Hyundai Santa Fe Sport — Specs, Trims, Prices & Owner Reviews
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the five-passenger, two-row version of the third-generation (DM) Santa Fe, sold in the United States and Canada for the 2013 through 2018 model years. When Hyundai split the nameplate for 2013 it kept "Santa Fe" for the stretched three-row car and gave the short-wheelbase model the Sport suffix, so a Santa Fe Sport is always the smaller, lighter, four-cylinder-only variant on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. U.S.-market cars were assembled in America — at Kia's West Point, Georgia plant from launch, with Hyundai adding a second source at its Montgomery, Alabama factory in January 2016.
Model years 2015–2018 · Independent buyer data
Fuel economy: 21 mpg city / 27 hwy (FWD); 20 / 26 (AWD)
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: General Information
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the five-passenger, two-row version of the third-generation (DM) Santa Fe, sold in the United States and Canada for the 2013 through 2018 model years. When Hyundai split the nameplate for 2013 it kept "Santa Fe" for the stretched three-row car and gave the short-wheelbase model the Sport suffix, so a Santa Fe Sport is always the smaller, lighter, four-cylinder-only variant on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. U.S.-market cars were assembled in America — at Kia's West Point, Georgia plant from launch, with Hyundai adding a second source at its Montgomery, Alabama factory in January 2016.
Two Theta II four-cylinders were offered throughout, both with a six-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic and a choice of front-wheel drive or an on-demand all-wheel-drive system with a locking centre coupling. The base 2.4-liter direct-injected four made 190 hp and 181 lb-ft at launch; the turbocharged 2.0-liter made 264 hp and 269 lb-ft, an unusually strong figure for the class. A mid-cycle facelift for 2017 brought new front and rear fascias, LED running lamps, a redesigned centre stack with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and standard drive modes — and software changes that trimmed the engines to 185 hp and 240 hp respectively. Hyundai replaced the Sport after 2018 with the all-new fourth-generation (TM) Santa Fe, which simply took the plain Santa Fe name.
Standout traits are space and equipment for the money. Cargo volume is 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 71.5 with them folded, rear legroom is a generous 39.4 inches, and even mid-range cars offered heated leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and an eight-inch navigation system. Towing is rated at 2,000 pounds with the 2.4 and 3,500 pounds with the turbo. EPA figures span 18–21 mpg city and 24–28 mpg highway depending on engine and drivetrain, and U.S. base prices ran from roughly $24,950 to $38,250 across the model's life, before destination.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport by model year
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L
The 2.4L is the base Santa Fe Sport, opening at $24,950 with front-wheel drive and the 190-hp direct-injected Theta II four. For 2015 Hyundai revised the electric power steering and retuned the suspension, made daytime running lights and a driver's blind-spot mirror standard, and added an auto up/down front passenger window and an available power liftgate. All-wheel drive with a locking centre coupling is a $1,750 option.
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T
The 2.0T swaps in Hyundai's turbocharged Theta II four, good for 264 hp and 269 lb-ft — a 74-hp jump over the base engine — and starts at $31,250 with front-wheel drive. The extra money also buys 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a rear-view camera as standard. Towing capacity rises to 3,500 pounds and a Saddle leather interior was a no-cost trim option this year.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L
For 2016 the base Santa Fe Sport carries over unchanged at $24,950 with front-wheel drive, the final year before the mid-cycle facelift. Power still comes from the 190-hp, 181-lb-ft direct-injected 2.4-liter Theta II four through a six-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic, rated 20/27 mpg with front drive. This is also the model year in which Hyundai announced it was adding Santa Fe Sport production at its Montgomery, Alabama plant to keep up with demand.
