Flash Drive

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

August 24, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a great size compact SUV for daily city driving and weekend country fun.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a great size compact SUV for daily city driving and weekend country fun.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 264 horsepower, 269 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 18/City—24/Highway—21/Combined

Base Price: $33,000

As Tested: $38,350

Performance:

Powerful turbocharged engine

Locking center differential

Confident off road handling

Active Eco driving mode

Hill descent

Traction control

Blind spot monitor

Quick and nimble in city traffic

Comfort:

Three temp heated and ventilated front seats

Front seat room and comfort are great. The panoramic sunroof makes the interior bright and cheery.
Front seat room and comfort are great. The panoramic sunroof makes the interior bright and cheery.

Power lumbar

Very good headroom

Heated steering wheel

Stretch-out front legroom

Thick, contoured leather steering wheel

Excellent auxiliary controls

Upscale interior materials

Infinity sound system

Four grab handles

Back seat knee room a little tight

Heated rear seats

Wide rear armrest

Almost flat rear floor

Utility:

Big, deep console bin

A power tailgate provides easy access to a flat cargo floor.
A power tailgate provides easy access to a flat cargo floor.

Big front door bins

Large open storage area in front of shifter

Power tailgate with ample clearance for tall people

Minimal lift over

Good size info/navigation screen

Two seatback pouches

Slight slope to split folding rear seats

Flat cargo floor

Ample cargo space with seats folded

Large, segmented under floor storage bin

Wow Factors:

Sharp styling

Great panoramic sunroof

The Santa Fe Sport (left) is the 5-passenger version of the 7-passenger Santa Fe (right).
The Santa Fe Sport (left) is the 5-passenger version of the 7-passenger Santa Fe (right).

Athletic off road

High content luxury features

Excellent front seat roominess

Whines:

Disappointing fuel economy for a relatively small SUV

Rear seat a little snug

Bottom Line:

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the smaller, 5-passenger version of the Santa Fe. If you don’t need third row seating and if your second row passengers are relatively small the Santa Fe Sport is a great urban SUV. The luxury/comfort content is strong and performance is better than many compact SUV competitors.