Skip to main content

2006
Hyundai SANTA FE

Starts at:
$21,695
Shop options
New 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr GLS FWD 2.7L Auto
    Starts at
    $21,695
    19 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr GLS FWD 3.5L Auto
    Starts at
    $22,395
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr GLS 4WD 2.7L Auto
    Starts at
    $23,195
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr GLS 4WD 3.5L Auto
    Starts at
    $23,895
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Limited FWD 3.5L Auto
    Starts at
    $24,395
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Limited 4WD 3.5L Auto
    Starts at
    $25,895
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE

Notable features

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

The good & the bad

The good

Visibility
Handling
Ride quality
Passenger space
Quietness

The bad

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

Expert 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Hyundai’s compact sport utility vehicle received several refinements for the 2005 model year. Styling changes included a fresh grille and taillights, refined bodyside cladding, a redesigned tailgate handle and restyled 16-inch alloy wheels. A new instrument cluster went inside, and the LX model gained a power driver’s seat.

Based on the company’s front-wheel-drive Sonata sedan’s platform, the Santa Fe again is offered in GLS trim. A new Limited trim level has replaced the LX for 2006. The Limited includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, automatic temperature control, an in-dash six-CD changer and a trip computer. An electrochromatic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink universal transceiver has been added to the GLS 3.5 V6 model.

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
Design revisions for 2006 include a new all-black monochromatic color scheme, available for the Limited model. Built on a 103.1-inch wheelbase, the Santa Fe is 177.2 inches long overall and 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 people, with front bucket seats and a 60/40-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 Limited adds a six-CD changer. Leather seating surfaces and automatic climate control are also included in the top-of-the-line Limited.

Under the Hood
The Santa Fe can be equipped with one of two V-6 engines. The GLS comes with a 2.7-liter V-6 that produces an estimated 170 horsepower and teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission. The 3.5-liter V-6, which is standard in the Limited 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-shifting 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.

2006 Hyundai SANTA FE review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Hyundai’s compact sport utility vehicle received several refinements for the 2005 model year. Styling changes included a fresh grille and taillights, refined bodyside cladding, a redesigned tailgate handle and restyled 16-inch alloy wheels. A new instrument cluster went inside, and the LX model gained a power driver’s seat.

Based on the company’s front-wheel-drive Sonata sedan’s platform, the Santa Fe again is offered in GLS trim. A new Limited trim level has replaced the LX for 2006. The Limited includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, automatic temperature control, an in-dash six-CD changer and a trip computer. An electrochromatic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink universal transceiver has been added to the GLS 3.5 V6 model.

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
Design revisions for 2006 include a new all-black monochromatic color scheme, available for the Limited model. Built on a 103.1-inch wheelbase, the Santa Fe is 177.2 inches long overall and 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 people, with front bucket seats and a 60/40-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 Limited adds a six-CD changer. Leather seating surfaces and automatic climate control are also included in the top-of-the-line Limited.

Under the Hood
The Santa Fe can be equipped with one of two V-6 engines. The GLS comes with a 2.7-liter V-6 that produces an estimated 170 horsepower and teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission. The 3.5-liter V-6, which is standard in the Limited 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-shifting 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.

Safety review

Based on the 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 80,000 miles; less than 7 years old (currently MY18- MY24)
Basic
Remainder of the 5-Year / 60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Dealer certification
173-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2006
    4.4
    Hyundai SANTA FE
    Starts at
    $21,695
    19 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2012
    4.3
    Hyundai Veracruz
    Starts at
    $28,345
    17 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2003
    4.0
    Kia Sorento
    Starts at
    $19,995
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2019
    4.9
    Hyundai Santa Fe XL
    Starts at
    $30,950
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2012
    4.2
    Mitsubishi Outlander
    Starts at
    $22,345
    23 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2009
    3.9
    Jeep Patriot
    Starts at
    $17,540
    21 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2008
    4.5
    Hyundai SANTA FE
    Starts at
    $21,495
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 26 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.3
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • I take it Rapid City SD once a mo from MN

    My air-condition quit now my front passenger and back right windows don't work the car is dead sometimes seams there is something with electric what to do
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • My 2006 Santa Fe 👍

    I own one that I bought from my daughter (she bought a 2011 Santa Fe). It was reliable for her and I'm enjoying it now. Thanks for a good car for me and my family.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fun to Drive!

    Really like the Santa Fe, very reliable, comfortable, and handles easy. Uses regular gas, tinted rear windows and a storage rack on hood. Very stylish looking SUV.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It died on me but it was used.

    It died on me but it was used. It had power, ran well the paint is not very good it will fade i gueaa it's a common problem
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 3.0
    9 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2006 Hyundi Santa Fe

    It’s a great little vehicle only thing is gas mileage is terrible it is comfortable there aren’t really any blind spots it doesn’t like hills
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Is very dependable for the price

    I've owned two of my life so far Max watch 2002 and my 2006 the only real problem I found with both of them the air conditioner compressor sucks I've had to replace it on both of them the fuel gauge on both of them goes crazy works when it wants to but other than that it's pretty dependable
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Nice SUV !!

    Met all my needs, it has a lot of bells and whistles. Easy to maintain. The 4 wheel drive is especially helpful in the winter.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I've owned 2 Santa Fe's in 14 years

    I drive alot for work and most important to me is plenty of headroom and legroom. I also appreciate the tons of cargo space with the back seats down.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Extermly safe. Reliable and affordable for AWD.

    Extermly safe. Reliable and one of the most durable vehicles I've ever owned. The gas milage is great having a small 6 cylinder. (2.7) but still enough power to tow a jet ski, trailer or even a boat. THE AWD IS AMAZING IS THE RAIN. The only thing I don't like about it, is that the paint seemed to fade faster than other cars I've owned. Extremely inexpensive to maintain and they run forver. I've owned 3 and one of them had over 300,000 miles when I sold it and it's still running and driving with no major issues to this day. (Sold it to my brother in law) I also own a sedan and a van both made Hyundai. They aren't Honda's but pretty close as in reliability, inexpensive maintenance and gas milage. They just don't rust out as easy like a Honda. Only reason I'll be selling mine is to up grade to a newer year.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • My car

    I love it. Drives really well, and has been very reliable. We drove from Ohio to Vegas, with no problems:) This car is perfect for drive ins
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Honda accord

    Very sturdy,reliable great in snow sleet or rain good room great hatch.I usually buy Hondas but my Hun dai is fantastic.Hundai is an excellent higjway driving car
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Just bought it used

    Can't say much yet because I just bought this car but I love the interior design and how smooth and quickly it accelerates! I will have to come back and post an update once I have it for a year or more.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Hyundai dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE is available in 2 trim levels:

  • GLS (4 styles)
  • Limited (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE reliable?

The 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE owners.

Is the 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 Hyundai SANTA FE. 92.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 26 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.5

Hyundai SANTA FE history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"crossover_midsize","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"SUV","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]