2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,495 to $29,600

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(23 reviews)
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Preview summaryImage

Last year's addition of extra inches boosted the 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe into the midsize SUV category. One of Hyundai's most popular vehicles, the Santa Fe comes in three trims - the base GLS, SE, and the more luxurious Limited. All are available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. For 2008, the Santa Fe receives a few new features. Premium cloth upholstery now adorns the SE, and the Limited gets a standard sunroof and a 7-CD changer with ten speakers. An optional navigation system is also now available for the Limited.

The versatile 2008 Santa Fe starts off in the GLS with two rows, but an optional third row can be added to the SE and Limited trims. Both rows split-fold and fold flat, expanding the cargo area from 30 to 78 cubic feet. A standard roof rack adds even more storage space. ABS brakes, traction and stability control, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows are standard, and the 2008 Santa Fe ranks in the highest categories for safety. Base models start off with a 2.7-liter, 185-hp V6 and 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission, while the SE and Limited are powered by a more powerful 3.3-liter, 242-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic. No manual is available with the 3.3-liter V6.

The Santa Fe's AWD is not meant for off-roading, but helps the vehicle handle well in tough road and weather conditions. Interior comfort has been improved, with Hyundai claiming the third row offers more legroom than the Honda Pilot's. Owners seem to agree, rating overall comfort and cargo capacity highly. Other highlights include the Santa Fe's handling and smooth ride. Only the 17/24 fuel economy seems to detract from this otherwise popular and ever-improving SUV.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

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User rating:
by Judy M
May 01, 2021
Looks great..handles great...runs great! Had both keys with electronic fobs intact, ac good, passed all safety checks! Clean!May 01, 2021
by Jabar B
Mar 19, 2021
It’s great it drives the only thing is that it’s a scratching noise when I shift the gear, but nothin major. I love the car Mar 19, 2021
by Ralph M
Jan 01, 2021
Bt it used with 51 k miles and put on another 56k miles it was a 2002 and and I just got rid of it....it was a great vehicle for the past 10 years.Jan 01, 2021

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,495 to $29,600
Price range
$5,216 to $5,765
Average price on CG
$5,423
YoY price change
$5,765 to $5,423

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 112 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.74

Exterior Features

Mudguards: front and rear · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 112 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.74 · Limited slip differential: center

Exterior Features

Mudguards: front and rear · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 112 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.68

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome · Mudguards: front and rear · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Folding: split folding · Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 112 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.68 · Limited slip differential: center

Exterior Features

Grille color: chrome · Mudguards: front and rear · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Folding: split folding · Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 605 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front, rear and third row · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.68

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Mudguards: front and rear · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 8 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Folding: split folding · Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 605 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.68 · Limited slip differential: center

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Mudguards: front and rear · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 8 · Video system: DVD player

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

Folding: split folding · Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (6)