“My 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Ultimate 2.0T is just what I needed. A zippy, roomy and comfortable vehicle with the perfect combination of power and luxury. I do not like the fact that the BlueLink system has never worked, even though the updates have all been completed, and Hyundai doesn't seem to know what to do about it. Otherwise, this vehicle has everything that I'd expect and more!”
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-cycle styling refresh with redesigned front and rear ends. Hyundai also made Drive Mode Select and touchscreen infotainment standard across the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport range.
About the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
3rd generation (2013-2018), mid-cycle refresh year
The 2017 Santa Fe range gives families two sizes under one model family. The Santa Fe Sport is a roomy five-seat SUV with either a practical four-cylinder or stronger turbo engine. The longer Santa Fe adds standard V6 power and six- or seven-passenger seating. Hyundai emphasizes flexible folding seats, easy everyday driving, strong feature content, and comfort equipment normally associated with more expensive family SUVs.
The five-seat Santa Fe Sport ranges from a practical 185-hp base model to a 240-hp turbo model, while the three-row Santa Fe uses a 290-hp V6 and seats six or seven. Higher trims emphasize comfort and technology with a panoramic sunroof, an 8-inch navigation touchscreen, Infinity audio, a multi-view parking camera, and heated and ventilated seats.
What changed, by category
Styling
Hyundai redesigned the grille, headlights, bumpers, taillights, wheel designs, and exhaust appearance. The center stack and lighting details were also revised. Fog lights changed from standard to optional on the three-row SE.
Powertrain
Drive Mode Select became standard across the range, giving every Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport Normal, Eco, and Sport settings.
Safety
A rearview camera became standard on the base Santa Fe Sport.
Tech
The Santa Fe Sport gained a standard 5-inch touchscreen, while every three-row Santa Fe received a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto. The former top equipment packages became named trims, with upgrades including a multi-view camera and enhanced Infinity audio. Heated front seats changed from standard to optional on the three-row SE.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI 2.0T | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.0T | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 23 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 240 hp | 185 hp | 290 hp | 290 hp | 240 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 252 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 3505 lb | 2800 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3505 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 80 cu-ft | 35.4 cu-ft | 35.4 cu-ft | 80 cu-ft | 80 cu-ft | 35.4 cu-ft | 80 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30.9 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 30.9 in | 30.9 in | 39.4 in | 30.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Top View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe fully redesigned?
No. The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe received a mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. It remained part of the third generation but gained new front and rear styling, updated cabin controls, and broader technology upgrades.
What exterior changes did the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe receive?
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe received a redesigned grille, headlights, bumpers, taillights, wheel designs, and exhaust appearance. These updates applied across the five-seat Santa Fe Sport and three-row Santa Fe range.
What touchscreen technology became standard in the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Touchscreen infotainment became standard throughout the 2017 range. The base Santa Fe Sport received a 5-inch screen, while every three-row Santa Fe received a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto.
Did every 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe have selectable drive modes?
Yes. Every 2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport received standard Drive Mode Select with Normal, Eco, and Sport settings.
Did the top equipment packages become separate trims for 2017?
Yes. The highest-level equipment packages became named trims for 2017 instead of remaining packages. Their equipment included features such as a multi-view parking camera and upgraded Infinity audio.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe.
4.2
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
(1,175 reviews)
“I love the space and all the features as well as the gas mileage it gets on the highway. It's one of the best cars I have owned.”
“Awesome vehicle but if you have 2 car seats there isn't enough room in the back seat for another child and the fuel economy is terrible if you live in a hilly area.”