Overview

The Santa Fe is one of the best cars in the Hyundai line-up and a great 4x4. It has a versatile seven-seat option, a good quality interior, comfortable ride and a cracking diesel engine. It stacks up well alongside the competition too and there are few cars that can match it on space, equipment and value for money. Alternatives like the Toyota RAV4 and, Honda CR-V are smaller (and not available with seven seats), while similar sized models like the Volkswagen Touareg are far more expensive.

Some of the interior plastics could be better and it can feel a little soft in corners, but as family transport goes, it makes plenty of sense. It was significantly revised in late 2009 with a more powerful yet economical engine, an upgraded cabin and exterior styling tweaks. However, it remains as good value as ever.