2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: Review, Specs, & More

Nov 18, 2025 by Alex Braham 51 views

Hey guys! Thinking about getting a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport? You've come to the right place! We're diving deep into everything you need to know about this SUV, from its performance and features to its reliability and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a compact SUV that offers a blend of comfort, practicality, and style. It's designed to appeal to families and individuals who need a versatile vehicle for daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between. This model year comes with a few notable updates and improvements over previous versions, making it a solid contender in the crowded SUV market. The Santa Fe Sport stands out with its sleek exterior design, spacious interior, and a range of tech features that enhance the driving experience. It's available in multiple trim levels, each offering a different set of amenities and options to suit various preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for a basic, no-frills SUV or a more luxurious and feature-packed ride, the 2018 Santa Fe Sport has something to offer. The vehicle's performance is also noteworthy, with two engine options providing adequate power for most driving situations. Fuel efficiency is competitive within its class, making it a practical choice for those who want to save on gas costs. Safety is another key area where the Santa Fe Sport shines, with a suite of advanced safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Overall, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling package of features, performance, and value. It's a vehicle that deserves consideration if you're in the market for a reliable and versatile SUV.

Performance and Engine Options

When it comes to performance, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport gives you a couple of engine choices, each catering to different driving needs and preferences. The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces around 185 horsepower. This engine is a great option for everyday driving, providing sufficient power for commuting and running errands around town. It's smooth and responsive, making it easy to navigate traffic and handle various road conditions. If you're looking for a bit more oomph, you can opt for the available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine cranks out about 240 horsepower, giving you a noticeable boost in acceleration and overall performance. The turbocharged engine is particularly useful for highway driving, merging onto freeways, and tackling steep inclines. It provides a more engaging driving experience, making the Santa Fe Sport feel more confident and capable. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and precise gear changes. The transmission is well-tuned to each engine, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency. You also have the option of choosing between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive is standard, providing good traction in most conditions. All-wheel drive is available for those who need extra grip and stability, especially in snowy or icy weather. The all-wheel-drive system automatically distributes power to the wheels that need it most, enhancing traction and control. In terms of handling, the Santa Fe Sport offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and pleasant driving experience. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces. Overall, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience, with engine options to suit various needs and preferences.

Interior and Features

Let's step inside the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and check out what it has to offer in terms of interior and features. The cabin is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, offering a spacious and well-appointed environment for both the driver and passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, providing ample room for long trips. The rear seats also offer plenty of legroom, making it a great choice for families with kids or adults who need to ride in the back. The interior is made with high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to use, with intuitive controls and a clear display. Standard features include a rearview camera, a 5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. These features provide a basic level of connectivity and entertainment, making the driving experience more enjoyable. Higher trim levels offer even more features, such as a larger 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. These upgrades enhance the overall experience and provide more convenience and entertainment options. The Santa Fe Sport also offers plenty of cargo space, making it a practical choice for hauling groceries, luggage, and other gear. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more space, allowing you to carry larger items when needed. In terms of technology, the 2018 Santa Fe Sport offers a range of advanced features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These safety features help to prevent accidents and protect occupants, adding an extra layer of security. Overall, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped interior with a range of features to enhance the driving experience. Whether you're looking for basic connectivity or advanced technology, the Santa Fe Sport has something to offer.

Safety and Reliability

Safety and reliability are crucial factors to consider when choosing a vehicle, and the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport excels in these areas. The SUV comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. These include anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full set of airbags. Higher trim levels offer even more advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and alert the driver to potential hazards. They can also take action to prevent or mitigate accidents, such as automatically applying the brakes if a collision is imminent. In terms of reliability, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has a good track record. It has received positive reviews from owners and critics alike, with many praising its dependability and durability. Hyundai also offers a generous warranty on the Santa Fe Sport, providing peace of mind for buyers. The warranty covers the vehicle for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain is covered for an even longer period, with a 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty. This level of coverage is among the best in the industry, demonstrating Hyundai's confidence in the quality and reliability of its vehicles. To further enhance safety and reliability, it's important to keep the Santa Fe Sport properly maintained. This includes following the recommended maintenance schedule, using high-quality parts and fluids, and addressing any issues promptly. Regular maintenance can help to prevent breakdowns and extend the life of the vehicle. Overall, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a safe and reliable SUV that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. Its comprehensive safety features and solid reliability record make it a great choice for families and individuals who prioritize safety and dependability.

