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Highlander, Active, Elite, etc...Greg GVictoria
Great Vehicle
Great vehicle to drive. Great value considering what other manufacturers provide. Heaps of legroom too. Tyre noise on rougher roads but extremely quiet for a diesel. Will not download contacts from phone. Waiting for Android firmware upgrade for Sat Nav come Media system etc. Safety features on this SUV are considerable. Size was a decision to purchase it. Although a larger SUV but not so big to be a distraction.
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NthShoreSydneySydney
Good in every way EXCEPT failed Audio Unit in first month - made by someone else - has taken 7 weeks
All good EXCEPT on very first 1 month service they discovered audio unit (maps, radio, Bluetooth i.e. hands free in car!) had failed and after 7 weeks have still not got parts. Excuse is it's manufactured by third party....but I bought a Hyundai and thus don't care about that - I just want it fixed. As it is, having to return the car for a second time - meaning time of work, inconvenience, etc - VERY annoying. Never had that problem EVER before with Ford (over 14 years).
August 1st 2018 Update: Must replace all 4 tyres at same time!! $1k ...Read more
+ environmentally bad Had one tyre wear because somehow it was not aligned and pumped to same pressure as other, and now been told by service people: "must change all 4 tyres else not operating car to manufacturers spec and voids warranty on issues with driveline I.e. transmission". Cost is $1k to change all tyres, and other three still got a year in them. Not a good policy or solution HYUNDAI! Wasteful of resources just because your AWD can't cope. Should at least allow front and rear differences.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Doug5Sydney
- 7 reviews
Should be at the top of your SUV list to look at - but no DPF on the Diesel is a disgrace Hyundai
There is no doubt that this vehicle is value for money in the SUV segment and it makes some of the Germans look very pedestrian. The value is awesome with all the bells and whistles that would cost you anything up to another $40k in a German. It drives very well for an SUV and I struggle to find anything wrong in that respect. A few quibbles inside would be some of the Plastics look average and the carpet looks average but the biggest problem is Hyundai has sent this vehicle to Australia without a Diesel Particulate Filter! This is an absolute ...Read more
disgrace as a Diesel emits 4 X the amount of noxious Nitrogen Dioxide and a massive 22 X the amount of particulates to an equivalent petrol. These particulates cause Lung Cancer, Brain Cancer and Heart Failure. This vehicle is marketed to move kids around and its poor form from Hyundai to sell this vehicle here without a DPF while in other markets they install it and other manufactures selling in Australia install them to their Diesels to protect your Health.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Hyundai Santa Fe DM compares to other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Know better, choose better.
Jessie CSydney, NSW
- 4 reviews
- 2 likes
- Santa Fe DM Highlander (2012-2018)
- Verified purchase
Disappointed. Issue with transfer case leaking.
Bought a new Series 2 MY16 model in late November 2015. Was extremely happy with the car. It had all the features for a reasonable price and had great performance...until I took it in for it's 6 months service.
The dealer service department spotted what was suspected to be an oil leak and a replacement seal was ordered. After bringing the car back in they found a leak with with the transfer case. Was told that they have to replace the transfer case and the car was out of commission for more than a week.
Very disappointed especially since the car only had less than 8000 km and replacing major components and no offer of a courtesy car especially since this is a warranty job.
