Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: A Compact SUV for Modern Families

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport carved its niche as a capable and feature-rich compact SUV within the Hyundai lineup. Introduced in 2013, it offered a smaller footprint than its three-row counterpart, the Santa Fe, catering to drivers who preferred a more maneuverable option for city driving and everyday adventures. Let's delve into the details of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, exploring its features, performance, and space throughout its production years (2013-2018).

Trims and Features: Packed with Comfort and Convenience

The Santa Fe Sport boasted a range of trims, with each offering a progressive level of comfort and technology. Here's a glimpse into some popular trims:

• Base SE: This trim provided the essentials like air conditioning, a six-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Sport: As the name suggests, this trim offered a sportier aesthetic with unique wheels and a more tuned suspension. It also included features like fog lights and a sunroof.
• Limited: Luxury seekers opted for the Limited trim, which came with leather upholstery, heated seats, a navigation system, and a premium sound system.
• Ultimate: The top-of-the-line Ultimate trim boasted features like ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a surround-sound audio system.

Throughout the trim levels, some key standard features across the Santa Fe Sport lineup included:

• Safety: Antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and airbags were standard safety features. Higher trims offered advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Infotainment: The base trim came with a basic audio system, while higher trims offered touchscreen displays with navigation and smartphone integration options.
• Comfort: Heated seats, a sunroof, and a power liftgate were some comfort features available depending on the trim.

Engine Options: Powertrain Choices for Different Needs

The Santa Fe Sport offered two engine choices throughout its production years:

• 2.0L Turbocharged I4: This engine provided a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice. It offered peppy acceleration for city driving and enough muscle for highway cruising.
• 2.4L GDI I4: This naturally-aspirated engine offered a smooth ride and decent fuel economy for those prioritizing everyday practicality.

Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available for those who desired enhanced capability in all weather conditions.

Interior Space and Comfort: A Cozy Cabin for Five

The Santa Fe Sport offered a comfortable and well-designed cabin for five passengers. The front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats were suitable for adults on shorter trips. The cargo area offered a decent amount of space for groceries and luggage, with the option to fold down the rear seats for even more cargo capacity.

Fuel Economy: Finding the Balance

Fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine and drivetrain chosen. Here's a ballpark figure for each:

• 2.0L Turbo I4 (FWD): 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
• 2.4L GDI I4 (FWD): 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined

When Did the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport End Production?

Hyundai discontinued the Santa Fe Sport after the 2018 model year. The Hyundai Tucson, another compact SUV in their lineup, grew in size and features, making the Santa Fe Sport somewhat redundant.

Finding a Used Santa Fe Sport: What to Consider

The Santa Fe Sport remains a popular choice in the used car market. Here are some factors to consider if you're looking for a used Santa Fe Sport:

• Mileage: Aim for a Santa Fe Sport with moderate mileage, ideally below 100,000 miles.
• Service History: A well-maintained Santa Fe Sport will have a clean service history.
• Trim Level: Choose a trim level that aligns with your needs and budget.
• Features: Consider the features that are important to you, such as sunroof, heated seats, or a premium sound system.

Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Compact SUV Option

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport carved a space for itself as a feature-rich and comfortable compact SUV. It offered a good balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and cargo space, making it a compelling option for small families and city dwellers. While no longer in production, the Santa Fe Sport remains a solid used car choice for those seeking a reliable and well-equipped compact SUV.