As of 2023[update], the Santa Fe is positioned between the smaller Tucson and the larger Palisade in Hyundai's global crossover SUV line-up.

In 2003, Hyundai responded to some of the customer complaints and suggestions such as the fact that the bonnet used a prop and not gas struts, there was no light in the glove compartment, and the car itself did not have enough power.

[10] While it did make Hyundai-branded models for sale on the Chinese market,[10] one of the versions it debuted under its own brand name in 2009 was the Santa Fe C9.

[citation needed] Utilizing a 1.8-litre turbocharged inline-four engine acquired from Rover, it was intended to be priced at a significant discount to those bearing the Hyundai name.

Newly standard on the latest iteration of the Santa Fe are all the safety features the previous model lacked or charged as extra.

Electronic stability control (ESC), side-curtain airbags for all seating rows, a tire pressure monitor, active front head restraints, and anti-lock brakes are all standard.

The new style features 'shingled' head rests that when lowered completely, sit flush with the top of the seat, helping to maximize rear visibility.

The magazine's annual ratings, based on road tests and predicted safety and reliability, are considered highly influential among consumers.

Because of the black mirrors and wheel covers, the additional cost of the iPod adapter was negated, leaving the base price of the vehicle unchanged.

[20][21] December 2009 a more economical ‘R’ series piezo electric injector-equipped 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 145 kW of power (up 27 per cent) at 3800rpm and 436Nm of torque at 1800rpm (421Nm for the manual).

Five new colours were added, as well, including Moonstone Silver, Frost White Pearl, Sonoran Red, Mineral Gray, and Espresso Brown.

On 1 September 2010, North American production of the Santa Fe shifted to Kia's new West Point, Georgia assembly plant for the 2011 model year.

There is a Hyundai Santa Fe Blue Hybrid that is powered by petrol engine coupled to a 30 kW (41 PS; 40 hp) electric motor.

[23][24] Hyundai is recalling almost 200,000 Santa Fe SUVs from 2007 to 2009 model years, because the front passenger airbags may not deploy in a crash due to a possible problem with the occupant classification system.

[26][27] The Hyundai Santa Fe earned maximum five star safety rating from Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

[40] The longer Santa Fe receives a unique grille design, optional 19 inch alloy wheels, flush dual exhaust tips, and a body shape that accentuates the crossover's added passenger and cargo room hind-wise from the B-pillar.

The long-wheelbase is offered in North America exclusively with a 3.3-litre, 290 hp (294 PS; 216 kW) V6 petrol engine, the highest output of any vehicle in its class at the time.

The steering of the Santa Fe has been tuned to be more responsive, and the upgraded suspension is stiffer and angled more vertically for longer travel length.

[52] With the new platform, Hyundai claimed an expanded use of high-tensile steels in its body structure, while undercovers for the subframe, engine compartment, and cabin floors results in an improvement of the coefficient of drag from 0.34 to 0.33.

A 2.2-litre diesel version of the Santa Fe with three-row seating was intended to be sold the United States for the 2019 model year, but was cancelled before launch.

[63] The facelifted model was released in December 2020, with base, Active, Elite and Highlander trim levels, while the 2.2-litre diesel engine was updated.

[90] The headlamps and tail lamps take on an H-shaped design, with a light bar spanning the width of the front end in the centre of the grille.

[91] Ensuring spacious interior space and large cargo volume, Hyundai chose to design the SUV starting from the rear.

[93] Hyundai relocated the shift lever to the steering column, which allows the centre console to host two wireless phone charging pads, and a pair of cupholders.

[89][97] The fifth-generation Santa Fe made its European debut during the first half of 2024, it comes only available with hybrid electric powertrains with the option between 2WD and AWD drivetrains.

[107] Komoco Motors launched the fifth-generation Santa Fe in Singapore on 19 June 2024 in two variants, powered by a 1.6-litre T-GDi Hybrid turbocharged petrol.

[108] The fifth-generation Santa Fe went on sale in New Zealand on 3 July 2024, in three trim levels: Active, Limited and Calligraphy; it is powered by a 1.6-litre T-GDi Hybrid turbocharged petrol.

[109] The fifth-generation Santa Fe was launched in Brunei on 6 September 2024, in three trim levels: Exclusive (7-seater), Prestige (6-seater) and Calligraphy (6-seater), all powered by a 2.5-litre GDi petrol engine.

[111][112] The fifth-generation Santa Fe was announced for the Indonesian market in 19 September 2024 through a short teaser video posted on Hyundai Motors Indonesia's Instagram account.

[116] It is locally assembled at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI) plant in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, with mass production began on 25 October 2024.