Skip to main content

2012
Hyundai SANTA FE

Starts at:
$23,225
Shop options
New 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 20149
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • FWD 4dr I4 GLS
    Starts at
    $23,225
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • AWD 4dr I4 GLS
    Starts at
    $24,925
    20 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • FWD 4dr V6 GLS
    Starts at
    $25,125
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • FWD 4dr V6 SE
    Starts at
    $26,225
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • AWD 4dr V6 GLS
    Starts at
    $26,825
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • FWD 4dr I4 Limited
    Starts at
    $27,275
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • AWD 4dr V6 SE
    Starts at
    $28,125
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • FWD 4dr V6 Limited
    Starts at
    $29,225
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • AWD 4dr V6 Limited
    Starts at
    $30,925
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE

Notable features

Four-cylinder or V-6
FWD or AWD
USB stereo input standard
Bluetooth connectivity standard

The good & the bad

The good

Acceleration
Gas mileage
Modern styling
Steering-wheel audio controls
Stick shift available

The bad

No third-row seat

Expert 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE review

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

Vehicle Overview

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize crossover that can seat up to five and competes with models like the Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander. Buyers have a choice of either a four-cylinder or V-6 engine, and the Santa Fe comes in GLS, SE and Limited trims.

New for 2012
The Santa Fe’s grille has been redesigned, and hill descent control is now standard. GLS models with 17-inch wheels now have low-rolling-resistance tires.

Exterior
Roof rails are standard, but crossbars come standard on the higher trim levels. For 2012, two new colors — Venetian Red and Cabo Bronze — are offered. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 17-inch wheels
  • Optional 18-inch wheels
  • Optional body-colored rear spoiler
  • Optional chrome-accented door handles

Interior
All Santa Fe models have an iPod/USB input and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Cloth upholstery is standard, and leather is optional. Interior features include:

  • Standard rear privacy glass
  • Optional dual-zone climate control
  • Optional navigation system

Under the Hood
Mechanical features include:

  • Standard 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine
  • Optional 276-hp V-6
  • Standard six-speed automatic transmission
  • All-wheel drive available

Safety
The Santa Fe’s airbag complement includes side-impact airbags for the front seats, as well as curtain airbags that cover the side windows along the front and rear seats. Standard safety features include:

  • Antilock brakes
  • Electronic stability system with traction control
  • Active head restraints for the front seats

2012 Hyundai SANTA FE review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize crossover that can seat up to five and competes with models like the Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander. Buyers have a choice of either a four-cylinder or V-6 engine, and the Santa Fe comes in GLS, SE and Limited trims.

New for 2012
The Santa Fe’s grille has been redesigned, and hill descent control is now standard. GLS models with 17-inch wheels now have low-rolling-resistance tires.

Exterior
Roof rails are standard, but crossbars come standard on the higher trim levels. For 2012, two new colors — Venetian Red and Cabo Bronze — are offered. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 17-inch wheels
  • Optional 18-inch wheels
  • Optional body-colored rear spoiler
  • Optional chrome-accented door handles

Interior
All Santa Fe models have an iPod/USB input and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Cloth upholstery is standard, and leather is optional. Interior features include:

  • Standard rear privacy glass
  • Optional dual-zone climate control
  • Optional navigation system

Under the Hood
Mechanical features include:

  • Standard 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine
  • Optional 276-hp V-6
  • Standard six-speed automatic transmission
  • All-wheel drive available

Safety
The Santa Fe’s airbag complement includes side-impact airbags for the front seats, as well as curtain airbags that cover the side windows along the front and rear seats. Standard safety features include:

  • Antilock brakes
  • Electronic stability system with traction control
  • Active head restraints for the front seats

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
3/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
1/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
2/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
2/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
1/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
17.4%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
1/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
17.4%
Risk of rollover