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ACJPerth
Great family car; value for money; jack of all trades
Went for the active petrol auto as they had drive away special on this model (2015 - petrol only). The performance for the first 5000km or so was adequate (considering aus low speed limits). As the km's ticked away the powerplant came alive and now after 16,000km it is actually a pleasant, free revving unit. For what I paid driveaway, I believe it was a bargain considering 7 seats, awd, airbags (at the back- curtain) and auto transmission. The petrol is really a quiet unit and smoot to drive. Select manual shift and it really goes. Sure, it doe...Read more
sn't have the torque of the diesel, but after a while you know where it delivers it's best- 3rd and 4th from around 2800rpm to around 5500rpm and beyond is a pleasant surprise. When towing 6th gear is more of an overdrive than anything else - I towed a 1600kg caravan plus kit plus 2 kayaks on the roof for over 3500km recently and the Santa fe delivered. 5th gear is great for towing and 4th gear, if needed is really strong. I have taken it offroad as well - nothing serious but included a few boggy beach sand drives and no issues - I'm yet to get stuck! I switch to 4wheel lock and traction control off when driving on sand. The only modification I made to the vehicle was a roof rack (rhino hd for 100kg capacity and better width than the factory item) and the Hyundai "load assist" springs - which is just stiffer springs at the rear which affectively raises the tow bar limit (down force) from 100kg to 150kg. It had no effect on the handling and I don't even notice it, but defiently worthwhile as you don't get much of that sagging affect ehen loading up at the back. The 17 inch tyres as fitted standard to the Active variants is also the better option for off roading compared to the lower profile of the Elite and Highlander. In terms of fuel consumption, I avg around 10-11km around town and drops as low as 8.5 on the open road. When towing, depending on the speed expect 16-17km/L (for a caravan). Pros: smoothness of drivetrain combination / space / practical / features (value for money) Cons : lacks torque of diesel / 185mm ground clearance / 150kg tow ball limit limits towing ability, even if you go for the diesel manual... Small info screen on Active. Sorry for the spelling mistakes guys - I realise now I can't go back and edit unless deleting all my sentences...Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Steve
- 3 reviews
Love my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Elite
I had a Hyundai Sonata in the late 90s. What a disaster of a car that was! I vowed never to buy another Hyundai. I stuck with Toyotas and Nissans. Then my friends, who own a i30 and ix35 convinced me to look back to Hyundai.
To cut a long story short, two weeks ago I purchased a used 2014 Santa Fe elite diesel auto with 15k kms on the clock ($35k). Useful features include keyless entry and starting, auto lights, cooled glove box, 12v fridge outlet in the back, 7 seats, 2nd row fold 40:20:40. Smooth to drive, powerful and economical.
The...Read more
interior of the car seems huge. The leather seats are very comfortable and the motorised seat adjustments for the driver are great. The screen instructions for radio, media and sat nav are intuitive and no big deal to learn. The wing mirrors fold when you park. The rear vision mirror tells you which direction you are driving and self dims according to light received. The colour rear camera display is way sharper than the Toyota Prado's, and if you are in danger of hitting something while backing, the car tells you with urgent beeps. The headlights turn on automatically, as do the windscreen wipers. You can turn off the auto features if you like.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Paige08Sydney
- 5 reviews
- 4 likes
I love my car!
Fantastic car
People tend to think hyundais are still cheap. However you definitely get plenty of value in what you pay with these cars.
I would highly recommend the Highlander as they just look better, have leather seats and big sunroof.
My friend just spent over 100k on a Range Rover and my Santa Fe has more features!
Plenty of room in the back seat with 2 kids car seat.
3rd row is a bit squishy but good for a quick drive.
I love the heated seats and it is just a joy to drive.
The sat nav tends to get things wrong from time to time but other than that you can't go wrong.
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SamPERTH
- 4 reviews
- 8 likes
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander 2015
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander 2015. Bought from new traveled 14k so far...
Positives:
1.Overall value for money
2.Reliable so far no issues
3.Very comfortable great seats (heated/cool/electric) Rear recline, fold flat and heated
4.Fuel economy for size and class
5.Good looking
6.Rear blinds
7. Good road holding,refined at higher speeds & generally good to drive.
8.Turning lock is great especially in the tight spaces
...Read more
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FitzeMurrumbidgee Region, NSW
- Santa Fe DM Highlander (2012-2018)
- Verified purchase
Just A Great Set of Wheels / Update One year on!
Comfort,Room, Ride, Finish 10/10
Fuel used last trip to Melbourne 6.2Lt per 100kms
Power up and goes like a XR6 sedan.
All the Mod gadgets. and so Quite.
Did I mention the great Fuel economy!
Poor High Beal Lights is the only down side but have replaced the globes with Phillips 130's and now all is fine
Just a great SUV
12 months down the track and nothing has changed. Just love this SUV. So much comfort, great fuel economy and power for hills and overtaking.
Heat and Cool seats should be standard on all vehicles sold in Australia. Just love the weekends so we can get out and drive it.
Finish is so great it makes my mates Audi look like a plain Jane....Read more
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Find out how Hyundai Santa Fe DM compares to other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
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MJCSydney, NSW
- 4 reviews
- 5 likes
Two faults within the first few days of ownership.
