Driving Experience
Includes acceleration and handling
What Owners Say
"Extremely boring ride. Does everything ok, does nothing extremely well."
Anonymous, AB (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"V6 is powerful"
Lawrence J., FL (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"I complained about stalling and then rapid acceleration very early and was not able to get a satisfactory answer. Later Hyundai made a software change the helped but I still had intermittent problems. The problem with the stalling has now practically disappeared."
Anonymous, MO (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"Has great acceleration. very good handling ability."
Anonymous, WI (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"This SUV has a pretty rough drive but its not a luxury car. I do like the acceleration and the handling is good in the mountains."
Gina S., CO (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"It has V6 and has huge get up and go. Easy to tow a camper."
Robert B., RI (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"Good power with V6"
Dennis J., ON (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"The engine threw connecting rod. There was a recall on this engine and the dealer did not tell me about the recall, nor, apparently analyze the engine for the problem."
Anonymous, MO (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"For a 6-cyl, this model year has outstanding acceleration even in mountainous terrain, and delivers excellent gas mileage. After this year, both Santa Fe models had worse mileage. Handling is very good, even on winding roads."
William M., CO (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"The v-6 has plenty of power for acceleration and never seems to be trying too hard. Handling is excellent for a SUV in this price range."
Danny R., GA (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"The car accelerates slowly--it is a 4 cylinder--but it cruises very smoothly and the transmission does a good job of selecting the right gear on hills and under load. It handles very well and corners without too much lean. It stops well and always seems to be under control."
Anonymous, KY (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"It accelerates quickly to get up to speed onto a highway. It handles well on the roads and does not roll much when turning."
John H., MD (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"dependable. Another note - the drivers side headlight must have an issue b/c I replaced it within the last year and it is out again now."
Anonymous, ON (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"Accelerates very well, but uses a lot of gas"
Anonymous, OR (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"Both are impressive in my 2012 and my previous 2007. Always feel confident and in control. Acceleration is immediate and quick."
William K., NY (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"Accelerationand handling both good."
Meg A., VA (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"Short wheel base and top heavy., not a sports car..."
Anonymous, MT (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"Lots of good rebates."
MARGARET K., PA (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"Ongoing issue with dropping gears when at a certain speed in certain situations. This is a known problem with this car but the dealers dismiss it. Can be a hazard as car shifts into coast when changing lanes at @ 40MPH on the highway."
Anonymous, OH (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"The Santa Fe soars up mountain highways. It handles really well. I like the back windows too--I can see out of them."
D B., BC (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"Noisy when driving in traffic"
Anonymous, IL (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"It rides like an old truck."
Anonymous, NC (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"The car is great on all subjects"
L B., IL (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"excellent power and excelleration"
GARY F., OH (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"It has the 3.5 V6 engine. It has extremely good acceleration and handles very well."
HAROLD H., TX (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"For a 4 bagger it's quick"
Anonymous, IN (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"The acceleration is decent, however, the Santa Fe feel too light and tingy for a crossover"
JEFFREY Z., PA (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"There are blind spots caused by the back seat backs that make it more difficult to back up as compared to other vehicles I've driven (i.e. sedans and mini-vans)."
DAVID F., SC (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"4 Cylinder engine is adequate but not over powerful."
LARRY A., UT (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"This is a front wheel drive car. When you "jump" on the accelerator, the front end literally "fishtails", because the drive power is uneven to each front wheel. In some cases, this could cause the driver to lose control. My 2003 Mazda Tribute also has front wheel drive, and actually more horsepower than the Hyundai. However, the full power acceleration is even to both front wheels, and the car is much more stable..."
Anonymous, HI (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"accelerates with ease."
Anonymous, AZ (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)"The initial acceleration is touchy. The Santa Fe does not accelerate smoothly. No matter how carefully you try to accelerate, it has a tendency to "leap" off the starting line. Annoying. It also has a tendency to roll after putting it in park. We took it to the deal or and they did not seem to see it as an issue. I have never had a car roll this much after putting it it park."
ED J., CA (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)
"l 6 cylinder power and stable handling"
Anonymous, NY (2012 Hyundai Santa Fe)