Introduction

Significantly freshened, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport compact crossover gets new front and rear fascias, headlights, taillights, and trim panels. 

Sharp-looking inside and out, the refreshed 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport fits between the bigger Santa Fe and the smaller Tucson, borrowing a few details from each. We think the Santa Fe Sport is the best-looking member of Hyundai's crossover SUV trio. 

Nearly one-fourth of the Santa Fe Sport's parts have changed for the 2017 model year, aiming to refine its cabin and improve ride qualities, though nothing has changed mechanically. 

The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection developing 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Mating with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2.4-liter model is EPA-rated at up to 27 mpg Highway. Though passable for fuel-efficiency, the Santa Fe Sport falls short of gas-mileage estimates for some competitive models. While priced right, the 2.4-liter engine, also used in the Sonata sedan, can feel breathless and overtaxed, especially when carrying passengers. 

We recommend the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which yields 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. In that installation, the automatic gets slightly different gearing, to help quicken takeoffs a bit. Also shared with the Sonata, the 2.0-liter turbo comes in two trim levels, each adding popular features. 

All-wheel drive is available with either engine. In each Santa Fe Sport model, Drive Mode selection has three settings: Sport, Eco, and Normal. Precise handling isn't the Sport's principal talent, demonstrated by less-than-sharp steering feel. 

Crash-test scores have been excellent. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Sport a rating of five stars overall, as well as for both frontal and side impacts. Rollover resistance brought a four-star result, which isn't unusual. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave Good scores for its crash tests, including the small overlap collision, which simulates hitting a pole or tree. If equipped with optional forward collision warning, with automatic emergency braking, the Sport earned a Top Safety Pick Plus award. 

Rearview cameras are newly standard on all 2017 models. Surround-view cameras, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control are optional. Restyled for 2017, Hyundai Santa Fe looks sharper than before. The three-row Santa Fe features three rows of seating and is longer than the Santa Fe Sport. As in the past, Hyundai delivers good value with the sizable Santa Fe. 

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe gets new bumpers, and the cabin has been upgraded a bit. A rearview camera has been made standard on all 2017 Santa Fe models. Also new is the 2017 Santa Fe Limited Ultimate trim level. 

Two seating configurations are offered, split by trim level. Lower-cost Santa Fe SE and Santa Fe SE Ultimate trim levels contain a second-row bench, for seven-passenger seating. Stepping up toward opulence, Santa Fe Limited and Limited Ultimate editions get a six-passenger layout, making use of captain's chairs in the second row. Cargo space excels with either passenger configuration, though space in the third row is limited, compared to that of its competitors. 

All Hyundai Santa Fe models come with the same 3.3-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. The Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot use 8- or 9-speed transmissions, but the Santa Fe's automatic is competent and capable. Developing 290 horsepower, the engine is shared with Hyundai's Azera sedan, but retuned here to produce low-end torque more suitable for a crossover SUV. 

Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available, and the latter exacts only a slight penalty in terms of fuel economy. A Santa Fe weighs around two tons and can tow 5,000 pounds. Standard wheels are 18-inch, but Ultimate versions get 19-inch tires. 

Viewed from the driver's seat, the dimensional advantage of the three-row Santa Fe over the smaller Santa Fe Sport crossover is clearly evident. Most Santa Fe versions have a power driver's seat. Heated front seating and a power passenger seat can be added as options. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not crash-tested the Santa Fe, though Hyundai anticipates a five-star overall score. In crash-testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2017 Santa Fe earned mostly Good ratings, for both side-impact and moderate-overlap frontal collisions. The 2016 model suffered a troubling Marginal score on the small-overlap crash-test. 

Lineup

The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ($25,350) comes with the 2.4-liter engine, cruise control, remote keyless entry, daytime running lights, LED-accented projector headlights, cargo cover, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD player has auxiliary and USB ports, Bluetooth with audio streaming, and six speakers. (All prices are MSRP and do not include destination charge.) Optional Premium and Tech Packages add features. 

