standard in Limited edition.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Acceleration is sluggish.
Gas consumption.
Signal on side mirrors.
Greater color variety.
Tighter Suspension.
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
I purchased the Limited edition a month ago after trading my 2005 Santa Fe. This car seems to use much more gas however the ride is quiet, interior and exterior styling is sweet. There is an annoying squeak that we can't identify the origin or location it is coming from.
By HunterBear
Submitted 2010-03-09 23:16:12
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Good amount of room.
Solid.
Sturdy.
Tight.
Great gas mileage.
So comfortable.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Better tires.
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
I first owned a 2003 Sante Fe. I was so impressed with it that bought the 2007 since it was a design change. Next will be the 2010.
By Cathy89
Submitted 2010-02-06 11:39:27
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Just a really nice vehicle.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
I wish it was better on gas.
By wayne faulkner
Submitted 2010-01-26 12:24:22
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Sweet! Excellent drive and lots of power (3.3L, 242HP), with comfortable seats, great speaker system, good visibility and room for 4 sets of golf clubs.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Poor gas mileage on short trips. Even on a summer day, you have to drive 25 miles before the engine is hot. Once the engine is up to operational temperature the gas mileage improves to 34 mpg at 65 mph. The engine stays on the colder side to long on short drives. Question: Is the thermostat setting to high (stays open to long); resulting in poor gas mileage?
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Review:
Sweet machine!!
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
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