Compare 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Performance

In 2013, Hyundai decided to split its popular Santa Fe mid-size crossover model into two, with the larger mid-size version retaining the Santa Fe name, while the smaller compact model was called the Santa Fe Sport. The two models are very similar, and share the same body and chassis, with the Santa Fe Sport having a slightly shorter wheelbase. However, the split has produced two very different cars, thanks to the differences in available powertrains, features and even small styling differences. So which Hyundai Santa Fe is the best choice for you? We’ve put both the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport to the test to help you decide which one is a better choice for your driving preferences.

Aside from the fact that the 2018 Santa Fe offers three rows of seats to the 2018 Santa Fe Sport two rows, the biggest difference between them is in their powertrains. The Santa Fe Sport comes with one of two four-cylinder engines: a naturally-aspirated one with 185 horsepower or a turbocharged one with 240 horsepower. The Santa Fe comes with only a naturally-aspirated V6, but it is rated at 290 horsepower. However, that is accompanied by the Santa Fe’s larger weight as well. Nonetheless, it still gives it more towing heft and more overall acceleration than the Santa Fe Sport. However, thanks to its torque-rich turbo, the Santa Fe Sport is better at off-the-line acceleration and building speed out of turns. That makes it better for more sporty driving, while the Santa Fe has better straight-line performance.

Appearance

You can be easily forgiven for thinking that the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport look almost the same, because they do. The area between the rearview mirrors and the rear doors is identical on both cars. Only the front end and the rear end are different. However, Hyundai’s designers have done an excellent job adding subtle distinctions that evoke different feelings between the two cars. The Santa Fe is more substantial and feels larger, thanks to the prominent fog light bays, a larger grille and an aggressively-sculpted rear bumper. The Santa Fe Sport, likewise, is sportier. Its accents are lighter, with less emphasis on the car’s side sills and a smaller visual footprint from the bumpers. This makes the car seem taller and lighter, contributing to its athletic look.

Features

The most obvious feature offered on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe that you won’t find on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the third row of seating. Making use of the longer wheelbase, the Santa Fe can seat up to seven to the Sport’s five. The Santa Fe Sport has a larger cargo area however, with room for up to 35.4 cubic feet of gear where the Santa Fe only has 13.5 cubic feet, though it can increase it to 40.9 cubic feet when the third row is folded down. Otherwise, the two models both offer the same set of optional features such as touchscreen navigation, moonroof or modern active safety features.

Looking through those three key factors, it is not surprising just how different the seemingly-identical 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport are. While both offer powerful engines, modern styling and a good selection of features, they still vary significantly in their designs. Which of the two models would you choose? This write-up only touches on the key differences between the two cars, and the best method to see which car feels better is to drive them both. So call us today and book your Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport test-drive experience. Our dealership’s product experts will be happy to help you find the best car for you!