The three-row, midsize crossover segment is crowded with strong contenders, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe among them. Hyundai manages to stand out by offering a well-equipped model for the money.
What's New for 2018
Following a complete overhaul in 2017, the 2018 Santa Fe arrives unchanged.
Choosing Your Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2018 Santa Fe is a seven-passenger model with three rows of seating. The top trim seats six as the three-place middle row seat is swapped out for a pair of captains’ chairs. Standard storage space measures just 13.5 cubic feet behind the third-row seat. Behind the second-row seat that space increases to 40.9 cubic feet. Maximum storage capacity is 80 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded.
All models come with a 3.3-liter V6 engine making 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. This engine works alongside a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels, although customers may opt for all-wheel drive for an additional $1,750. The Santa Fe returns an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive or 17/22 with the Limited Ultimate and all-wheel drive. The Santa Fe is rated to pull 2,000 pounds or 5,000 pounds with a trailer brake installed.
The Santa Fe is available in three grades: SE, SE Ultimate, and Limited Ultimate. Package options are available across the model line.
Normally, we don’t recommend base models as these typically lack the convenience features and power of higher trim versions, but the Santa Fe SE with the Premium Package and all-wheel drive is available for just $36,250. That's a big savings over a pair of pricier trims without a significant sacrifice in terms of equipment.