2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Review – Ultimate Guide

Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUV has remained popular with drivers for more than two decades. Launched by the manufacturer in 2000, there have been many fantastic models throughout the year. If you’re wondering whether the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of them, this is what you need to know!

The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is a 5- or 7-seater SUV. There are two V6 engines available: 2.7L and 3.3L. Models with the 2.7L engine are available with manual or automatic transmissions, while 3.3L models are standard automatic. Front- and all-wheel drive is available regardless of trim.

We’re going to guide you through what you need to know about the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, from its specs to its availability today. Our ultimate guide to this SUV will give you a better understanding of this vehicle from Hyundai and whether it’s the right SUV for your needs!

What Sets the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Apart?

As we briefly mentioned above, Santa Fe models are still manufactured today, which is a testament to the widespread popularity of this SUV. In fact, the sheer popularity of Santa Fe SUVs with Americans proved to be a pivotal moment for the company.

Over the last two decades, many significant improvements were made to this great SUV lineup from the Korean manufacturer. The first generation of Santa Fe vehicles saw Hyundai increase the fuel tank capacity, as well as many design changes.

Even more great changes were made for the second generation between 2007 and 2012. Of course, this means that the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe models are part of the second generation. As part of the second generation, 2009 models feature an older body design, as Hyundai redesigned the line in 2012 for the third generation.

Compared to 2008 models, only minor updates were made to Santa Fe. The lack of major changes allowed Hyundai to keep costs low for the 2009 models. During the year of release, Insure.com listed Santa Fe as one of the cheapest vehicles to insure, which is a testament to the design of 2009 models.

2009 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Levels

As we explained above, Hyundai made very few changes and updates to its 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe models – this is reflected in the trim levels. For the 2009-year models, only three trim levels were offered by Hyundai: GLS, Limited, and SE.

When you compare this to the models that were released in 2009, the exact same trims are available. For models released as part of the third Santa Fe generation, around 10 trim levels are offered. Despite the limited trim options, there are still plenty of ways drivers could customize a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV.

When you factor in engine and transmission configurations, there are eight different 2009 models in total. We’ll take a closer look at these configurations in the following section of this guide!

Driving The 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe – Engine, Transmission, And Performance

For the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe models, Hyundai offered two engines. GLS models are powered by a 2.7L V6 engine that delivers 185 horsepower. However, for the limited and SE models, a more powerful V6 engine was used: a 3.3L that produces 242 horsepower.

While both models offer excellent engines, the 3.3L V6 is perfect for drivers looking for a sportier SUV. However, your seating and cargo space preferences will also factor into your engine decision. We’ll look at this again later, once we’ve discussed those aspects.

For the 2009 GLS Santa Fe models, both manual and automatic transmissions are available. Unfortunately, Limited and SE models come standard with an automatic transmission. For prospective buyers, this means that a manual transmission is only available paired with the base 2.7L engine.

In terms of drivetrain, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe models are available with front- and all-wheel drive. Buyers can choose their preferred drivetrain regardless of trim level. With engine, transmission, and drivetrain configurations in mind, there are eight different 2009 models available. 

Overall, the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe offers drivers moderate performance. A 2009 model will provide you with a smooth and quiet ride. However, it’s easy to feel a bit underwhelmed when you compare the performance of 2009 models to newer ones. While the overall driving experience is adequate, the 2009 models struggle to stand out – but does their fuel efficiency justify this?

How Fuel Efficient Is Hyundai’s 2009 Santa Fe?

Ultimately, the fuel efficiency of the 2009 models will vary depending on the engine, transmission, and drivetrain used. However, all 2009 models have similar MPG ratings. Unfortunately, 2009 models aren’t the most fuel-efficient SUVs. Here are the combined MPGs for each of the eight 2009 Santa Fe configurations.

Inside Hyundai’s 2009 Santa Fe: Cabin, Cargo, And Connectivity

Let’s look at the interior of the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe models, shall we? As we mentioned in a previous section, the engine powering a 2009 model will factor into seating and cargo considerations. This means that drivers may wish to choose an engine based on their needs for the vehicle’s interior.

The seating configurations of the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe models vary depending on trim level. For GLS models, five passengers can be seated across two rows. For Limited and SE models, however, seven passengers can fit across three rows. For those looking for more seating, SE and Limited models will be better suited to their needs.

34.2 cubic feet of cargo space is available for two-row Santa Fe models. For three-row models, on the other hand, this decreases to 10 cubic feet of cargo space. Ultimately, prospective buyers will need to decide whether they prefer the additional two seats or more cargo space.

You will also need to consider the engine choices. As we discussed above, SE and Limited Santa Fe models are only available with the 3.3L V6 engine. This means that those looking for more cargo space are limited to GLS models, which are two-row models that can seat five. Those looking for the 3.3L V6 engine will also be limited to 7 seats and less cargo space.

Regardless of your selected trim level, there are many great features that are standard on 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. These features include cruise control, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. Many of these features are still desirable features more than a decade later.

However, Santa Fe models show their age in their somewhat outdated connectivity features when compared to modern models. In terms of connectivity features, a six-speaker sound system and satellite radio is included with base models. USB inputs are supported by 2009 models.

Hyundai’s Safety Features For 2009 Santa Fe Models

There are many great safety features for 2009 models. These features include anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, and active front-seat head restraints. In crash tests, 2009 models received a five-star rating for protection in front and side impacts.

In addition to the cruise control feature, which we mentioned above, it’s clear that there are many great features that make the Santa Fe a safe SUV. In fact, these fantastic features are the reason insurance rates are lower for 2009 Santa Fe vehicles.

As a rule of thumb, lower vehicle insurance rates are indicative of a vehicle’s safety. For those who are concerned about safety, this is a fantastic model to choose.

Pricing For 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs

For GLS models, starting prices for Santa Fe were between $21,500 and $24,500 in 2009. For Limited models, the starting price ranged from $28,500 to $30,500. For SE models, the starting price was between $24,500 and $26,500.

It’s crucial to note that these prices will vary today due to the vehicle’s availability. Of course, you won’t be able to buy a new 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe from a dealership. This also means you won’t be able to configure your Santa Fe model yourself.

Only one of the new Santa Fe SUVs would be available for purchase. Due to this, those interested in purchasing a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have to locate used models for sale. Buyers will be able to find many great deals on these cars. For those looking to customize their vehicle, a newer Santa Fe model might be a better option.

Our Verdict on the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

There’s much to love about the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, from the V6 engines to the seating options. If you’re looking to purchase one of these excellent SUVs, you’ll be able to find models available secondhand.

Alfio Capicollo