Purchased 2016 DM3 Santa Fe. Absolutely beautiful car to drive. The GPS warnings drive you crazy in the city with red light warnings, black spot warnings, speed camera warnings good, but when you are 800 m away!!
Alas our car after a week has a tailgate that refuses to close. I had my wife drive to the dealer and 3 blokes were unable to fix. Of course after you turn the car off and back on it all resets itself. Another time the entire central console refused to power on. We had to turn the car off AND lock it to reset this.
Not happy spen...Read more
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D PopPerth, WA
- 2 reviews
Nice city suv
We brought our 2014 Highlander Diesel a year ago after trading a 2012 Territory diesel as we decided we wanted 7 seats and weren't impressed enough by the last of the Territory's . Just had first service (15000km) $365. It goes good around the city nice and peppy and good in carparks but on the open road I would have the Territory any day as it has a better ride over regional roads can also tow more and the engine is more refined. We have no complaints as far as reliability goes and it looks great and its good on fuel.
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Great features, less plastic would be good.
Firstly, all the features for that price only Kia could match. Full loaded with what we wanted but one item adaptive cruise control which is available in overseas model only.
Stunning panoramic roof, side mirror tilting while reverse, led lights during the day, leather trim, cooling and heating all great features. I wish that seat heating could be turned on remotely in winters.
Auto tailgate opening is really handy especially when returning from grocery shopping.
Now driving is great too but I think it loses power quickly ior...Read more
t doesn't shift gears quickly enough while going uphill but not a drama as such. Took it to sand dunes and worked well when deflated tyres I the rise it got bogged down, thanks to some.of the guys at the beach for helping out. Would be nice if the ground clearance was a bit more. City driving gives 11lts/ 100 km and long drive 6 to 7 from sydney to Stockton beach. Generally handles rough terrain well but skid once going towards St Albans but I could control it so not sure if traction control worked or not then.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Dissapointing
I purchased a Sante Fe Highlander in May 2013. Up to now the vehicle has exceeded my expectations with ride and fuel economy. It had just done 50,000 km when I notice when reversing a noisy thud coming from the transmission. I took it into the dealership and found out the transmission and transfer case had a massive failure and they had to break the transmission to get it apart. They said it is the first time this has happen but after reading other reviews this is not an isolated case, of course it is covered under warranty but inconvenience as I am without a vehicle for 5 weeks. I am so disappointed with Hyundai Customer Service in my complaint. Future buyers beware, this could be an ongoing problem.
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John WCanberra ACT
- 2 reviews
- 8 likes
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Activ Rear Differential - Is it time for a recall?
We own a Hyundai Santa Fe Activ which we purchased as a demonstrator that had done only a few hundred kilometres, in June 2013. The vehicle now has 58,000 kms on the clock.
This car did not give us any trouble until just recently. In the space of a couple of months, when the car had only done 53,000 kms, the compressor in the air conditioner failed. Much more seriously, the viscous coupling, which transfers drive to the rear differential, failed and the rear differential itself was completely ruined and had to be replaced.
The last ...Read more
two failures could not have happened at a worse time. We were part-way through a touring holiday in the Northern Territory. We were driving along the Stuart Highway, fortunately without pulling our caravan, when we heard a loud “bang” and the car lost all traction. After pulling over, we could not get the car to move. After a long wait in the heat, the car was finally transported, first to Katherine, where we were staying, and then to the nearest Hyundai dealership which was in Darwin. We then had to wait five weeks for the damage finally to be repaired. But that is another story, a story that will also be told in a separate review. Fortunately, all these repairs were covered by the warranty. But that is hardly the point. It is not reasonable to expect a car to experience such catastrophic failure so early in its life. During the five weeks that the car was in the workshop, despite persistent efforts on our part, we were not given any definite advice as to what had actually gone wrong and why. We were simply told that the viscous coupling had to be replaced. We were then advised that it was only after this had happened that a leak in the rear differential was noticed. It was then discovered that the rear differential had to be replaced.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
SteveNewcastle
Great car! very happy!
Purchased the new model (DM) Highlander as soon as it came out in 2012 after careful consideration of the range of SUVs on the market. This one easily ticked more boxes than the others. The awesome shape is an added bonus. We have owned the car since new with no plans on replacement. I think this might be a lifer...
