The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe might just be your favorite SUV you ever buy. It’s low-maintenance, spacious, comfortable, versatile, and even kind of stylish. But, lax maintenance can take tens of thousands of miles off the SUV’s life expectancy, and finding one in great condition is easier said than done.
Is the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The 2007 Santa Fe earned a number of awards on release, and it’s still an excellent SUV if you can find one in good shape.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Suspension may be a bit stiff for your tastes. Other than that, this is one of the more comfortable and spacious SUVs in its class.
- Reliability 7/10 – A 2007 Santa Fe could go either way. A well-maintained model might reach 250,000 miles easy. If the previous owner drove it like they stole it, you’ll be lucky to pass 180,000.
- Safety 8/10 – Crash test scores are solid and anti-lock brakes are standard. Not bad for a 2007 mid-size.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – 21/26 miles to the gallon isn’t bad for a 2007 mid-size SUV, but the CR-V is almost as roomy at 23/30.
- Value 7/10 – It’s a great deal if you can find one in great condition. It’s a money pit if you’re buying one that’s been skipping oil changes and tire rotations.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Consumer Reports liked the improvements made to the 2007 Santa Fe, praising the larger interior, superior build quality, responsive handling, and capable V6 engines. They found the fuel economy disappointing for the size class.
Kelley Blue Book named the Santa Fe one of the best SUVs for the money, with the budget automaker improving the nameplate bit by bit year after year and delivering a capable, comfortable mid-size crossover. They liked the optional third row and more masculine appearance of the new model.
Edmunds were impressed with the Santa Fe’s upscale interior, given the automaker’s reputation for budget cars. They liked the long list of standard safety features and the optional third-row seating. They were less impressed with the stiff suspension in some trims, and they found the automatic transmission and the brakes unresponsive.
What Common Problems Does the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
There are 662 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The leading issue here: More than one hundred complaints for faulty fuel sensors giving an empty reading when you have fuel in the tank.
Airbags have generated 99 complaints in total, with drivers reporting failure to deploy, and airbag warning lights staying on even after having a pair of recalls addressed.
An investigation is still ongoing into problems with the car’s throttle control system. There are 57 complaints on file for vehicle speed control problems, with drivers reporting that the car accelerates on its own, jumps, and stalls out. There has been no recall as yet.
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe has 9 recalls on file with the NHTSA. This number is within the median range for a car of this age, but it’s on the higher end of that range.
How Long Will the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Last?
Drivers typically report a minimum lifespan of around 200,000 miles for a Hyundai Santa Fe. Hyundais are known to be fairly dependable, so 250,000 is a realistic goal if you can find one in excellent shape, but, that’s easier said than done. It’s a budget car, and many owners drive Hyundais as if they’re disposable.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $418, which is lower than average for a mid-size SUV, but that’s to be expected in a Hyundai. The most expensive common repairs include new window regulators, starting at around $447, and new radiator fan assemblies at $738.
It has been very reliable. I would not hesitate to buy another one. Both the air conditioning and heating systems are very good.
No major problems so far. I think that the Hyundai Santa Fe is a very reliable vehicle. I feel safe with my family using it.
Electrical problems! Yes! And it is a very reliable car! Omg! This question is retarded! You keep going up in the number of words needed I have explained this question before!
I have not had any major problems with the car. I do however do routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations.
Yes. It’s had an automatic steering belt break, new alternator placed, and a tire sensor go out all within the last year
No problems at all and the only thing he did on it recently was change the shocks because it was time to change them
So far since owning it we have not encountered any major issues, so yes I would say it is a reliable vehicle
How Is the Technology?
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe’s entertainment technology is decent for the model year, which makes it a little better than you might expect of a fifteen year old Hyundai. MP3 players come standard, and XM satellite radio is available.
Safety technology is generous for the price and for the model year. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are included as standard features.
Is the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Value?
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is a decent value. The entry level model sells at a fair market price of around $5,206, while a high-end Limited model goes for around $6,218. This is fair pricing for what you’re getting. Your only concern here comes down to longevity.
These estimates are for models with around 150,000 miles on the odometer. If you can find a Santa Fe in excellent condition, you might put another 100,000 miles on the original engine, and that’s a pretty good value. If it’s in rough shape, you’ll be lucky to go another 50,000, and you could do a lot better than that for the price.
