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2011 Hyundai Santa Fe

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Overview

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2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.9

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a unibody SUV made for tackling the urban jungle, not the rain-forest jungle. Since its introduction in 2000, almost half a million have been sold. The Santa Fe is right at home running the kids to soccer practice, hauling groceries from the supermarket or heading to the mountains for the weekend. Combining attributes like a high seating position, roomy interior, rugged good looks, a long list of standard equipment, a good warranty (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain) and a reasonable price, the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe provides good value in the mid-size SUV category.

You'll Like This Car If...

If getting the most for your money matters, the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe might be the SUV for you. The Korean manufacturers have improved quality over the years but still have to entice buyers with good value and an excellent warranty – the Santa Fe has both.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Many people remember the cheap economy cars Hyundai sold in America starting in 1986. If you are looking to buy an SUV with the resale values of the Japanese brands, the Hyundai Santa Fe may not be for you.

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2011 there are few changes to the popular and well-equipped Santa Fe. Solar glass is standard and a 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 Surround Sound AM/FM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with 10 speakers (including subwoofer) and external amplifier is standard on the Limited trim level. There are also five new colors.

Driving the Santa Fe

Driving Impressions The Santa Fe rides smoothly and inspires confidence while cornering thanks to its responsive steering and well-controlled body lean. Standard Electronic Stability Control helps during evasive maneuvers and is especially...

reassuring when driving in slippery conditions. Also standard is a tilt and telescoping steering wheel which makes it easy to find the perfect driving position. With the exception of some wind noise in the front and road noise from the rear, the cabin remains fairly quiet at freeway speeds. The Shiftronic automatic transmission responds quickly to manual gear selections, making driving on curvy roads an almost sporty experience.

Favorite Features

3.5-liter V6 Engine
Not only does the V6 deliver more than 100 horsepower more than the four-cylinder engine, it also has roughly similar EPA fuel economy ratings.

LG Navigation
Available on SE and Limited models, this navigation system's voice guidance feature makes map reading a thing of the past.

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Details

Interior

The 2011 Santa Fe's interior conveys a feeling of quality thanks to sturdy plastics and low-gloss surfaces. The instrumentation is neatly laid out, easy to operate and at night glows with pleasant blue backlighting. Behind the second-row seat is 34.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which should be ample room for luggage for five passengers.

Exterior

Hyundai showed good taste in moving away from the overly busy appearance of the first-generation Santa Fe. The current version features a simple and clean approach to exterior design, with elements that are tasteful and purposeful. Thankfully, there is no body cladding and the sides feature smooth sheetmetal flowing into color-keyed bumpers. With its wide track, the Santa Fe has a strong visual stance on the road.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe offers high value, as reflected by its standard equipment list which includes air conditioning, cruise control, a roof rack, power windows, power door locks, heated power side mirrors, steering-wheel audio controls, a six-speaker MP3-compatible CD player and Bluetooth. To enhance safety, all trim levels include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESP), traction control, front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, side-curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

Optional Equipment

Most popular options can be grouped together in packages that vary depending upon trim level. All-wheel-drive is available for all Santa Fe models. Other options include heated front seats, a power outlet in the cargo area, a power sunroof and a navigation system with a 6.5-inch screen and rearview camera.

Under the Hood

Hyundai offers two engines for the 2011 Santa Fe: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6. The four-cylinder is standard on the GLS and Limited models, while the V6 is standard on the SE and optional on the Limited. Both engines are paired to six-speed transmissions. The four-cylinder is more than just acceptable, but the V6 delivers substantially more power and roughly comparable fuel economy.

2.4-liter in-line four
175 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
169 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 (2WD, manual), 20/28 (2WD, automatic), 21/25 (AWD, automatic)

3.5-liter V6
276 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
248 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 445 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.2/10

Bought it new. Don't like it.

By frankie (AZ) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 66,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Good ride hight and size"

Cons: "Read my review."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Sorry i bought it. Chews up tires even after alignments and balancing.Very loud tire noise. Horrible M.P.G. with the V6.(18-19 mpg on the highway). Going on my third set of tires, after 66,000 miles."

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great ride

By ds (OR) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"reliable, great value, drives great. Very happy with purchase. Very durable and drives well off-road as well. Highly recommend"

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Great car.

By Phil (TX) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,800

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "good price, economical, easy/fun to drive"

Cons: "non yet"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"When we bought this car, I was driving 65 miles a day back and forth to work. The car is very comfortable, roomy and economical. When we go to replace this car, we will definitely look for another Santa Fe. By the way, we really like the dealer,and their quality of service."

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LOVED THIS SUV!

By kbinol (IL) on Friday, March 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,440

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "excellent value, great design, excellent safety"

Cons: "could use a little more leg room for taller passen"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I loved my santa fe. Love the way it looks, drives, loved the way the interior is designed. So many extras for a base model. Feels like luxury! Unfortunately someone broadsided me a few days ago. Never gave much thought to safety features..until I walked away with a scratch on my hand after beeing spun around up in the air and being thrown into a pole. I dont think my santa fe will survive. But I am so very blessed that there are so many safety features in it. I cant wait to be in another Santa fe."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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great car. reliable. comfortable. great value.

By mr rogers (FL) on Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great price, reliable and comfortable."

Cons: "could use more cup holders and more horsepower."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"One of the best cars I have ever owned since 1970. Only thing I have replaced on this car was a battery, tires. What more could you ask for in a car. Just wish the gas mileage was better but it's a decent sized car so the gas mileage is to be expected."

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Looks great and drives great.

By rmack (AZ) on Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great interior features."

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I got this car new and have been very satisfied with it. The interior has very nice features and the mileage is very good for an SUV. Best car I ever owned.US car manufactures have a lot to learn about value for the dollar."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 445 reviews