2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
New for 2017
For 2017, the Santa Fe Sport gets a freshened exterior, additional infotainment, convenience, and safety features, and a new Drive Mode selector.
A Sportier Package
If you’re looking for value from a midsize crossover then take a look at the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. It offers plenty of space, great fuel economy, and all of the standard equipment you’ll ever need. But it also has more than just the essentials, like eye-catching styling, impressive technology, and a refined driving experience.
Performance
There are two engines available on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, both of which offer more than adequate power to move this crossover. Base models get a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which produces 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. All Santa Fe Sport models use a six-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.
The 2.4-liter engine gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive and 22 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive. Those are impressive numbers for a midsize utility vehicle.
Optional on the 2017 Santa Fe Sport is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the Santa Fe Sport gets an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway)* with front-wheel drive, and 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive. Figures differ slightly for the Santa Fe Sport Ultimate, which gets 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway)* with front-wheel drive, and 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive.
For 2017, the Santa Fe Sport also gets a new Drive Mode selector with Sport, Eco, and Normal settings that adjust different vehicle parameters, including the steering feel. The Santa Fe Sport’s electric power steering system also gets a new 32-bit microprocessor for greater refinement.
Features
The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a five-door, five-seat midsize crossover. If you need a bit more space, Hyundai also offers the slightly larger non-Sport Santa Fe with three-row seating. The Santa Fe Sport is offered in three trim levels, priced starting from $25,350.**
Even the base model represents a good value, with standard features like 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, projector headlights with LED accents, 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat, four 12-volt power outlets, tilt and telescoping steering column, steering wheel audio, Bluetooth®, and cruise controls, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and a display audio system with 5.0-inch screen.
Upgrading to the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T keeps all of the applicable standard equipment from the base model, plus the turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, roof rack side rails, side-mirror turn signal indicators, dual exhaust, LED daytime running lights, Proximity Key entry with push-button start, Hands-free Smart Liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, heated power front seats, sliding second-row seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror, electroluminescent gauge cluster with LCD display, Android Auto™, and a 7.0-inch display audio system.
The top Santa Fe Sport trim level is the 2.0T Ultimate, which adds even more standard features, including 19-inch wheels, HID headlights, LED taillights, panoramic sunroof, memory system for the driver’s seat and side mirrors, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Infinity premium audio system, and 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system.
Design
Hyundai continues to be a style leader with its ever-evolving “Fluidic Sculpture” design language. The Santa Fe Sport has a more car-like and dynamic look than other utility vehicles and is distinguished from the larger Santa Fe by its more compact proportions. For 2017, it also gets a redesigned front fascia with new headlights, LED daytime running lights, and new rear fascia with reshaped taillights and dual exhaust outlets.
The interior is also much more stylish than you’d normally expect from a mainstream utility vehicle and gets added functionality for 2017 thanks to a redesigned center console and power, height-adjustable passenger seat. It’s functional too, with available YES Essentials® stain-resistant seat materials, four 12-volt outlets, and a 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat. The Santa Fe Sport boasts 108 cubic feet of passenger volume, 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat in place, and 71.5 cubic feet with the seat folded.
As part of its 2017 upgrades, the Santa Fe Sport also gets more technology features. Every model now gets a central display screen of some kind, with navigation and Android Auto™ smartphone connectivity available as options.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, hill-start assist, and seven airbags. Optional features include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, multi-view camera system, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, high beam assist, and Dynamic Bending Light.
Bottom Line
With a freshened look and more tech, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a more competitive option in the midsize crossover segment than ever.
Be sure to contact us online or visit Heritage Hyundai Towson at 801 York Road, Towson, MD 21204 to schedule a test drive.
* EPA estimates for comparison. Your mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle’s condition.
** MSRP excludes destination charges, tax, title, and license fees. Destination charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost.
Image: Hyundai