2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate: A Workhorse Ready For A Refresh

Highlight: The Santa Fe received the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety top safety pick plus recognition.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $42,785 (Base model: $31,830)

Seating Capacity: 7

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; hill assist control; downhill braking control; heated mirrors; driver’s blind spot; a tire pressure monitoring system; a stability control system; and an electronic stability control system

Standard Equipment (SE): 18-inch wheels; a variety of driving modes; a 6-speed automatic transmission; manual folding exterior mirrors; privacy rear window; roof rack side rails; cloth seats; manually operated front seats; sliding second row seats; fold flat into the floor third row seats; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a remote keyless entry system with an alarm; and a locking glove compartment  

Standard Equipment (Limited Ultra):  6-passenger; 19-inch wheels; fog lights; LED taillights; rear parking sensors; premium exterior doors; an oversize sunroof; leather seats; power front seats; heated front seats; a heated steering wheel; a navigation system; an upgraded sound system; rearview camera; a push button ignition system; an instrument panel woodgrain finish rear window manual sunshades; a power operated hands free liftgate; and a cross traffic alert system

Options On Test Vehicle: radar activated cruise control with start/stop feature; automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection; lane departure warning; electronic parking brakes; an automatic hold feature; High Intensity Discharge headlights; high beam assist headlights; and carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Level:

SE
SE Ultimate

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD/CD with a satellite radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.3-liter, 6-cylinder/290-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
18-city/25-hwy

What’s New: With the exception of a few adjustments to Hyundai’s Blue Link service being compatible with smartphones, the vehicle is basically a carryover.

Why: The Santa Fe is a solid workhorse, which is available in both a front wheel drive and a rear wheel drive configuration.

The conservatively styled vehicle offers a variety of trims in a short wheel base or a long wheel base model. The short wheel based model is known as the Sante Fe Sport, while the longer wheel base is referred to as just the Sante Fe. The short wheel base model seats five and is powered by a four-cylinder, 185-horsepower engine, while the longer model is literally driven by a six-cylinder, 295-horsepower engine. Depending upon the trim, the Sante Fe is capable of seating six or seven.

The three-row Santa Fe, which we reviewed, was outfitted with the latest amenities, including everything from leather seats to second row captain chairs to to a navigation system to a keyless ignition starter system.

All of the features in the Sante Fe are user friendly. It is easy to access both the second and third row seats, especially when equipped with the bucket (quad) second row seats. The infotainment is easy for all ages to adapt to. Like in some other brands, hours of training are not required to get up to speed.

Moreover, the Sante Fe is an excellent alternative to minivans. It’s a great riding vehicle designed to take on the open roads. The vehicle scores well in terms of both safety tests as well as many of the major reliability tests. 

Furthermore, the vehicle has one of the best warranties in the segment. The all-new VW Atlas is the only vehicle that outs best every vehicle in the segment.

But: In comparison to its segment competitors, the Santa Fe is ready for a refresh. The entire segment has been updated with fresh styling and a premium class interior. In fact, even its sibling from Kia offers a more upscale vehicle in terms of styling and the interior layout. It’s time for Hyundai’s dated vehicle to join the party with the upcoming 2019 Santa Fe, which made its debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show.

Unfortunately, the current model lacked ventilated seats as well as factory built entertainment system for the kids.

Verdict: A new 2019 model is on the way later this summer. Buyers in the market for a reliable fullsize people mover, with many of the latest convenience and driving aid features, should consider placing the Hyundai on their shopping list. Also with a refreshed model on the way that mirrors the all-new Kona in terms of the fascia, they can possibly work up a sweet deal.

Competition: 2018 Chevy Traverse; 2018 GMC Acadia; Ford Explorer; Honda Pilot; Mazda CX-9; Kia Sorento; Mitsubishi Outlander; Nissan Pathfinder; Toyota Highlander; and VW Atlas