While Mazda’s CX-9 may have set a new standard for 7-passenger SUV handling, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV isn’t far from this benchmark - Kelly Blue Book
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine and Transmission
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe's power duties are handled by a standard 3.3L Naturally Aspirated V6 engine. It is able to put out a maximum of 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. This particular engine is paired with an efficient 6-speed automatic transmission, which sends all of the power to either the front wheels or all the wheels for a premium of $1700.
The Hyundai Santa Fe's engine has enough punch to do the everyday task with power to spare. The suspension is compliant and the body movement is well controlled. The steering feels precise and predictable making for a well-centered drive at highway speeds. However, those looking for fun-to-drive characteristics in their midsize SUV might have to go to one of the other three competitors.
Model |
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe |
2018 Honda Pilot |
2018 Ford Explorer |
2018 Mazda CX-9 |
MSRP |
$30,850 |
$30,900 |
$32,140 |
$32,130 |
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
Drivetrain |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Front-Wheel Drive |
Engine |
3.3 Liter Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.5 Liter Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.5 Liter Naturally Aspirated V6 |
2.5 Liter Turbocharged I4 |
Torque |
252 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm |
262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
255 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
310 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Power |
290 bhp @ 6400 rpm |
280 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
290 bhp @ 5600 rpm |
227 bhp @ 5000 rpm |
Under normal circumstances, the V6 engine sounds too cool for everyday use, but it does have to carry about 4000 lbs, and the 290 horses seem to lag a bit in that respect. The Inline-4 unit of the Mazda CX-9 surely lags on the outright power front to the rest of the segment, but the turbocharged setup in place does deliver respectable torque figures.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Acceleration
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe does the 0-60 MPH sprint in just about 7.3 seconds, all the while crossing the quarter-mile mark in 15.2 seconds. It turns out to be the slowest of the lot, the reason being its lowest-in-the-segment torque figures. It is quite slow despite having to be the slightest of the lot. Nevertheless, the under-8 figure is quite decent for a 7-seater SUV.
Model |
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe |
2018 Honda Pilot |
2018 Ford Explorer |
2018 Mazda CX-9 |
0-60 |
7.3 secs |
6.9 secs |
7.7 secs |
6.7 secs |
Quarter Mile |
15.2 secs |
15.3 secs |
15.8 secs |
15.4 secs |
On flooring the gas pedal, the engine takes its time to put down the power, whereas the 6-speed AT does not seem as though the perfect partner to punch that power down. It fails to keep the momentum and throttle response in check to clock a competitive quarter-mile time. Naturally so, the CX-9 has the most torque of the lot and thus is the fastest of the lot.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Ride and Handling
The Santa Fe is advertised as a practical crossover, and rightfully so, it does have a comfortable ride quality. It has AWD capability, but we wouldn't recommend you taking it outdoors on the rough to tackle terrains. Plus there are no driving modes, as there are with the Ford Explorer. Passengers seated inside enjoy smooth handling dynamics, courtesy of the impressive suspension setup. The ride feels planted, and the steering is also aptly responsive to inputs while taking on corners. Body roll is preserved to the maximum. The driving dynamics are average at best, and not at all fun. The Santa Fe also understeers a bit.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Braking and Towing capacity
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with 12.6-inch front rotors and 11.9-inch rear rotors. Couple that with the 4000 lbs heft and the Santa Fe comes to a complete stop from 60 MPH in just about 125 ft. The brakes are quite responsive, as it does have a smooth travel to it, rather than providing a quick sudden jerk to it. Despite having the biggest brakes in the lot, the Ford Explorer comes to a slow stop of 127 ft.
Model |
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe |
2018 Honda Pilot |
2018 Ford Explorer |
2018 Mazda CX-9 |
Front Brake Rotor Diameter (in.) |
12.6 |
12.6 |
12.8 |
12.6 |
Rear Brake Rotor Diameter (in.) |
11.9 |
13.0 |
12.8 |
12.8 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
125 |
128 |
127 |
123 |
Curb Weight |
4026 lbs |
4074 lbs |
4453 lbs |
4166 lbs |
Towing Capacity |
5000 lbs |
5000 lbs |
5000 lbs |
3500 lbs |
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe can tow an impressive 5000 pounds, which is well within the segment average. This is more than adequate for a perfect family getaway.