The Hyundai Santa Fe is a sports utility vehicle that is classified as a mid-sized vehicle. The Santa Fe made its debut in 2001. In the United States the vehicle came with a 2.4 liter engine that had four cylinders and a choice between a manual gear system with five gears or an automatic gear system with four gears. The 2.4 Liter engine used less fuel but was criticized for being less powerful, so Hyundai introduced a 2.7 Liter Delta V6 engine which was only available with the automatic gear system. The vehicle was offered with a front wheel drive version, though optional was the all-wheel drive version. The vehicle came in three versions, GL, GLS and LX. In 2002, Hyundai increased the size of the gas tank of the vehicle and changed the look of the dashboard. In 2003, the Santa Fe got a bigger more powerful 3.5 liter V6 engine and a better looking dashboard. Added on the GLS was a stereo system manufactured by Monsoon and the LX had a CD player along with the same stereo system. In 2004, no changes were made to the Santa Fe while in 2005 changes were made to the bumper at the back, lights at the back and the GL version was discontinued.

The second generation Santa Fe made its debut in 2007. It was first displayed at The North American Auto Show in 2006. The new Santa Fe comes in three versions, GLS, SE and Limited. While the GLS derives its power from a 3.3 Liter V6 engine and is equipped with 16 inch tires, power windows, mirrors that are heated, and a CD player that can play MP3 music. The SE version derives its power from a 3.3 Liter V6 engine and is equipped with 18 inch tires, a rear view mirror that dims the lights of the traffic behind, headlights that can be switched on automatically and stereo system buttons that are located on the steering wheel. The Limited has the same engine and equipment as the SE, but also has heated leather seats, and temperatures inside the vehicle can be controlled. Optional on the Limited is a third row of seats, and a sunroof. Included on all Hyundai Santa Fe models are anti-lock disc brakes for all four tires, airbags and a system to monitor air pressure in all four tires.