2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews, Pricing & Specs
The CarGurus verdict
Hyundai continues building momentum with the redesigned 2007 Santa Fe, a genuinely attractive and roomy midsize crossover SUV.
Hyundai got in on the crossover SUV craze early with the original 2001 Santa Fe, a weird and quirky machine that didn’t quite hit the mark. That’s been resolved with the all-new 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, a great looking and roomy midsize crossover covered by the Korean automaker’s lengthy warranty. The lineup includes GLS, SE, and Limited trim levels, each powered by a V6 engine and featuring front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
As demonstrated by last year’s redesign of the Sonata midsize sedan, Hyundai is getting the hang of styling its vehicles for broad appeal. The new 2007 Santa Fe is good looking from every angle, with pleasing proportions and appealing details. The chunky-spoke 18-inch wheels that come with SE and Limited trim really help in the looks department, too.
Inside, a similar transformation dramatically upgrades the Santa Fe’s sophistication levels. From the organized control layout and tight panel seams to the clarity of the gauges and quality of materials, the redesigned Santa Fe looks and feels terrific—and especially when compared with the vehicle it replaces.
Performance
Hope you like V6 engines, because that’s all Hyundai offers in the 2007 Santa Fe. With GLS trim, a 185-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 powers the front or all four wheels through a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Though it’s not dramatically more powerful than some 4-cylinder engines used by competitors, the small V6 engine’s 183 pound-feet of torque help to make the Santa Fe GLS feel responsive when accelerating from a stop.
Choose SE or Limited trim and the Santa Fe features a stronger 242-hp 3.3-liter V6 engine. It comes only with an automatic, in this case, a 5-speed unit. Front-wheel drive is standard with AWD available as an option.
Especially with SE and Limited trim, the Santa Fe is fairly enjoyable to drive. The larger V6 offers good acceleration, the more sophisticated 5-speed automatic transmission offers a manual-shift function that provides greater control over the powertrain, and these versions also include larger 18-inch wheels and tires for improved handling at some expense to ride quality.
Form & function
Seating for five people is standard, and the 2007 Santa Fe offers an optional third-row seat. Though the SUV is larger than the model it replaces, the third-row seat is suitable only for children.
Used as a 5-passenger conveyance, the Santa Fe satisfies. Cloth seats are standard with GLS and SE trim, while the Limited includes leather, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. Regardless of the trim level, the Santa Fe’s front seats supply a good view out but may feel too small to larger people. The backseat provides generous legroom, and the wider cabin accommodates three-across seating for smaller adults or children.
Storage space is bountiful, including a sizable center console bin and tray as well as large door panel bins. Cargo space measures 34.2 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, which is plenty for a typical family. The maximum capacity with the rear seat folded down amounts to 78.2 cubic feet. Towing capacity isn’t great, though, limited to 1,650 pounds.
Technology
Hyundai equips each 2007 Santa Fe with a CD and MP3 player, remote keyless entry, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Automatic headlights and a trip computer come in SE trim, while the Limited equips the SUV with dual-zone automatic climate control with an air-filtration system, a programmable garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated windshield-wiper rests to prevent the blades from freezing to the windshield in the winter.
Options include a premium sound system, a 6-disc CD changer, a navigation system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a DVD player.
Safety
Every 2007 Santa Fe features six airbags: dual front, dual front side-impact, and a set of side curtain airbags that protect the front and second-row occupants. Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are also standard, along with stability control to help a driver recover from a slide or a skid.
As should be expected from a clean-sheet redesign, the 2007 Santa Fe earns a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Santa Fe gets 5-star ratings for all crashworthiness assessments, plus 4-star ratings for rollover resistance with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
In short, this is an exceptionally safe family-sized SUV.
Cost-effectiveness
Santa Fe pricing ranges from $21,615 for a GLS with front-drive to $28,615 for a Limited with AWD. Given what some automakers are charging for smaller vehicles, this represents a bargain—especially when you factor in Hyundai’s exceptional standard and powertrain warranty protection and this SUV’s outstanding crash-test ratings.
Regardless of drivetrain choice, a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to return between 19 mpg and 21 mpg in combined driving. Given that the smaller V6 only saves big money on initial cost, we think spending the $2,700 extra to upgrade to the more powerful and better equipped SE trim level is worth the money.
But even if you disagree, any Santa Fe is worth the money. Especially given its size and available third-row seat, this SUV is a genuine bargain.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe appreciate its comfort, reliability, and features, often mentioning it as a great value for the price. Many drivers enjoy its smooth ride, spacious interior, and adequate power, particularly with the V6 engine. However, some have noted less favorable aspects, including disappointing fuel economy and engine sound. Overall, it has proven to be a solid choice for those looking for a dependable family vehicle."
I have 481000 km on mine, still going strong. No major repairs.
February 3, 2025When we first settled on the Santa Fe I didn't love the look of it, but it's grown on me over the years. The interior is comfortable and looks good. I did like the 3.3L V6 as soon as I test drove it. I find the brakes a little soft, but I have no complaints about the handling, and we've had no major issues in 5 years and 63k miles.
