2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
What’s new
- Limited trim level discontinued
- Part of the third Santa Fe generation introduced for 2013
Pros
- Plenty of standard features for the money
- Easy-to-use entertainment interface
- Generous warranty coverage
Cons
- Cargo capacity falls short of some competitors
- Limited availability of advanced driver safety aids
- Fuel economy is slightly below par
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich Santa Fe does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
Ideally, a three-row crossover SUV should serve every member of the family well. The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe largely succeeds. It offers an appealing mix of features for an affordable price and is comfortable and easy to drive.
Though it's a little thirsty, the Santa Fe's standard V6 supplies enough passing power. Higher trim levels provide lots of interior amenities, such as keyless ignition and entry, heated front and second-row seats, rear window sunshades and a six-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs. When it comes to hauling, the Santa Fe's cargo capacity falls a little short of competitors, though there's still 80 cubic feet available behind the front seats.
While we wouldn't put it at the front of the pack, the 2018 Santa Fe's mixture of capability and available features at an attractive price make it worthy of consideration for your next family hauler.
Trim levels & features
The Santa Fe is a six- or seven-passenger midsize SUV that's available in three trim levels and front- or all-wheel drive. No matter the trim, each Santa Fe comes with a 3.3-liter V6 (290 horsepower, 252 pound-feet of torque) and six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels, while all-wheel drive is optional and includes a windshield wiper de-icer.
The Santa Fe SE starts you off with LED running lights, heated side mirrors, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 40/20/40-split folding second-row bench seat and a power-adjustable driver seat. Electronic features include a 7-inch infotainment display, a rearview camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Hyundai's Blue Link communications and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
You can tell the SE Ultimate apart by its standard 19-inch wheels and LED fog lights. Additional standard features include a sunroof, leather seating, heated front and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The 8-inch touchscreen has navigation and an upgraded 12-speaker audio system. Occupants in the third row gain access to a USB port, while a 115-volt outlet is added to the cargo area. Convenience amenities include a proximity key with push-button start, a hands-free liftgate and rear side window sunshades. Safety upgrades consist of blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors and a multiview parking camera system.
Aside from some slight exterior differences, like LED taillights and silver painted accents, the Limited Ultimate is equipped the same as the SE Ultimate except for one key difference: The second row has captain's chairs instead of a bench. This seating arrangement reduces passenger capacity to six.
A Tech Package available for the SE Ultimate and Limited Ultimate adds a suite of advanced safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning and xenon headlights with automatic high beams.
Driving
Comfort
Interior
Utility
Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe video
JOSH SADLIER: I'm Edmunds Editor Josh Sadlier. And this is a rundown of the features you'll find in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Santa Fe is a six or seven passenger midsize SUV that's available in three trim levels, SE, SE Ultimate, and Limited Ultimate. Each comes with a V-6 engine, while All Wheel Drive is a $1,750 option. You'll want the mid-level SE ultimate for its added creature comforts and expanded standard safety features, like blind spot detection and rear parking sensors. It's worth noting that you get a backup camera no matter which trim you choose. There's only one package available for each trim level. So you don't have to worry about the long options list inflating the price. With the third and second rows folded, you have access to 80 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second row upright, there's still 41 cubic feet. An available hands-free rear lift gate opens when you stand behind the car for a few seconds with the key fob in your pocket or purse. The reclining second row seats also slide forward and back, giving them a fair amount of head and leg room. They also come with heating in the ultimate trim levels. Hyundai's entertainment system is pretty easy to use and supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all models. The Santa Fe has advanced safety features, like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and collision mitigation. But be prepared to spend above $40,000 if you want them. We like the front seats for their comfort and adjustability. You also get two 12-volt power outlets and two USB ports. So there's no problem keeping your stuff charged. The Santa Fe's top competitors include the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander, and the Ford Flex. Bottom line, though it's third row and cargo space are a little tight, the attractive Santa Fe offers a great warranty and a comfy interior for a solid price, making it worth considering for your next car.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Features Rundown
Ideally, a three-row crossover SUV should serve every member of the family well. The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe largely succeeds. It offers an appealing mix of features for an affordable price and is comfortable and easy to drive. In this video, we highlight the key features that matter most. From mpg, interior space and technology to design and comfort - these pros and cons will help steer you toward a perfect car.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Santa Fe safety features:
- Blind-Spot Detection
- Alerts you if it senses a vehicle in your blind spot while you're changing lanes.
