We like: Nice interior even for the base model
We don’t like: There’s nothing that stands out
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is essentially a short-wheelbase, five-seat version of the Santa Fe. Competing directly against the Nissan Murano and the Ford Edge, the Santa Fe Sport has two engine options and features a two-tone interior.
First, although many automakers send us tarted-up versions of their entries, kudos to Hyundai for having the guts to send a proper base model. Our 2.4-liter tester came with a dual-tone interior composed of cheap, hard plastics and a price tag of $26,310. “Hyundai does a better job than GM of making cheap materials look lush,” Angus MacKenzie said. On the other hand, the Ultimate AWD tester was decently equipped, and we preferred its performance. Frank Markus said its 2.0-liter turbo “makes all the difference in the world,” adding that “it’s much more fun to drive on the winding track, though it’s clear that this isn’t a duty cycle for which it was designed.”
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The Santa Fe Sport’s ride was widely criticized among our judges. Christian Seabaugh said the SUV felt “both floaty and flinty,” and he would like to see a better wheel and tire package. That might help with the NVH issues, especially the cabin intrusion from the Belgian blocks that Mark Rechtin experienced.
Overall, boss man Ed Loh put it best: “It’s a thoughtfully designed, well-executed SUV that lacks excitement. It’s anonymous and anodyne but strong on value.” Although it serves its purpose well, it’s not good enough to be SUV of the Year.
Read about other 2018 SUV of the Year contenders:
- Audi Q5
- BMW X4
- Buick Enclave
- Buick Encore
- Buick Envision
- Chevrolet Equinox
- GMC Terrain
- Jeep Compass
- Maserati Levante
- Mazda CX-5
- Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
- Mini Countryman
- Nissan Rogue Sport
- Toyota C-HR
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volvo V90 Cross Country
| 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate AWD | 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | |
| BASE PRICE | $38,095 | $25,845 |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $40,160 | $26,310 |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV | Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV |
| ENGINE | 2.0L/240-hp/260-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 | 2.4L/185-hp/178-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4 |
| TRANSMISSION | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) | 4,018 lb (57/43%) | 3,589 lb (58/42%) |
| WHEELBASE | 106.3 in | 106.3 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 185.0 x 74.0 x 66.1 in | 185.0 x 74.0 x 66.1 in |
| 0-60 MPH | 8.4 sec | 8.3 sec |
| QUARTER MILE | 16.5 sec @ 85.1 mph | 16.4 sec @ 81.7 mph |
| BRAKING, 60-0 MPH | 145 ft | 139 ft |
| LATERAL ACCELERATION | 0.73 g (avg) | 0.76 g (avg) |
| MT FIGURE EIGHT | 28.4 sec @ 0.58 g (avg) | 28.4 sec @ 0.58 g (avg) |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON | 19/24/21 mpg | 21/27/24 mpg |
| ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY | 177/140 kW-hrs/100 miles | 160/125 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB | 0.93 lb/mile | 0.83 lb/mile |
The post Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: 2018 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Contender appeared first on Motor Trend.
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