Santa Fe Sport 2.0T ($31,700) upgrades to the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and leather seating surfaces, heated power front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel; dual-zone automatic climate control; hands-free power liftgate; keyless ignition; blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist; 7.0-inch display audio, Blue Link telematics, and 18-inch wheels. 

Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate ($36,500) adds a panoramic sunroof, Infinity premium audio with 8.0-inch touchscreen, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 19-inch wheels, HID headlights, rear parking sensors, and surround-view cameras. 

All-wheel drive ($1,750) is available on all models. Front-wheel drive is standard. 

Seven airbags are standard, including a driver's knee airbag. Hyundai Santa Fe SE ($30,800) comes with stain-resistant cloth seating, second-row bench, 12-way power driver's seat, dual automatic climate control, rearview camera, automatic headlights, Blue Link connectivity, satellite radio, and 18-inch alloy wheels. (All prices are MSRP and do not include destination charge.)

All-wheel drive ($1,750) is available on all trim levels. 

Santa Fe Limited ($34,950) adds leather seating surfaces with second-row captain's chairs, electro-luminescent gauges, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assist. Santa Fe SE Ultimate ($38,700) has rear parking sensors, surround-view cameras, heated/ventilated front seats, a power passenger seat, 8-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, and 19-inch wheels. Limited Ultimate ($39,400) is similar to SE Ultimate, but with second-row captain's chairs instead of the bench. 

Walkaround

Hyundai has managed to blend its styling themes quite expertly for the latest Santa Fe Sport, resulting in an appealing compact crossover, sharply styled all-around. Up front, the hexagonal grille is flanked by foglamps and LED-accented headlights. Side sills dominate the rear wheel wells. At the tailgate is a simply balanced layout of glass and taillights. 

Dual tailpipes exit at the right rear, enhancing what might be considered the Sport's masculine aura. Dimensionally, the Santa Fe Sport occupies the middle of its category, close in size to the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Chevrolet Equinox. Despite measuring 8.5 inches longer than the Santa Fe Sport crossover, built on a 110.2-inch wheelbase, Hyundai's biggest SUV is actually smaller than some direct rivals. Updated styling, particularly including the new front and rear bumpers, gives the 2017 Santa Fe a closer resemblance to the other Hyundai SUVs. 

Although the restyled Santa Fe looks better than before, its larger proportions inevitably result in an appearance of bigness. Thus, the fresh look comes across a bit better on the smaller Santa Fe Sport, also restyled for 2017. On upper trim levels, LED foglamps now flank a slim but wide lower opening. 

Interior

Blending practical features with high-quality materials, the cabin provides more space than most competitors. Leg and knee room are good up front. In a Sport with the available panoramic sunroof, tall drivers might have just enough head clearance. Bottom cushions are sufficiently bolstered, and backrests nicely-shaped. 

Centered below the undulating-surface dashboard is a shield-shaped set of controls, flanked by large air vents. Big knobs adjust audio volume and fan speed. 

The back seat not only splits and folds, but if leather-upholstered, it slides 5.2 inches fore/aft to accommodate passengers or cargo. Seatbacks recline, too. 

With back seats upright, the Sport can hold 35.4 cubic feet of cargo. Fold them down, and volume grows to 71.5 cubic feet (10 more than Hyundai Tucson). Shallow under-the-floor storage can hold a laptop bag. A cargo cover is standard. The front passenger seat folds flat, when space is needed to carry long objects. Interior details, including new matte-finish woodgrain accents, complement the revised body styling. An undulating dashboard surface dips low, rising upward to contain the gauges and center stack. 

Cargo space behind the third row totals 13.5 cubic feet, expanding beyond 40 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. A plastic bin below the cargo floor provides some storage space. A deep, open storage space sits ahead of the gearshift lever. 

Textures and materials look good and fit together well. SE Ultimate trim and higher get matte-finish woodgrain elements, but lower-end models have more plastic. 

Seats are better-shaped and more supportive than before. Bolstering is helpful, but not excessively firm. Front passengers enjoy ample leg and knee space, though headroom for tall occupants is skimpy with the panoramic sunroof installed in Ultimate versions. Hyundai's headrests sit at an ideal angle for comfort. 