- Multi-view Camera System
- Shows a top-down view of your SUV when you park, making it easier to avoid curbs and line up in the parking space.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Monitors road markings and warns you if it detects you're drifting out of your lane.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the competition
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
2018 Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Hyundai Tucson
The Santa Fe is Hyundai's three-row SUV while the Tucson is the brand's compact two-row SUV. Since they're siblings, they share many of the same strengths, so if you don't need seating for seven or 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, it might be worth looking at the smaller and more fuel-efficient Tucson.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento gives you a little more choice than the Santa Fe. You can get it with either four-cylinder or V6 power, and its third-row seat is optional. Kia also offers many advanced driver safety aids starting with the mid-priced Sorento trims. The Sorento is a little smaller than the Santa Fe, though, and has less maximum cargo space.
Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is a smaller crossover SUV than the Santa Fe. It typically seats five, but Nissan offers a third row on certain trim levels. The Rogue is a comfortable vehicle, but the combination of its lackluster four-cylinder engine and CVT automatic makes it feel sluggish. It's down on cargo capacity compared to the larger Santa Fe, and it can only tow 1,000 pounds compared to the Santa Fe's 5,000.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe for Sale
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See your car's valueHyundai's 2018 Santa Fe is an appealing choice for a family-friendly crossover SUV. It's bigger than a five-passenger compact, but it's also not a behemoth SUV based on a full-size truck. The seven-passenger Santa Fe isn't the largest vehicle in this crossover category, but its first and second rows are at least as comfortable as those of its direct competitors. And it's a significantly larger vehicle than its Hyundai stablemates, the subcompact Tucson and the confusingly named in-betweener, the Santa Fe Sport.
Hyundai offers the Santa Fe in three trim levels. At the base sits the SE, which is nicely equipped even if it is the entry-level model. Then there's the SE Ultimate, which covers what most buyers will want. Finally, there is the Limited Ultimate, which is about as luxurious as anything Hyundai sells.
All Santa Fe trim levels are powered by a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 290 horsepower. And they all use the same six-speed automatic transmission that feeds the front wheels. Opt for the optional all-wheel-drive system and, well, all the wheels are driven. Actually, the rear wheels are only driven when needed, a feature that improves efficiency. All Santa Fes are rated to tow 5,000 pounds.
Hyundai offers several advanced safety features. There's blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on the SE Ultimate and Limited Ultimate. And if that's not enough, forward collision mitigation and a 360-degree camera system are on the options list.
In a booming category such as larger crossover SUVs, it helps to have a guiding hand helping you make your decisions. Edmunds is here to be that guide. And we'll help you get a solid deal from a great dealer, too.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Overview
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is offered in the following submodels: Santa Fe SUV. Available styles include SE 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A), SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A), Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A), Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A), SE Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A), and SE Ultimate 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Santa Fe 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Santa Fe.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Santa Fe featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $43,050. The average price paid for a new 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) is trending $8,449 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,449 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$34,601.
The average savings for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) is19.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 5 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $34,400. The average price paid for a new 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) is trending $6,307 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,307 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$28,093.
The average savings for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) is18.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 7 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $32,475. The average price paid for a new 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A) is trending $6,860 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,860 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$25,615.
The average savings for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A) is21.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 12 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $42,290. The average price paid for a new 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) is trending $7,386 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,386 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$34,904.
The average savings for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) is17.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Hyundai Santa Fes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe for sale near. There are currently 35 new 2018 Santa Fes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $32,475 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $9,458 on a used or CPO 2018 Santa Fe available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Hyundai Santa Fes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Hyundai Santa Fe for sale - 7 great deals out of 21 listings starting at $10,544.
Find a new Hyundai for sale - 5 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $22,723.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Hyundai lease specials
Check out Hyundai Santa Fe lease specials
Related vehicle information
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Information
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- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Consumer Reviews
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Features & Specs
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Pictures
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
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- Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe For Sale Near Me
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Ownership Costs