Fuel Economy

Let's talk fuel economy for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. If you're like most people, saving money at the pump is a big deal, and this SUV doesn't disappoint. With the base 2.4-liter engine, you can expect to get around 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. These numbers are pretty competitive for a compact SUV and should help you keep your gas costs in check. Now, if you opt for the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the fuel economy takes a slight dip, but not by much. You're looking at approximately 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The extra power is nice to have, but it does come at a small cost in terms of fuel efficiency. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on your driving habits and road conditions. If you tend to drive aggressively or spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, you'll likely see lower fuel economy. On the other hand, if you drive conservatively and stick to the highway, you may be able to exceed the EPA estimates. To maximize your fuel economy, try to avoid hard acceleration and braking, maintain a steady speed, and keep your tires properly inflated. You can also use the Santa Fe Sport's Eco mode, which adjusts the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency. Overall, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers decent fuel economy for its class. It's not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, but it's also not the worst. With a little bit of effort, you can achieve respectable fuel economy and save money on gas.

Pricing and Trim Levels

When it comes to pricing, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers a range of options to fit different budgets and preferences. The base model typically starts at around $25,000, making it an affordable choice in the compact SUV segment. Higher trim levels come with more features and amenities, but they also come with a higher price tag. The most expensive trim levels can easily exceed $35,000, so it's important to consider your needs and budget when choosing a trim level. The Santa Fe Sport is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. The base model comes with a decent array of standard features, including a rearview camera, a 5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trim levels add features like a larger touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and advanced safety features. Some of the popular trim levels include the SE, Value Edition, SEL, and Limited. The SE is a good option for those who want a basic, no-frills SUV at an affordable price. The Value Edition adds some popular features, such as heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL offers a good balance of features and value, with upgrades like leather upholstery, a larger touchscreen display, and a premium audio system. The Limited is the top-of-the-line trim level, offering all the bells and whistles, including a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and advanced safety features. In addition to the trim levels, you can also customize the Santa Fe Sport with a variety of optional packages and accessories. These include things like a tow hitch, roof rack, and cargo organizers. Overall, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers a range of pricing and trim levels to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you're looking for a basic, affordable SUV or a fully loaded model with all the latest features, the Santa Fe Sport has something to offer.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport into its pros and cons so you can get a clear picture of what it's all about.

Pros:

Spacious Interior: The Santa Fe Sport offers a roomy cabin with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for families.
Comfortable Ride: The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use, with intuitive controls and a clear display.
Strong Safety Ratings: The Santa Fe Sport has earned high safety ratings from government and independent testing agencies.
Long Warranty: Hyundai offers a generous warranty on the Santa Fe Sport, providing peace of mind for buyers.

Cons:

Base Engine Can Feel Underpowered: The base 2.4-liter engine may feel a bit sluggish, especially when fully loaded or driving uphill.
Fuel Economy Could Be Better: While the fuel economy is decent, it's not the best in its class.
Some Interior Materials Feel Cheap: Some of the interior materials feel a bit cheap, especially in the lower trim levels.
Styling Is a Bit Bland: The styling of the Santa Fe Sport is not particularly exciting or distinctive.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport? Overall, it's a solid and well-rounded compact SUV that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. It's a great choice for families and individuals who need a versatile and reliable vehicle for daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between. The spacious interior, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology make it a pleasant vehicle to drive and ride in. The strong safety ratings and long warranty provide peace of mind for buyers. However, the base engine can feel a bit underpowered, and the fuel economy could be better. Some of the interior materials feel a bit cheap, and the styling is not particularly exciting. Despite these drawbacks, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a worthy contender in the crowded SUV market. If you're in the market for a compact SUV, it's definitely worth a look.