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2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting at $31,830

6/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2018 hyundai santa fe
Chris Doane Automotive, Michael Simari|Car and Driver
6/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Stylish design, a host of standard and available features, good value.
  • Lows Tight third row, confusing mix of interior materials, limited cargo volume compared to rivals.
  • Verdict The stylish 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe provides good value, with abundant standard features, a smooth V-6 engine, and a comfortable interior, but third-row space and cargo volume lag behind rivals.

Overview

The Santa Fe offers a chic alternative to less flavorful three-row crossovers. Its elegant styling is handsome, certainly, but it comes with compromises to both cargo-hauling ability and third-row passenger space. A refined V-6 engine provides towing muscle, but acceleration and fuel economy lag behind most rivals. Rich with features starting from the base SE trim level and becoming increasingly luxurious up the model range, the Santa Fe states its case on value.

What's New for 2018?

Hyundai’s family hauler has a simplified lineup for 2018 as it says goodbye to the midrange Limited trim. Blue Link, Hyundai’s telematics subscription, now comes with three years of complimentary service. A few minor trim changes round out the list of updates.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

  • SE: $31,830
  • SE Ultimate: $39,830
  • Limited Ultimate: $40,530

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Santa Fe’s only powertrain is a refined 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6 that comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and drives through the front wheels; all-wheel drive is optional. The V-6 is a well-balanced unit that exhibits no discernible coarseness throughout the rev range, although acceleration lags behind some rivals. Shifts from the six-speed are gentle, but the transmission is often slow to react to driver inputs. For those who pull a trailer, the Santa Fe offers a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds. The Santa Fe’s ride is composed and insulates the cabin from lumps and bumps. It handles the way most of today’s three-row crossovers do: adequately but not athletically. Steering is on the light side, and very little feedback is transmitted to the driver’s hands.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Santa Fe’s cabin can be simple or sophisticated depending on trim level, but either way the interior materials are a mixed bag, as cheap plastics mingle with nicely textured soft-touch panels. The confused interior design and a tight third row mar what is otherwise a comfortable space. Dual-zone automatic climate control is now standard on the base SE trim, as is a power driver’s seat with lumbar adjustments. Ultimate trims have a long list of luxury features, such as leather seating surfaces and heated and ventilated front seats. While the Santa Fe's cargo volume isn’t the segment’s best, it still offers adequate room, and interior cubbies are all well placed and smartly shaped.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The base Santa Fe SE comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes SiriusXM satellite radio, USB connectivity, Bluetooth phone and streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker audio, and Hyundai's BlueLink connected service. Higher trims upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium sound system. The touchscreens are responsive and easy to use, but onboard Wi-Fi isn't available.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

For more information about the Hyundai Sante Fe’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.

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