To date it has been a great car. No mechanical problems at all. Very happy with this car.
The only out of the ordinary events were during one service the rear rubber around the tailgate was replaced due to a recall (obviousl...Read more
y at no cost). And a few weeks after the last service the GPS stopped working so it had to be reset to the previous update (again at no cost). The only negative for me is the inability to disable the GPS audio guidance once you have programmed in a destination. Sometimes I'd prefer just to glance at the display every now and then rather than being told verbally every step of the way. You can turn the GPS sound right down, but it still dims the radio audio when it wants to tell you something. Apart from that one bug bear I love all the options that come standard with the highlander; especially the massive sunroof - worth the upgrade just for that feature.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Hyundai Santa Fe DM compares to other Large / 7 Seater SUVs
Know better, choose better.
DavidSunshine Coast
- 6 reviews
Santa fe Highlander Diesel
Had our Sante-fe almost 2 years now. At first we thought the capped price servicing was a good deal but now i am of the opinion that it is a huge rip off and not really capped price as they suggest because they charge extra to replace climate control filter (even though it says replace in service manual) so they don't replace but 'check' it. Take it to the dealer for service and essentialy I am paying around $360 for a basic oil and filter change - they reckon they check other filters etc but I know for a fact they haven't touched the climate f...Read more
ilter both services. This is my third Santa Fe as I was impressed with the build quality compared to the last model. Got a few extras however slim line weather shields where put on crooked, nudge bar crooked and Santa Fe logo on side steps have discoloured to being unrecognisable - to which the service dept informed me it was a coating they put on to stop slippage ( if you stepped on that part of the side step you would be stepping into the door pillar !) All up good value car let down by accessories and serviceSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Problem with the electronic tail gate it opens but wont close automatically.
I love the car, but getting very frustrated re the electronics in the car, side mirrors wont open sometimes and the tailgate is constantly failing to close, I've been back to Hyundai 4 times, the car has only done 2000klm and 200 of those kilometres has been travelling back to car yard, for a $58.000, I expected better service.
After 6 months Hyundai, replaced the sender unit and it is working fine.
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Online ShopperMelbourne
- 6 reviews
- Santa Fe DM Active (2012-2018)
- Verified purchase
Spacious car
We started looking for a 7-seater at start of this year and was confused between Santa Fe, Kluger and Pathfinder. We decided to go ahead with Santa Fe because of diesel engine and third row space.
Quite happy with till now; kids enjoying sitting in back seat. Looking forward for long drive later this year
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Art48AU
- 7 reviews
Great appliance
We have had the 2014 Santa Fe Highlander for a few months now, it is an Arabian Mocca with beige leather interior and currently has 2200kms on the clock.
Especially in this version and color scheme the "Fe" looks and feels as upmarket as any luxury Japanese product, dare I say Infiniti and even Lexus.
There is not much more to wish for, perhaps a dvd player or electric tail gate, but the standard 4 heated seats and panoramic roof illustrate this.
What we like, powerful and frugal engine, albeit a bit audible under Brisbane's up and ...Read more
down roads. On the express way is a top performer, quiet and comfortable, with great overtaking and merging capability. We also like space and practicality. Full stop. What do not like, seemingly simple functionalities, like 3 row access, sunroof operation, missing clock and unexplainable musical tunes. The "goodbye and hello tune" can be switched off. Koreans love this stuff, I know, I've lived there.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
KiwiblokePorirua
Great value SUV
We upgraded to a new DM model a year ago and have not been disappointed. It's an excellent vehicle in every way. Fuel efficient, comfortable, a great driving vehicle, all creature comforts and a great towing vehicle for our caravan and farm trailers.
The DM model has an improved body shell, lower and more interior space. The same 2.2 diesel provides smooth power through the six speed auto gearbox and needs little servicing. The sound system, GPS and reversing camera are top notch. One small niggle - it needs a permanent on screen clock o...Read more
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Questions & Answers
Mick l aasked
Did the 2017 hyundai santa fe higilander come with 5 years free servicing
No answers
Richardasked
Which is fuel line tank to filter.I wish to fit pre filter.
No answers
Sharon P.asked
does it have speed warnings
No answers
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