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2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,495 to $29,600

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(11 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
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, 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 Anonymous
Dec 02, 2014
The car has a very progressive styling. The car is roomy and even the rear seats have a lot of leg room and are very comfortable. The illumination (deep blue) at night and the buttons/switches are very pleasant and easy to work with. The only complaint i have at the moment is that the steering wheel does not have the radio controls on them..But, it is really not a biggieDec 02, 2014
by Jennifer G
Jan 29, 2014
Very dependable. Nice smooth ride, the wider wheel base makes it very luxurious when driving on the highway because you don't feel top heavy like in other SUVs. Excellent family care for someone who is looking for some extra room without resorting to a van or a gas hog.Jan 29, 2014
by Anonymous
May 22, 2012
My wife's '08 Santa Fe Limited AWD has 85,000 miles on it and has been great. Can't beat the cost, we bout it new (as a dealer demo) for $25,000 and it has Everett option including 3rd row and rear seat entertainment. Did have to have the idler pulley replaced but that was pretty cheap, other than that everything is stock including breaks (not tires). I would recommend and will look at Hyundai again when it is time to replace my old beater. May 22, 2012

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,495 to $29,600
Price range
$5,199 to $5,616
Average price on CG
$5,219
YoY price change
$5,450 to $5,219

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

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

Audio System

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

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

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

Convenience Features

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

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual ยท Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.74

Exterior Features

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

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable ยท Number of front headrests: 2 ยท 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 ยท Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver ยท Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

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

Seats

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

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside ยท Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

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

Suspension

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

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

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

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

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

Audio System

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

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

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

Convenience Features

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

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual ยท Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

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

Exterior Features

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

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable ยท Number of front headrests: 2 ยท 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 ยท Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver ยท Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

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

Seats

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

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside ยท Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

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

Suspension

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

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

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

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

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

Audio System

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

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

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

Convenience Features

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

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual ยท Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.68

Exterior Features

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

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable ยท Number of front headrests: 2 ยท 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 ยท Roof rack color: black ยท Sunroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver ยท Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

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

Seats

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

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside ยท Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

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

Suspension

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

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

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

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

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

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

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

Audio System

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

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

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

Convenience Features

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

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual ยท Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

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

Exterior Features

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

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable ยท Number of front headrests: 2 ยท 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 ยท Roof rack color: black ยท Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver ยท Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

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

Seats

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

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside ยท Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

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

Suspension

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

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

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

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

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

Air Conditioning

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

Airbags

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

Audio System

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

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

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

Convenience Features

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

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power ยท Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.68

Exterior Features

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

Headrests

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

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: rear ยท Video monitor size: 8 ยท 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 ยท Roof rack: with crossbars ยท Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver ยท Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

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

Seats

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

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside ยท Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

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

Suspension

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

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

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

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

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

Air Conditioning

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

Airbags

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

Audio System

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

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

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

Convenience Features

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

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power ยท Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

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

Exterior Features

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

Headrests

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

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: rear ยท Video monitor size: 8 ยท 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 ยท Roof rack: with crossbars ยท Roof rack color: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver ยท Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

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

Seats

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

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside ยท Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

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

Suspension

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

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

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

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

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

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