Because of the Santa Fe's relatively long wheelbase, second-row passengers get ample legroom as well as satisfying seat comfort. Captain's chairs are especially pleasing. Out back, the third-row bench is best for youngsters. 

Driving Impression

We found the standard 2.4-liter engine short on fervor, and recommend the 2.0-liter turbo. 

Equipped with the turbo, a Santa Fe Sport can acceleration to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a respectable performance, and tow up to 3,500 pounds. While imparting greater confidence for highway passing/merging, the turbo exacts only a slight penalty in fuel economy. 

With either engine, shift points for the 6-speed automatic transmission are logical and effective, helping to deliver smooth operation. A manual-shift mode may be actuated at the gearshift lever. 

Optional all-wheel drive uses an open center differential to distribute power from the front wheels to the rears, to increase traction when necessary. The AWD system isn't intended for off-roading by any means, but provides all-weather capability on paved surfaces. AWD models incorporate torque vectoring control, which can aid cornering. Ground clearance is 7.3 inches, which is taller than a Sonata sedan, but short of what you get in a Subaru Outback. 

Gas mileage is about average, less than impressive with the base 2.4-liter engine, but almost the same with the turbo. With front-wheel drive, the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine is EPA-rated at 21/27 mpg City/Highway, or 24 mpg Combined. With all-wheel drive, the EPA estimate for the 2.4-liter drops to 20/26 mpg City/Highway, or 22 mpg Combined. The turbocharged Sport is EPA-rated at 20/28 mpg City/Highway or 23 mpg Combined with front-wheel drive, and 19/26 mpg City/Highway, or 22 mpg Combined, with all-wheel drive. 

Santa Fe Sport Ultimate rounds down to slightly less thrifty EPA ratings due to its greater weight. Considering the Santa Fe's size and V6 power, along with predictable handling, it performs reasonably well. Push hard on the gas and the automatic transmission downshifts eagerly, after a brief pause. Otherwise, shift quality is good, though you might notice a mild rebounding effect from the drivetrain. 

The manual-shift mode reacts promptly, actuated by a console-mounted lever. Still, trying for full power when passing or merging might result in delayed downshifting. Use of Active ECO mode tends to slur throttle response and gearchanges, while saving only a little fuel. 

Three-mode, driver-selectable electric power steering hails from the Hyundai Elantra GT. Normal mode will probably suffice for most driving, but Sport setting helps the vehicle track more accurately through stretches of highway. Eco mode limits performance, in favor of economy. 

With its current suspension design, the Santa Fe delivers a calmer and quieter ride than its predecessor. Even with 19-inch wheels mounted, the suspension effectively dampens the worst pavement surfaces. 

Hyundai has also made greater effort to stamp out noise and vibration. Suspension sounds have been toned down with improved isolation, while barely a whir can be heard from the drivetrain as the engine accelerates. Little is likely to be heard, apart from some tire noise that's evident to rear passengers. 

Fuel economy runs around average, which isn't exactly thrifty. With front-wheel drive, the Santa Fe is EPA-rated at 18/25 mpg City/Highway, or 21 mpg Combined. All-wheel drive drops the highest estimate to 24 mpg, or 20 mpg Combined, which isn't much of a decline. Ultimate models were EPA-rated lower: 17/23 mpg City/Highway with front-wheel drive. 

Summary

With its sizable standard-features lists, the Santa Fe Sport comes across as good value, even in upper turbo trim levels, though the price differential is significant. Gas mileage doesn't excel, and the less-costly base engine is somewhat lifeless, making the turbo a better choice, especially when you consider the additional features that are included. 

Driving impressions by Aaron Cole, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report. In its latest, freshened form, the Santa Fe remains a strong value for families that can make good use of a three-row SUV. Even if it doesn't rank as leader of the pack, the Santa Fe behaves well and performs respectable, though the V6 powertrain is getting a bit on the elderly side.