DecodedCars2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Sport AWD 4dr SUV, Sport FWD 4dr SUV, Xl AWD 4dr SUV, Xl FWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 185 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 184.6–192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,459–4,339 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 185 hp, versus about 240 hp for similar 2018 models.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,616 lb (Sport AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 4% worse than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 432 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Santa Fe →
Trims, performance & features
Engine185 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Trims
Sport BaseSport Value Pkg ,Sport Premium pkg, Sport Tech pkg ,Sport 2.0T Base
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Santa Fe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport AWD 4dr SUV | 184.6 in | 74 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,616 lb | 56/44 |
| Sport FWD 4dr SUV | 184.6 in | 74 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,459 lb | 56/44 |
| Xl AWD 4dr SUV | 192.9 in | 74.4 in | 66.9 in | 110.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 4,339 lb | 56/44 |
| Xl FWD 4dr SUV | 192.9 in | 74.4 in | 66.9 in | 110.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,946 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Sport FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 24 | -4% | $2,800 | 379 |
| Santa Fe Sport FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 388 |
| Santa Fe Sport Ultimate FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 396 |
| Santa Fe Sport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 410 |
| Santa Fe Sport AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 406 |
| Santa Fe Sport Ultimate AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 425 |
| Santa Fe FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -16% | $3,200 | 427 |
| Santa Fe Ultimate FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 20 | -20% | $3,350 | 457 |
| Santa Fe AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -14% | $3,350 | 433 |
| Santa Fe Ultimate AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -18% | $3,550 | 475 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.7% |
| 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15% |
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car) | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (5)
Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Oct 27, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V810000 · 44,396 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 16, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 237. This recall is an expansion of recall 22V-056.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Feb 3, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V056000 · 357,348 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · Feb 17, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V118000 · 41,070 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The steering wheel assembly may break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving.
- Risk
- A steering wheel separation while driving can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will check the production lot number of the steering wheel assembly, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 26, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 173.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Dec 13, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V801000 · 1,209 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
- Risk
- If the component detaches during deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, if the detached component were to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, there could be an increased risk of occupant injury.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 171.
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs · Sep 20, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V577000 · 197 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The front coil springs may have been improperly manufactured and, as a result, may fracture under certain loads while driving.
- Risk
- If the coil spring fractures, it can puncture the tire, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- All of the affected vehicles are currently unsold on dealer lots. Dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge prior to the vehicle's sale. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 167.
Not every 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
432Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
12Involved a fire
13Injuries reported
41,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 252 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 47 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 38 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 41,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Santa Fe years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Santa Fe | 36 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 58 |
| 2025 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 240 |
| 2024 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 191 |
| 2023 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 290 |
| 2022 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 265 |
| 2021 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 187 |
| 2020 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 218 |
| 2019 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 229 |
| 2017 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 1,327 |
| 2016 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 306 |
| 2015 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 339 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →