2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Overview

The Santa Fe Sport, a shorter, two-row version of the three-row Santa Fe crossover, stands out by delivering top value for your money and a sweet 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Competitors in this two-row class include the Ford Edge, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Volkswagen Touareg. The Santa Fe Sport is the least expensive of the bunch, but you’d never know it based on its upscale looks and well-appointed interior. The Sport’s rear seat is snug and its fuel economy is ho-hum, but it’s competitive in a key area for mid-size crossovers: cargo capacity.

What's New for 2017?

An exterior refresh includes new LED running lights, a brushed-metal-look grille, and a revised rear end. Inside, the updates revolve around new options. These include a 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen, power-adjustable front-passenger’s seat, bird’s-eye-view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Base: $26,300
• Ultimate: $37,450

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Santa Fe Sport offers a pair of four-cylinder engines in what’s largely a V-6 class. While they’re unobtrusive, only one—the turbo 2.0-liter—has adequate oomph. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine makes 185 horsepower and can tow up to 2800 pounds. The available turbocharged 240-hp 2.0-liter four ups towing power to 3500 pounds. Both Santa Fe Sport engines are available with front- or all-wheel drive, and the standard six-speed transmission is effective if not exactly eager. The Santa Fe Sport is pleasant to drive, but don’t take the “Sport” part literally. With acceptable straight-line performance and a supple suspension, it may not be a true joyride, but the Santa Fe Sport will acquit itself nicely on a weekend pleasure cruise. It feels agile for its size, and it rides comfortably, shrugging off larger pavement imperfections without feeling as if it’s floating on a cloud.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Santa Fe Sport’s interior is well-designed, handsomely styled, and decked out with deluxe materials when you choose the higher trim levels, although even the base model doesn't feel stripped down. It offers an impressive list of standard and optional features and enough room for the driver and three passengers to settle in comfortably for long hauls. And when optioned with such amenities as heated-and-cooled leather front seats, the cockpit can feel downright swanky despite its reasonable price tag. The Santa Fe Sport’s cargo area will handle a lot of luggage, and its cubby storage is impressive.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The base Santa Fe Sport comes with a 5.0-inch display, Bluetooth, six-speaker audio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims add such features as a 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Infinity sound system. Hyundai’s infotainment system is easy for even novices to master, and the version we tested responded well to inputs. With just a single USB port, the Santa Fe Sport isn’t the most modern or connected of its class. But four 12-volt outlets and an auxiliary input should keep the family's devices out of low-battery mode.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

For more information about the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport’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.