2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Review





+196
Used Santa Fe for sale
Get More For Your Trade-In
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe appraisal values can range from $18,427 - $23,315.
Find out what your car is really worth in minutes.
Edmunds' Expert Review

byCarlos LagoCarlos Lago has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. Along with an extensive background in performance testing and evaluation, he has produced hundreds of car-related articles and videos.
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
What's new
- Limited trim level discontinued
- Part of the third Santa Fe generation introduced for 2013
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.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Ideally, a three-row crossover SUV should serve every member of the family well. The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe largely succeeds. Though we wouldn't put it at the front of the pack, the Santa Fe's mixture of capability and value make it worthy of consideration.
Driving
Solid, predictable handling and precise steering make for a competent commuter. The suspension also delivers the comfortable ride quality you'd expect from a car-based crossover. The standard 3.3-liter V6 provides good acceleration without fuss.
Comfort
We like the front seats for their comfort and adjustability, and both front and second rows feel roomy. The third row is fine for kids, but don't expects adults to last long back there. The lack of intrusive wind and road noise adds to a relaxed driving demeanor.
Interior
The smart interior arrangement makes it easy to use. We like the simple physical controls and an attractive design. The reclining second-row seats also slide forward and back, giving them a fair amount of head- and legroom.
Utility
Stowing both rows of back seats reveals 80 cubic feet of cargo space, and there's 41 cubic feet with the second row upright. That's less than in some competitors, but still plenty of space. A hands-free liftgate is available.
Technology
Hyundai's infotainment system is easy to use and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all Santa Fes, so pairing and using your phone aren't a hassle. The available 360-degree camera system makes parking easy and safe.
Which Santa Fe does Edmunds recommend?
With only three trim levels and one option, picking the right Santa Fe isn't too difficult. We think the sweet spot is the SE Ultimate, which comes with the comfort and safety features you'll want along with a larger entertainment and navigation system and a surround-sound audio system. Unfortunately, advanced safety features, such as forward collision mitigation, are only available in the optional Tech package. You'll have to pay more to get them.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe models
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.

