Used 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
The Santa Fe SE is a nice vehicle
coldrink, The Colony, TX, 03/07/2012
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
I have had a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SE for about six months.
So far, I am very pleased with it.
It is comfotable and fun to drive. It has the 3.5L 6 cylinder engine and it runs good. It is swift.
It has lots of pep and that is important to me.
On the one short road trip it has been on, it got about 24 mpg.
In town it gets between 18 and 20 mpg. It is a very nice vehicle. I would … recommend the Santa Fe it to anyone, but I would want the 3.5L engine.
Mechanically excellent..but
SEZ, Rolling Meadows, IL, 09/03/2015
2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Don't be misled by the appearance of the comfort of this vehicle. The 2012 Santa Fe, while performing well, is loaded with subpar craftsmanship and design. While the car performs amazingly well -- and still does after 9 years -- the electronics, switches, etc. are subpar. I have had pieces literally fly off the car, constant recalls and a myriad of simple things being replaced -- … from light switches to a sun roof that leaked. Added to this, the HVAC control is sporadic in its operation and will cost $900 to fix.
Fortunately, as noted, the car has not had any major mechanical issues.
Buy another one when I retire this one? 60/40 chance depending how the above issues have been addressed.
Handling is OK, but there is more than comfortable body sway on corners. Winter driving is OK, but if you're in heavy snow areas, winter tires are highly recommended. The Blue Tooth set-up is second rate as is the navigation. In fact, the navigation is so whacked out, that even the dealer I bought the car from did not how to use it.
Adjustments for things like auto door locks are non existent and the appointments, such as switches and controls and second rate -- at best.
Quite honestly, if Toyota's Rav-4 did not have the goofy side-opening rear door (which they have since done away with) I would have gone with that car, or maybe the Chevy Equinox.
I generally keep my cars for an extended period of time, but this will not be the case with the Santa Fe. Once the 10 yr/100k warranty expires -- the car is gone.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Lots of features at an agreeable price
- Pro:spacious cabin
- Pro:generous cargo capacity
- Pro:strong and efficient V6 engine
- Pro:great warranty
- Pro:simple controls.
- Con:Ride quality on SE and Limited might be too firm for some
- Con:aging styling.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe in Ohio is:
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