“The Santa Fe is an excellent vehicle that has great handling qualities and is comfortable during long trips. The V6 has plenty of power for passing and getting out into traffic. I chose the Santa Fe because it is a great value for what you pay.”
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe was the removal of the Limited trim. Otherwise, this was a light-update year, with most of the five-seat Santa Fe Sport and three-row Santa Fe range carrying over from 2017.
About the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
3rd generation; final year for the five-seat Santa Fe Sport and final year using the Santa Fe name for the long-wheelbase three-row version, which returned for 2019 as Santa Fe XL.
Hyundai positioned the 2018 Santa Fe range as a family SUV offered in two useful sizes. The five-seat Santa Fe Sport emphasized maneuverability, cargo room, and a choice of four-cylinder power, while the longer Santa Fe focused on six- or seven-passenger seating, V6 performance, and towing ability. Across both bodies, the core appeal was practical interior space combined with easy-to-use technology and rich comfort equipment on higher trims.
The 2018 range covered two needs: the five-seat Santa Fe Sport and the larger Santa Fe with six- or seven-passenger seating. Sport 2.0T models paired a 240-hp turbo engine with features such as leather and smartphone integration, while upper three-row trims added navigation, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and either a second-row bench or captain’s chairs.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The Limited trim was dropped for 2018.
Tech
Satellite radio changed from standard to optional on the base trim.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 240 hp | 185 hp | 290 hp | 240 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 252 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 3500 lb | 2000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 80 cu-ft | 35.4 cu-ft | 35.4 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 | 39.4 in | 30.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
| Doors | 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 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe redesigned?
No. The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe was not redesigned and carried over with only light trim and equipment changes. The Limited trim was dropped, and satellite radio became optional rather than standard on the base trim.
What is the main difference between the 2018 and 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The main difference is that the Limited trim was no longer part of the 2018 lineup. Most other models continued without a significant lineup-wide powertrain, styling, safety, technology, or structural update.
Does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe have three rows?
Yes. The larger 2018 Santa Fe has three rows and seats six or seven people, depending on whether it has second-row captain’s chairs or a bench. The Santa Fe Sport is the smaller five-seat version.
Was 2018 the final year for the Santa Fe Sport name?
Yes. The 2018 model year was the last for the five-seat Santa Fe Sport name. Hyundai reorganized the lineup for 2019, when the three-row model became the Santa Fe XL.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
4.2
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
(567 reviews)
“Loved my first one so traded it in on a new one. Sante Fe is my vehicle of choice.”
“Comfort and safety features are excellent. Cargo area storage under the cargo floor mat is phenomenal. I wish more attention had been given to driver and passenger storage features. The center console could be better designed for driver armrest comfort and storage of small items. And a small, secondary glove box would be nice.”