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T
The turbocharged 2.0T also holds its 2015 price of $31,250 and delivers 265 hp and 269 lb-ft — the last year of the high-output tune before Hyundai cut it to 240 hp for the 2017 facelift. It adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control and a rear-view camera, and can tow 3,500 pounds. Optional Technology and Ultimate equipment groups bring a panoramic sunroof, an eight-inch navigation system, ventilated front seats and lane departure warning.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L
2017 brings the Santa Fe Sport's mid-cycle facelift — new front and rear fascias, a brushed grille, reworked headlights with fresh daytime running lamps, new wheels and rocker trim — and the base 2.4L rises $400 to $25,350. New standard drive modes (Sport, Normal and Eco) come with software changes that trim the direct-injected 2.4-liter to 185 hp and 178 lb-ft, though EPA economy improves to 21/27 mpg. A 7.0-inch touchscreen is newly available and a 360-degree camera and automatic emergency braking join the options list.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T
The 2017 2.0T lists at $31,700 and receives the same facelift, but its turbocharged Theta II four is re-rated from 265 hp to 240 hp with 260 lb-ft as part of the new drive-mode software. Highway economy actually improves to 28 mpg with front drive. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control and a rear-view camera, and towing stays at 3,500 pounds.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate
Ultimate is the range-topping Santa Fe Sport, and for 2017 Hyundai promotes it from an equipment group on the 2.0T to a listed trim, at $36,500 with front drive and $38,250 with all-wheel drive — the most expensive Santa Fe Sport ever sold in the U.S. It pairs the 240-hp turbo with 19-inch alloy wheels, Xenon HID headlights, a panoramic sunroof, an eight-inch navigation system with an Infinity premium audio system, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The bigger wheels cost it a little economy, dropping the AWD car to 19/24 mpg.
▶ Watch the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate review
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4L
2018 is the final model year for the Santa Fe Sport in the United States, and Hyundai sent it off by cutting the base 2.4L back to its 2015 price of $24,950. The 185-hp, 178-lb-ft direct-injected four and six-speed automatic carry over from the 2017 facelift with 21/27 mpg. New this year is a Value Package on the 2.4L that bundles the convenience and driver-assistance features that previously required stepping up to the turbo.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T
The 2018 2.0T drops $350 to $31,350 and keeps the facelifted car's 240-hp, 260-lb-ft turbocharged Theta II four with the six-speed automatic. Standard kit runs to 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and a rear-view camera. It is the last Santa Fe Sport turbo before the model was replaced by the fourth-generation Santa Fe.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate
The Ultimate closes out the Santa Fe Sport at $35,650 with front drive and $37,200 with all-wheel drive, both about $1,000 cheaper than the equivalent 2017 cars. It adds 19-inch alloy wheels, Xenon HID headlights, a panoramic sunroof, an eight-inch navigation system with Infinity premium audio, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera and automatic emergency braking. Its 19-inch wheels cost it two highway mpg against the standard 2.0T.
▶ Watch the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate review
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport trim levels
| Trim | MSRP | Engine | Power | Drive | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L | $24,950 | 2.4L GDI I4 | 190 hp / 181 lb-ft | FWD or AWD | 20 / 27 mpg |
| 2.0T | $31,250 | 2.0L T-GDI I4 | 264 hp / 269 lb-ft | FWD or AWD | 19 / 26 mpg |
| 2.4L | $24,950 | 2.4L GDI I4 | 190 hp / 181 lb-ft | FWD or AWD | 20 / 27 mpg |
| 2.0T | $31,250 | 2.0L T-GDI I4 | 265 hp / 269 lb-ft | FWD or AWD | 19 / 26 mpg |
| 2.4L | $25,350 | 2.4L GDI I4 | 185 hp / 178 lb-ft | FWD or AWD | 21 / 27 mpg |
| 2.0T | $31,700 | 2.0L T-GDI I4 | 240 hp / 260 lb-ft | FWD or AWD | 20 / 28 mpg |
| 2.0T Ultimate | $36,500 | 2.0L T-GDI I4 | 240 hp / 260 lb-ft | FWD or AWD | 20 / 27 mpg |
| 2.4L | $24,950 | 2.4L GDI I4 | 185 hp / 178 lb-ft | FWD or AWD | 21 / 27 mpg |
| 2.0T | $31,350 | 2.0L T-GDI I4 | 240 hp / 260 lb-ft | FWD or AWD | 20 / 28 mpg |
| 2.0T Ultimate | $35,650 | 2.0L T-GDI I4 | 240 hp / 260 lb-ft | FWD or AWD | 20 / 27 mpg |
Specifications (2018)
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic |
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Compare the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport →Frequently asked questions
How much does the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport cost?
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has a typical price range of $24,950 - $37,200, spanning 10 trim levels. Actual prices vary by year, mileage and local market conditions.
What fuel economy does the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport get?
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport achieves 21 / 27 mpg. Real-world figures depend on trim, drivetrain and driving style.
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport reliable?
Owner-reported reliability is rated 6.5 / 10. Recall history: 4 recalls (NHTSA, 2018 model year — campaigns 17V577000, 17V801000, 22V056000 and 22V820000).
What years of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport are available to compare?
Cars4Real covers Hyundai Santa Fe Sport model years 2015–2018. You can compare every year and trim side by side with live market prices and real owner reviews.