2005 Hyundai Santa Fe

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$21,649

starting MSRP

2005 Hyundai Santa Fe

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Visibility
  • Handling
  • Ride quality
  • Passenger space
  • Quietness
  • Manageable dimensions

The bad:

  • Unproven reliability
  • Automatic-transmission behavior
  • Occasional sensation of top-heaviness

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • Choice of two V-6s
  • FWD or AWD
  • Standard side-impact airbags
  • Stylish exterior
  • Bulging fenders

2005 Hyundai Santa Fe review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Hyundai’s compact sport utility vehicle returns for its fifth season on the U.S. market with a selection of refinements. Styling changes include a new grille and taillights, refined bodyside cladding, a redesigned tailgate handle and restyled 16-inch alloy wheels. A new instrument cluster goes inside, and the LX model adds a power driver’s seat.

Based on the front-wheel-drive Sonata sedan’s platform, the Santa Fe is offered in two trim levels: GLS and LX. Although the Santa Fe is roughly the same size as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai’s SUV is wider. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are available. The all-wheel-drive system provides extra traction on slippery surfaces rather than serious offroad capabilities.

Exterior
Built on a 103.1-inch wheelbase, the Santa Fe is 177.2 inches long overall and close to 66 inches tall. Bulging front fenders are one of the Santa Fe’s distinguishing characteristics. The four-door SUV is equipped with a rear liftgate, and five-spoke alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires. A full-size spare tire is included.

Interior
Each Santa Fe holds up to five occupants with front bucket seats and a split three-place rear bench that folds for additional cargo space. Cargo volume behind the rear seat is 30.5 cubic feet, but capacity grows to 77.7 cubic feet when the backseat is folded down. Both models have a Monsoon six-speaker cassette/CD audio system, but the LX adds a six-CD changer. Leather seating surfaces and automatic climate control also are included in the top-of-the-line LX.

Under the Hood
The Santa Fe can be equipped with one of two V-6s. The GLS comes standard with a 2.7-liter V-6 that produces 170 horsepower and teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission. The 3.5-liter V-6, which is standard in the LX and optional in the GLS, generates 200 hp and 219 pounds-feet of torque and drives a five-speed automatic. Both transmissions have Shiftronic manual-shift capability.

Safety
Side-impact airbags and antilock brakes are standard in all Santa Fe models.

Driving Impressions
Ranking as one of the easiest small SUVs to drive, the Santa Fe handles adeptly and performs admirably. Its bulging fenders, which are uncommon on SUVs, actually make a difference in judging the vehicle’s position. This SUV is appropriately spacious, and it runs quietly. You can also expect an appealing ride.

Though it is clearly stronger, the 3.5-liter V-6 doesn’t boost performance quite as much as expected, and its automatic transmission may occasionally shift with a jerk. When driving through curves, the 3.5-liter Santa Fe can exhibit a slightly top-heavy sensation.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.1
  • Interior design 3.9
  • Performance 3.9
  • Value for the money 4.1
  • Exterior styling 3.9
  • Reliability 4.2

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

best all around family and utility vehicle owned

We bought a 2005 Santa Fe 2.7L V-6 AWD GLS new in Maryland and drove it for 12 years and over 150,000 miles with no issue what so ever with the mechanical, body or anything for that matter other than regular maintenance like battery, tires/alignment, breaks, etc. Only mechanical repair we had at around 128K miles was tie rod and sway bar ends/bushings when it was 12 years old. Traded it in on a 2017 Santa Fe sport and wish I still had the old one. We drove it in all kinds of weather, from snowy mountains to the sand at the beach and everything in between. Even used it once to pull a Chevy Avalanche out that was stuck up to its rear axle in sod and mud and it never shuttered once. Also used it to pull U-Haul trailers for my daughter back and forth to college for 4 years and it still kept on going for many years after. I've owned/drove many vehicles over the years, Chrysler, Plymouth, GMC, Saturn, Renault and 3 other Hyundai's, from small coupes and sedans, large/luxury sedans, mini-vans, pick-up, and SUV. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and drove. I really do miss it.

4.6

Great for 2 carseats

Cold A/C, killer heat, comfy seats and plenty of leg room for my toddler! Lots of room in the hatch, 175,000 miles strong. It’s a little ugly on the outside but will never leave u stranded!

4.7

Lasted over 15 years with little to no issues

One of the most reliable cars out there. Lasted many years with almost no problems. Very minor problems. No accidents or damages. Still has years of value left.

See all 43 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Hyundai
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
60 months/60,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
120 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/unlimited distance
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Less than 80,000 miles; less than 7 years old (currently MY18- MY24)
Basic warranty terms
Remainder of the 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Powertrain
10-Yr/100K-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Dealer certification required
173-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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