2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,695 to $30,545

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(29 reviews)
2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Preview summaryImage

The Hyundai Santa Fe has quietly snuck up on the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander over the years, growing in size, quality, and reliability to become a viable competitor in the midsize SUV market. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive (intended for better traction on slippery surfaces, rather than off-roading), the 2009 Santa Fe comes in base GLS, mid-line SE, and top-of-the-line Limited trims.

Preparing for a 2010 refresh, the SUV sees few changes this year. USB and iPod inputs are now standard, and both the SE and Limited get cross rails and a standard trailer prep that allows these trims to tow up to 3,500 pounds. A new option bundle for the SE offers a power driver's seat and a universal garage remote.

Nearly as roomy as the Pilot and Highlander, the 2009 Santa Fe offers two rows of seating for up to five passengers, with an optional third row available on the SE and Limited. Both rows split-fold, but only the third row folds flat, for a cargo range of 33 to 78 cubic feet. For more storage space, a roof rack is standard only on the SE and Limited. Rear legroom can comfortably fit adults, though longer rides may feel uncomfortable. While wide doors offer good access to the second row, third row access can require some acrobatics.

All trims come equipped with tilt and telescopic steering, power accessories, a CD player, and wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. The SE adds automatic headlights, leather trim, and a trip computer, while the Limited goes all out with heated leather seats, a power driver's seat, a 7-CD changer, sunroof, and a rear spoiler. Now earning five stars in NHTSA crash tests and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute, the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe boasts dual front-side and side curtain airbags for the first two rows, traction and stability control, and 4-wheel ABS brakes. Base trims ride on 16-inch wheels, while the SE and Limited get 18-inch alloys.

Powering all this are two engines. A slightly sluggish 2.7-liter, 185-hp V6 inhabits the GLS. Paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, its 17/24 mpg delights some owners and disappoints others. The much peppier 3.5-liter V6 puts out 242 hp with the same fuel economy numbers. A 5-speed automatic is its only transmission. Tight handling, good maneuverability for an SUV, and high safety ratings earn high marks from owners and critics, along with the roomy versatility of its seating and cargo configurations. With its long list of standard features and surprisingly upscale quality cabin materials, the 2009 Santa Fe represents a good buy, considering its relatively low pricetag and long-term powertrain warranty. A desire for more power and better fuel economy top the list of driver complaints.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 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 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

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User rating:
by Edith S
Jan 15, 2024
Reasonably priced and well maintained by previous owner. Handles well on the road , was in great shape when I bought it. Pretty decent used car/suv Jan 15, 2024
by Anonymous
Oct 12, 2023
I like the sante fe, because it has everything I want, 6 cyl, loads of storage, handles well in all weather, comfortable on long drives, overall a great buy. Oct 12, 2023
by Anonymous
Sep 12, 2023
It’s what I was looking for. I own an older model of the same vehicle. So this works out for me. Sep 12, 2023

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,695 to $30,545
Price range
$5,958 to $6,464
Average price on CG
$6,259
YoY price change
$6,464 to $6,259

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: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 120 watts

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.74

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

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

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

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

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Truck Features

Running boards: step

Wheels

Wheel covers: partial · Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: front driver and passenger windows

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: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 120 watts

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.52

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

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

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

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

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Truck Features

Running boards: step

Wheels

Wheel covers: partial · Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: front driver and passenger windows

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: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 120 watts

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front, rear and third row · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.68

Engine

Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

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

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · 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: flip and fold · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

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

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Truck Features

Running boards: step

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: windshield

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: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 120 watts

Brakes

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

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.68

Engine

Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

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

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · 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: flip and fold · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

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

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Truck Features

Running boards: step

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: windshield

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: element · USB auxiliary audio input · 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

Door trim: leather · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.68

Engine

Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · 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: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

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

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Truck Features

Running boards: step

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: windshield

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: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 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

Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.68

Engine

Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · 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/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

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

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Third Row Seat

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

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Truck Features

Running boards: step

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: front driver and passenger windows

See all trims (6)