April 23, 2012We were needing to replace a 10 year old station wagon. I really wanted a TDI VW Sportwagen, but found them to be out of our price range. I had never really thought about a Hyundai Santa Fe as a possible replacement, but upon looking at a few, really started liking them. It really has all the practical passenger / cargo attributes we liked about our old station wagon without being a STATION WAGON. Not to mention the fact that there were lots more Hyundai Santa Fe's floating around on the used market than there were used TDI VW Sportwagens that were within our used car budget. Upon doing some internet looking on Car Gurus (and others) I determined that a 2007-2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited with a V6 was what I wanted. While certainly no powerhouse SUV, it is plenty adequate as a daily driver, grocery-getter, all around all purpose vehicle. We have been very impressed with the build quality, low noise levels at highway speeds and overall feel of the vehicle. Steering is light, but predictable, and there is not a lot of bouncy, swaying sensation while driving as I remember from SUVs of the past. If you are in need of a good all purpose family vehicle - don't dismiss the Santa Fe's just because of a perceived negative impression of the Hyundai name. I'm sure surprised after having actually driven one. There are a ton of these out there for sale, so be picky like I was and find a good clean one with the equipment you want. And, now since the new 2013 Santa Fe's are out (new body style) this generation 2007-2012 should be even more affordable and available as current owners trade them in on a new one.
September 5, 2013What owners say
I have 481000 km on mine, still going strong. No major repairs.
February 3, 2025When we first settled on the Santa Fe I didn't love the look of it, but it's grown on me over the years. The interior is comfortable and looks good. I did like the 3.3L V6 as soon as I test drove it. I find the brakes a little soft, but I have no complaints about the handling, and we've had no major issues in 5 years and 63k miles.
April 23, 2012We were needing to replace a 10 year old station wagon. I really wanted a TDI VW Sportwagen, but found them to be out of our price range. I had never really thought about a Hyundai Santa Fe as a possible replacement, but upon looking at a few, really started liking them. It really has all the practical passenger / cargo attributes we liked about our old station wagon without being a STATION WAGON. Not to mention the fact that there were lots more Hyundai Santa Fe's floating around on the used market than there were used TDI VW Sportwagens that were within our used car budget. Upon doing some internet looking on Car Gurus (and others) I determined that a 2007-2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited with a V6 was what I wanted. While certainly no powerhouse SUV, it is plenty adequate as a daily driver, grocery-getter, all around all purpose vehicle. We have been very impressed with the build quality, low noise levels at highway speeds and overall feel of the vehicle. Steering is light, but predictable, and there is not a lot of bouncy, swaying sensation while driving as I remember from SUVs of the past. If you are in need of a good all purpose family vehicle - don't dismiss the Santa Fe's just because of a perceived negative impression of the Hyundai name. I'm sure surprised after having actually driven one. There are a ton of these out there for sale, so be picky like I was and find a good clean one with the equipment you want. And, now since the new 2013 Santa Fe's are out (new body style) this generation 2007-2012 should be even more affordable and available as current owners trade them in on a new one.
September 5, 2013Love this year and model santa fe. Great on gas and fun to drive.
October 26, 2021I love the look, the leather interior, the size, the inside lighting, and it is very safe and roomy for my growing family. It has proven to be very reliable to get me to and from work. There is still room in the backseat with my daughter's carseat to accomodate other passengers.
June 29, 2011We're happy that we opted to get the 3.3 L V6. It has decent pickup. There's been no repairs needed yet. My wife preferred the look of the car over the Toyota Rav 4. It's a step up from the plasticy look of previous Santa Fe models. Handles freeway driving really well.
November 30, 2009It is a great car based SUV that can haul the family in comfort. And you can't beat the price($22,500 new). The base engine is ok w/175 horse's, if you spend a few thousand more you get a lot more performance. Styling is far better that the '06 model and is larger all around. Gas mileage is around 21 combined city and highway.
September 17, 2008Love the features on the LTD model. Auto temp, air quality sensor and butt warmers!!!
May 14, 2008I loked at 11 Santa Fes & Kia Sorentos. They all had things that concerned me, price, miles or problems I could see. This one was the only one, that had everything I was looking for, and was in good condition with decent miles. I have owned a Kia & 2 Hyundai s previously, so I knew what I wanted.
August 24, 20222.2 turbo diesel, economical, well made, good braking, handles well. Tows small camping trailers well, even pulled a stuck mid-size truck off the beach. 4WD comes in handy but not recommended as a 4WD vehicle. 7 seats are useful at different times.
April 8, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $28,615 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.3L 242 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 34.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $26,615 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.3L 242 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 34.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,315 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.3L 242 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 34.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $24,315 | Seating 7 |
Engine 3.3L 242 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 34.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,615 | Seating 7 |
Engine 2.7L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 34.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,615 | Seating 7 |
Engine 2.7L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 34.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$21,615 - $28,615
Current avg. market price
$5,172
Trending down by 2.9% this month
May 2026 - November 2026
