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Actual rating will vary with options, driving conditions, habits and vehicle condition.
The standard features of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L include Theta II 2.4L I-4 185hp engine, 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, driver knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 17" aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, electronic stability.
MSRP | Engine | Transmission | City/Hwy mpg | |
---|---|---|---|---|
2.4L
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$24,950 | 185-hp 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-spd auto | 21 / 27 |
2.4L
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$26,500 | 185-hp 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-spd auto | 20 / 26 |
2.0L Turbo
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$31,350 | 240-hp 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-spd auto | 20 / 28 |
2.0L Turbo
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$32,900 | 240-hp 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-spd auto | 19 / 26 |
2.0L Turbo Ultimate
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$35,650 | 240-hp 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-spd auto | 20 / 27 |
2.0L Turbo Ultimate
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$37,200 | 240-hp 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-spd auto | 19 / 24 |
The standard 2.4-liter engine doesn’t cut it for us; it feels breathless and overtaxed, especially when carrying passengers.
It takes the 2.0-liter turbo to get to 60 mph in seven seconds, which is a respectable and more livable performance, while its fuel mileage is just one mpg less. But the main thing is the confidence and safety in passing, with the 2.0t.
The six-speed automatic is programmed with effective shift points, and a manual mode is available to shift at the lever on the console.
Every Santa Fe Sport has Drive Mode with three settings: Sport, Eco, and Normal. Sport mode delivers the most precise handling, but that isn’t really saying a lot, as the steering isn’t very sharp to start with.
The all-wheel-drive system uses an open center differential to move power from the front wheels to the rears when traction is needed. It’s not an off-road system, but definitely improves driving in snow, ice and mud. Also on dry pavement in corners, since the system torque vectoring to add precision to the grip.
For a compact crossover, the Santa Fe Sport has looks that are quite appealing. It represents a successful blend and sharp application of the best modern Hyundai styling themes.
An hexagonal grille is flanked by foglamps and LED-accented headlamps. The side sills span largely from front to rear wheelwell. The rear end looks balanced in the layout of glass and taillamps.
Dual tailpipes exit at the right rear, maybe an attempt to be masculine. The ground clearance is 7.3 inches, more than a sedan but less than a Subaru Outback.
The cabin is roomier than most rivals, especially in front. It’s practical and uses quality materials. The dashboard undulates over controls flanked by large climate vents. Big knobs adjust the audio and fan. The available panoramic sunroof can open the cabin to the sky, but lowers headroom.
The bolstering in the front seat cushions is sufficient, and the backrests are nicely shaped.
The rear seat splits and folds, and slides more than five inches fore and aft, in all models except the base with fabric upholstery. The seatbacks recline, as well.
Behind the rear seat, there’s a solid 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space, and with the seat folded the volume grows to 71.5 cubic feet. There’s a spot under the floor that can contain a laptop. A cargo cover is standard.
Best of all, the front passenger seat folds flat, to open worlds of versatility.
We’ve ruled out the base engine because it’s lame, now the problem is that the better engine, the 2.0t, costs $6400 more, so there goes the bargain. However the 2.0t has many more features, including heated leather seats, but you’re still looking at $34k with freight for an all-wheel drive model, and still not the Ultimate. The fuel mileage and handling are not reasons to buy. There are many worthy contenders, so it’s hard to find a reason to call the Santa Fe Sport the best value.
Sam Moses contributed to this review, with staff reports.
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ($24,950) comes with the 2.4-liter engine, fabric upholstery, cruise control, remote keyless entry, daytime running lights, LED-accented projector headlights, cargo cover, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Seven airbags are standard, including a driver’s knee airbag. The AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD player has auxiliary and USB ports, Bluetooth with audio streaming, and six speakers.
Santa Fe Sport 2.0T ($31,350) with the 2.0-liter turbo gets heated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control; keyless ignition; hands-free liftgate; blind-spot monitors; 7.0-inch touchscreen; Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics; 18-inch wheels; and trailer wiring.
Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate ($35,650) adds a panoramic sunroof, 8.0-inch touchscreen, premium sound system, heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, 19-inch wheels, and a surround-view camera. An optional Technology package includes lane-departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking.
All-wheel drive ($1,550) is available on all models. (All prices are MSRP and do not include destination charge.)
Your privacy is important to us.
Vision Automotive takes your privacy seriously and does not rent or sell your personal information to third parties without your consent. Read our privacy policy.