What are the Different Models of the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in three trim levels, from the base GLS to the high-end Limited. All three models are offered in front or all wheel drive, and with or without XM radio.
With the base GLS you’re getting:
- Heated mirrors
- Cloth seating
- Remote keyless entry
- Manual air conditioning
- Anti-lock brakes and traction control
- Cruise control
The mid-range SE adds:
- Fog lights
- Leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
- Leather wrapped shift knob
- Lumbar support
Finally, the top-of-the-line Limited features:
- Leather seating
- Heated front seats
- Dual zone automatic air conditioning
- 8-way power adjust driver seat
What Engines Come In the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?
- The GLS model Santa Fe comes packed with a 2.7L V6 engine delivering 185 horsepower and 183 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front or all wheel drive, and it averages 21/26 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- SE and Limited models include a 3.3L V6 delivering 242 horsepower and 226 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic in front or all wheel drive, and it averages 19/24 miles to the gallon.
What Colors Does the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2007 Santa Fe is a mid-size crossover SUV that offers up about as much cabin space as you’re likely to need. With 55 inches of rear hip room and plenty of headspace, it comfortably seats up to five adults in the two-row models. The third row will pack a couple extra passengers in the back at the cost of some cargo space.
Some reviewers find the suspension a bit stiff. The Santa Fe is not exactly an off-roader, but it’s more capable than most budget SUVs when it comes to gravel and dirt roads, so the shocks and struts are a bit more rugged than you’ll find in comparable vehicles.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
With the third row seating removed, the 2007 Santa Fe offers up 34 cubic feet of storage space to start with, and 78 with the back seats folded flat. That’s enough to make light furniture hauls, carrying chairs, coffee tables, and maybe even an especially small love seat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe was the first model year in the nameplate’s 2nd Generation, running from 2007 to 2012.
2004: Year to year changes throughout the 1st Generation Hyundai’s life were mostly minor, with 2004 revising the AC controls and adding a distinctive chirp sound to the remote keyless door lock.
2005: 2005 saw the Santa Fe receiving a slight facelift, with revised grilles, tail lights, and rear bumpers.but rare.
2006: The 2006 model Santa Fe was offered in Merlot and Canyon Red. A mid-year Dark Emerald Green addition is available,
2007: With the launch of the new generation, the Santa Fe was overhauled from top to bottom with the biggest change being that the SUV was now a mid-size rather than a compact crossover.
2008: Infinity sound systems and power sunroofs were made standard in the Limited Santa Fe for 2008.
2009: The biggest change for 2009 was the addition of an iPod plug-in option.
How Does the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Compare to the Competition?
The 2007 Honda CR-V averages about a thousand dollars more than the Hyundai Santa Fe from trim to trim, but offers comparable interior space, sporty performance, and better longevity, with the CR-V far more likely to reach 250,000 miles on the original engine and transmission.
A 2007 Chevrolet Equinox tends to sell in the same price range as a comparable Santa Fe, or a few hundred dollars cheaper, it’s roughly as reliable as a Santa Fe, and delivers around the same engine power at the same fuel economy, but it’s not quite as roomy.
If you can find a Santa Fe in excellent condition, it’s a contender for best SUV released in its model year. But, you’re going to have a hard time finding a Santa Fe in excellent condition.
Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes. Very reliable. It rides very smooth, and repairs have been minimal. There is good legroom, and also much cargo space.
Yes it is. We've only had one problem with it and it was just because of the age of the vehicle. It was easy to fix.
Yes it is a great vehicle! It had some issues but overall it is a strong car! This is the year of the electrical problems! Had a few! But it handled well! I want a newer model!
The Santa Fe is a reliable car with sufficient room for 5 people and luggage room in the back. It is easy to drive and holds the road well.
Yes. It is starting to have its problems due to its age. Overall it’s been well taken care of though without many problems
Very reliable and strong vehicle also a very good family car my kids fit in it very well and my husband uses it also to pull his trailer very good on gas
I think it is a good vehicle, it is very spacious in the cab and back seat area. It has a high safety rating which is one of the draws that attracted us to the vehicle in the first place. It also offers a lot of room in the trunk area for shopping or family trips and is also pretty decent on gas especially for a V6