Santa Fe Sport competes in the uber-popular crossover category, combining the versatility of hatchback storage with car-like handling.
When the once sleepy compact crossover segment started gaining traction in the mid 1990's, wheelbases (distance between front and rear axles) were smaller and three-door hatchbacks were available. Today, compact designated crossovers have bulked up, gotten roomier and boast five doors while a new breed of sub crossovers have emerged.
Hyundai introduced Santa Fe as an all-new compact crossover back in 2001. A third-generation lineup debuted in the 2013 model year with broadened promotional scheme. In 2013, Hyundai introduced a larger (8.5-inches longer), seven-passenger version, marketing the three-row version as simply "Santa Fe." The five-passenger offering was re-imagined as "Santa Fe Sport" with dimensions approaching mid-size status. The seven-passenger Santa Fe took the dealership slot vacated by the short-lived, heavier-weighted Hyundai Veracruz (2007-2012) which lasted one generation cycle.
During this past February's Chicago Auto Show, South Korea's largest automaker rolled out mid-cycle revamps of 2017 Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe. Three-row Santa Fes competes with the likes of the Honda Odyssey. Our five-passenger Santa Fe Sport tester eyes Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge and Subaru Outback.
Santa Fe Sport, this week's tester, and Hyundai in general, provide excellent value-for-the-buck; not to mention the industry's longest powertrain warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles.
For 2017, nearly 350 Santa Fe Sport parts are updated. Santa Fe Sport rides on a uni-body (car-like) platform rather than heavier-duty, truck-specific body-on-frame underpinnings for a smoother ride and superior on-road handling.
The 2017 Santa Fe Sport offers the choice of two returning four-cylinder engines. The base, naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder blasts out 185 horses. Optional is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder upping the ante to 240. The larger three-row Santa Fe offers a 3.3-liter V-6 (290 horsepower) exclusively. All engines connect to a standard six-speed automatic transmission and utilize 87-octane fuel to fill the averaged-sized 17.4 gallon tank.
Currently, Santa Fe nor Santa Fe Sport offer gas-electric hybrid technology, although Hyundai's mid-size 2017 Sonata sedan offers both a self-charging gas-electric hybrid (no plug needed) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle version (a PHEV requiring an outlet) with 27 miles of all electric range before the gas engine takes command.
Both Santa Fe Sport engines offer the choice of front-wheel or Midwest-friendly all-wheel drive. All engine/drivetrain combinations have improved city mileage by one mile per gallon from 2016, but check in average-at-best when measured against many rivals. Our turbo tester with all-wheel drive registered estimates of 19 miles per gallon city and 24 mpg highway. With front drive, expect 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Turbochargers run off of recycled exhaust gases spinning a pinwheel-inspired turbine to pump a higher air concentration into the engine, helping pump-up performance without adding weight or additional cylinders. Santa Fe's Sport's turbo add snappier performance during passing maneuvers on the open highway.
All Santa Fes now include a drive select mode button (dashboard located left of the steering column) for choosing between sport, eco and normal drive experiences adjusting the steering wheel feel and transmission shift points.
Our four cylinder turbo with all-wheel drive started at $38,250. With a $1,550 ultimate tech package (lane departure warning, auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, auto leveling headlights) and $125 carpeted floor mates, the bottom line reached $40,820 with $895 destination charge.
The lowest-priced Santa Fe Sport, with the naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four cylinder and front wheel drive, starts at $25,350.
The base 2.4-liter four banger offers three progressive option groups: 'popular equipment package', 'sports premium package' and 'tech package' (the popular equipment package remains a prerequisite for the sports package; the tech package combines all three). The 2.0 turbo comes well equipped in its base edition or with the aforementioned 'Ultimate' upgrade.
Ultimate also adds large 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, sharply illuminating Xenon headlamps, heated second-row seats and the largest-dimensioned touch center screen (eight inches with in-dash navigation). In back, LED (light-emitting diode) tail lights include seven red-jewel-like square highlights ascending in size.
No matter if classified as a large compact or diminutive mid-sizer, Santa Fe Sport welcomes three adult passengers in the back row with ample leg and head room. Turbo models include a fore and aft manual slide. Second-row seat backs fold flat manually (40/20/40) split) opening up cargo carrying capacity. Front shotgun travelers benefit from height adjustable power seats. At highway speeds, expect minimal wind and tire noise as the cabin retains a quiet aura.
Santa Fe Sport incorporates a newly designed center stack with a multi-purpose five-inch color display audio screen. Optional is a seven-inch touch screen with Android Auto accommodations. Our Ultimate included the largest available eight inch variety flanked by 'boomerang-shaped' air vents. A color, rearview camera feed is now standard across the Santa Fe lineup. A multi-view feed standard in Ultimate (thanks to an array of tiny exterior cameras) providing useful real-time visual feeds of surroundings. At night, the center stack and steering wheel glow with cool blue backlighting.
The easily interpreted at a glance instrument panel includes two extra-large circular analog gauges with a right-side speedometer with small circular bottom fuel insert. Both flank a digital message window with panel varieties controlled via a lower-level button on the manually-adjusting tilt-and-telescope steering column. At night, white backlighting illuminates the panel.
Push-button start is found on the dash right of the steering column. Ventilation functions below the touch screen include a large center dial monitoring fan speed, toggle buttons for dual zone temperature selection and push button for fan direction. A nearby dash button summons a visual summary of climate data in the center multi-purpose screen. Below, an open-air atrium houses USB and Smartphone ports and dual 12-volt outlets. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity comes standard as well as satellite radio.
A new exterior hue appearing on Santa Fe sport: Nightfall Blue. Side windows narrow from the front A-pillar back to the D-pillar region, while the roof slopes downward front to back, creating a narrowing effect (adding blind-spot issues at times for drivers). Standard in all trims is a top-mounted spoiler with integrated brake light and chrome, strap-like door handles. A power lift gate (part of premium and above packages) employs ample head clearance for those six-feet three and below.
Historically, five-passenger Santa Fe assemblage took place in South Korea. In 2017, Hyundai added Santa Fe Sport production to its U.S. production facility in Montgomery, Alabama alongside Elantra and Sonata sedans. Additional units get built in West Point Georgia, at Kia Motor America's assembly facility (Hyundai serves as Kia's parent company).
2017 Santa Fe Sport
Price as tested: $40,820
Engine: 2.0-liter turbo
Horsepower: 240
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Overall length: 185.0 inches
Overall width: 74.0 inches
Overall height: 66.1 inches
Curb weight: 4,107 pounds
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Powertrain warranty: 10-year/100,000 mile
Assembly: Montgomery, Alabama
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