The Hyundai Veloster N is Dead, Long Live the Elantra N

Hyundai Unveils New Ioniq 6 Electric Sedan
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Wasn't even on our radar at first
Tom,04/18/2018
Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
Its been over two years, and my wife and I are still content with our purchase. 2 years ago, We started with a list of about 15 to look at, culled the list to 11 to drive. This was on the bottom, because we just didn't have any experience with Hyundai, now we are believers. Out of all the top rated SUVS on US News, Edmunds, and Consumer Reports, this came in a resounding first for us. … Reviews say that there isn't as much cargo space. We are band directors and professional musicians who play low brass instruments that take up a lot of room, this was a concern, until we loaded it with our instruments and still had plenty of room. Don't let that statement on the reviews keep you from giving this vehicle a good, hard look.
There have been no issues, and the vehicle has been great!
5 out of 5 stars
Took a long time to find what I wanted
Doug,09/22/2018
SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
I have a 2018 Santa Fe se awd with the premium package. I started looking for this vehicle for a year before I bought it, but I could not find an awd anywhere in Texas and finally bought it in Illinois. The third row stays down unless needed, but I have used it several times and is very handy. drives great, and is quiet, handles well, mileage pretty good, and I could get better … mileage, but I drive it. The warranty is great and has a great crash rating. It can tow up to 5000 pounds and is setup and ready for a bolt on hitch and the electric connections for a trailer are in the rear on the drivers side plug and play. It is near perfect for me size wise and if I go to the beach in heavy sand it has a good awd system which is on all the time. If the front wheels lose traction it automatically sends power to the rear wheels, and you can lock it into 4 wheel full time with the push of a button. Yes there are bigger faster suv's but they will cost almost twice as much and I would rather have 2 of these rather than a troublesome Audi or Bmw where service costs much more, more often, with less warranty and lower crash protection. It also has the ability to hold its value pretty well. I do have a couple of nits, one is a larger gas tank and another is I wish the second row would fold flat. All in all great vehicle very comfortable.
5 out of 5 stars
Rental Santa Fe Made Me a Believer
UtahRed,11/21/2017
SE 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
I have rented this suv for a week since my car is in the shop. I currently have a KIA Sorento. I test drove a 2015 Santa Fe before purchasing my Sorento. The issues I had with the 2015 have all been addressed in the 2018 Santa Fe I'm renting now. And I would have to highly recommend it. It has good acceleration, the visibility is much better than my KIA. It's more sporty looking. … It sits up higher thanks to a "pumping" lever. The headrest is much more comfortable. I can see out the back window. The interior isn't as nice as my Sorento but it's got all the bells and whistles.
5 out of 5 stars
Same car, great improvements
John Barna-Lloyd,02/27/2018
Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
Had a 2014, same body style and looks but greatly improved. 60k miles on the 2014 nothing ever required maintenance. Passenger seat was not adjustable up-or down. Wife hated it. 2018 changed that. Same engine, same HP more power better gas mileage. Drove it home from dealer on freeway 29.9 mph. Nav and Blue Tooth great. Control by cell phone. After almost 20k miles still no maintenance … requirements. Gas mileage seems to improve with age. Still no maintenance needs. I got 33.1 MPG last fill up. Looks and drives like new
Safety
Our experts like the Santa Fe models:
- 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.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover15%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
People who viewed this also viewed
3.981132 average Rating out of 106 reviews. |
Starting at $24,950 |
See Inventory |
5 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
Starting at $29,590 |
See Inventory |
4.774194 average Rating out of 31 reviews. |
Starting at $33,600 |
See Inventory |
More about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Overview
The Used 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), SE Ultimate 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A), SE Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A), Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 6A), and Limited Ultimate 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl 6A). Pre-owned Hyundai Santa Fe models are available with a 3.3 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 290 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 10 yr./ 100000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Price comparisons for Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe trim styles:
- The Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is priced between $21,998 and$27,998 with odometer readings between 26916 and83902 miles.
- The Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate is priced between $26,998 and$34,998 with odometer readings between 24438 and73289 miles.
- The Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SE Ultimate is priced between $28,998 and$30,998 with odometer readings between 36222 and39624 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 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 17 used and CPO 2018 Santa Fes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $21,998 and mileage as low as 24438 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Can't find a used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Hyundai Santa Fe for sale.
Find a used Hyundai for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Hyundai Santa Fe for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Hyundai for sale.
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 Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Toyota Yaris 2001
- Used Audi A6 2005
- Used Chevrolet Colorado 2004
- Used INFINITI M56 2006
- Used Volvo V60 2015
- Used Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
- Used Volkswagen Golf 2012
- Used Chrysler 200 2006 For Sale
- Used Audi S6 2013
- Used Subaru Legacy 2006
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2021 GS-6
- 2023 BMW X3 News
- 2022 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
- 2022 4 Series
- 2021 Titan
- 2021 GMC Canyon
- 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge
- 2021 Elantra
- 2021 Dodge Challenger
- 2021 INFINITI QX80
Other models to consider
- Hyundai Venue 2021
- 2021 Hyundai Palisade
- 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 2022 Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Accent 2021
- 2021 Hyundai Veloster
- 2021 Hyundai NEXO
- 2021 Hyundai Veloster
- 2022 Hyundai NEXO
- 2021 Ioniq Hybrid
Research similar vehicles
- 2022 INFINITI QX50
- 2021 Mazda CX-5
- 2022 Buick Encore
- 2022 Volkswagen Taos
- GMC Terrain 2022
- 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
- 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2022 Volvo XC60
- 2022 Porsche Cayenne Coupe
- Mitsubishi Outlander 2022
Recommended
- Ram 2500 1998 Features Specs
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2019
- Used Jaguar I-PACE 2019
- Used Toyota Prius 2019
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2008 Pictures Colors
Other models
- New Toyota Camry-Hybrid for Sale in Lafayette, LA
- New Hyundai Accent for Sale in Everett, MA
- New Ford Mustang-Mach-E for Sale in Dekalb, IL
- New Volvo XC60 for Sale in El Centro, CA
- New Chevrolet Tahoe for Sale in Pharr, TX
- New Lincoln Aviator for Sale in Gulfport, MS
- New BMW Alpina-Xb7 for Sale in Napa, CA
- New Chevrolet Blazer for Sale in Strongsville, OH
- New Alfa-Romeo Stelvio for Sale in Fairfield, OH
- New Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class for Sale in Minot, ND
- New Toyota Highlander-Hybrid for Sale in Colton, CA
- New Infiniti Q50 for Sale in San Leandro, CA
- New Alfa-Romeo Giulia for Sale in Burnsville, MN
- New Jeep Grand-Cherokee-Wk for Sale in Grand Forks, ND
- New Genesis G70 for Sale in Eugene, OR
- New Porsche 718-Boxster for Sale in Schenectady, NY
- New BMW M4 for Sale in Concord, NC
- Used Nissan Rogue-Sport in Plainfield, NJ
- New Ram Promaster-Cargo-Van for Sale in Stillwater, OK
- New Honda HR-V for Sale in Racine, WI
- New Toyota Prius for Sale in Little Elm, TX
- New Ford Escape-Plug-In-Hybrid for Sale in Palmdale, CA
- New Audi Q8 for Sale in Charleston, SC
- New Audi A8 for Sale in Carmel, IN
- New Toyota Rav4 for Sale in Southfield, MI
- New Chevrolet Trax for Sale in West Sacramento, CA
- New Cadillac Ct4-V-Blackwing for Sale in Oviedo, FL
- New Jeep Renegade for Sale in Gallatin, TN
- Used Polestar 2 in Lombard, IL
- New GMC Sierra-2500Hd for Sale in Mesquite, TX