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.
  • 2012
    4.4
    Hyundai SANTA FE
    Starts at
    $23,225
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    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
  • 2015
    4.6
    Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
    Starts at
    $24,950
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2013
    4.7
    Nissan Murano
    Starts at
    $28,440
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2012
    4.3
    Kia Sorento
    Starts at
    $21,250
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2011
    4.5
    Hyundai SANTA FE
    Starts at
    $21,845
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2016
    4.5
    Jeep Patriot
    Starts at
    $17,695
    22 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    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 59 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.4
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • Toyota,Honda= overrated

    These things will run forever! Just do your normal maintainence.Honda ,Toyota are overrated and over priced. 24 mpg in 2.4 engine.It won't disappoint! Smooth highway ride One of the quietest engines out there. Hyundai covered all recalls without a problem.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Honda n Toyota >>> move over.

    All you hear is Honda, Toyota..Hyundai's get 300k miles too.Just do the maintenance and keep up and it won't fail you. Nice ride,just cheap plastics.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    14 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Our favorite model, The Santa Fe

    This is our third Santa Fe, we have always been pleased by the car performance. I would buy another one This car has been very reliable for us
    • 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
    14 people out of 16 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Personal Favorite Car

    I used to own a Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 2010. When I needed a new car, I instantly looked for the same make and model. Its roomy backseat and large trunk space are ideal for me, and the number of cupholders is perfect. Leather seats and sunroof, excellent stereo system and seat warmers are all luxuries this vehicle has. Its a medium/large SUV, and I feel safe driving on the highway with it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    13 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love my Santa Fe!

    I bought my 2012 Santa Fe in September 2011. This is the only vehicle I've driven over 5 years. The V6 has tons of power which is what I was looking for. Most of the smaller SUVs had a 4-cylinder with no get up and go. Power is a must when driving in Oklahoma City rush hour traffic. Both front and back seats are comfortable. The reclining back seats are great for long trips. Interior is easy to clean. It doesn't hesitate or slide going up a snowy icy hill. I trust this vehicle so much that I'm considering giving it to my 17 year old granddaughter. The only negative things about this vehicle is that the blind spot is annoying and at times has been dangerous. I wish the GPS screen was a little more advanced. But would definitely buy this vehicle again!
    • 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
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Comfortable & economical.

    My Santa Fe suits my needs. Plenty of interior room & comfort. Handles very nicely in town & on a vacation drive while getting good gas mileage.
    • Purchased a New 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
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I couldve have been killed in this car

    When we first bought the car it drove great looked good got great has mileage . Until my antilock breaksystem failed which inturn made me slide directly into the rear end of a hummer. My airbag son the drivers side did not deploy which I am still suffering pain from this non functioning safety feature. Which turned out do be very unsafe
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fantastic car for the snow and family!

    This car exceeded my expectations in the snow. Good family car, lots of fun and very comfortable! Lots of room in the back and a large underneath storage area also for trips.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A great value for someone!! Only 75k miles!

    This car is great! The only reason we are selling is because we bought a newer Kia with more legroom. My wife is long-legged and has issues with knees and hip. Lack of proper legroom was causing pain. I am of average male height (5'10") and it was fine for me.
    • 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
  • Best car I ever owned! I drove it for 8 years.

    Very reliable car. Comfortable. Great visibility. Lots of storage space. Cleans up great with a shiny finish. Took minimal maintenance. Easy to handle and maneuver.
    • 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
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It is a great family vehicle

    Easy to load, lots of room. The all wheel drive was useful for ranch living and occational snow. Great center of gravity for a SUV. Turning radious perfect for those u-turns. Easy to handle
    • 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
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • GREAT CAR!

    This car has not let me down once! Rides great, looks great, no problems at all. I've had it for 7 years and just bought a second new model!
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Hyundai dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE is available in 3 trim levels:

  • GLS (4 styles)
  • Limited (3 styles)
  • SE (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE offers up to 20 MPG in city driving and 28 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 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE reliable?

The 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE owners.

Is the 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2012 Hyundai SANTA FE. 84.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 59 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.4

Hyundai SANTA FE history

Your list was successfully saved.
Your comparisons
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare