2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Review

The automotive market is a vast ocean, and finding a pre-owned gem that perfectly balances style, comfort, and practicality can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you're currently navigating the waters of used SUV options, you might be wondering: Is the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Review truly worth your time and consideration? This comprehensive guide is designed to cut through the noise, providing you with all the essential details to help you make an informed decision about this popular two-row crossover.

What's New for 2017? A Refreshing Update

The 2017 model year brought a noticeable refresh to the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, distinguishing it from its predecessors with several key updates. On the exterior, you'd find new LED running lights, a brushed-metal-look grille, and a revised rear end, giving it a more modern and refined appearance.

Inside, the focus was on enhancing convenience and technology. Updates included the availability of larger 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreens, a power-adjustable front-passenger's seat, and a bird's-eye-view camera system. Hyundai also stepped up its safety game, introducing new optional features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking, significantly boosting its appeal for safety-conscious buyers.

Under the Hood: Engine Options and Performance

When it comes to power, the 2017 Santa Fe Sport offers a choice of two four-cylinder engines, each paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations were available, allowing buyers to choose based on their driving needs and local climate.

The Standard 2.4-Liter Engine

The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, producing 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While it provides adequate power for daily commuting and light family duties, some reviews note that it can feel "unimpressive" or "underpowered," especially when the vehicle is fully loaded or attempting quick acceleration. Consumer reviews have also occasionally highlighted concerns regarding this particular engine, with some reporting issues.

The Optional 2.0-Liter Turbo Engine

For those seeking more spirited performance, the available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is the clear choice. This powerplant delivers a healthier 240 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were a slight reduction from the 2015 model's 264 hp, Hyundai retuned the engine for the 2017 model year to provide more low-end "oomph" and improved fuel economy. This turbocharged option offers more confident acceleration and makes the Santa Fe Sport feel more capable, particularly on highways or when merging into traffic.

Driving Dynamics and Fuel Economy

Despite the "Sport" moniker, the 2017 Santa Fe Sport is generally praised for its comfortable and composed ride rather than its athletic handling. It feels agile for its size and effectively absorbs larger road imperfections, providing a pleasant driving experience. However, don't expect a true sports car feel; it's more "relaxed" than "sporty."

In terms of fuel economy, the 2017 Santa Fe Sport offers combined EPA ratings ranging from 21 to 24 MPG, depending on the engine and drivetrain. For instance, the 2.0T FWD model achieves an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, while the 2.4L FWD gets 21 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. While slightly improved for 2017, its fuel efficiency figures generally trail some key competitors in the segment.

Step Inside: Interior Comfort and Features

The interior of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a strong selling point, boasting a well-designed and handsomely styled cabin. Higher trim levels feature deluxe materials, creating an upscale ambiance that belies its reasonable price point. Even the base model doesn't feel stripped down.

Seating and Cargo Versatility

The Santa Fe Sport comfortably accommodates a driver and three passengers for long journeys. You'll find ample legroom in both the front (41.3 inches) and rear (39.4 inches) seats, contributing to a peaceful ride. Available amenities include heated and cooled leather front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort in various climates. The rear seats also offer a flexible 40/20/40 split-folding configuration, allowing for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

Speaking of cargo, the Santa Fe Sport offers a respectable 35.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row. Fold down the rear seats, and that capacity expands significantly to 71.5 cubic feet, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Additionally, a clever under-cargo floor storage compartment allows you to stow items out of sight.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Hyundai's infotainment system in the 2017 Santa Fe Sport is generally considered user-friendly and intuitive, even for those new to the brand.

Standard features on the base model include a 5.0-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker audio system, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Moving up the trim levels unlocks more advanced options, such as:

7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreens
Navigation system
Android Auto compatibility (available on 7-inch and 8-inch touchscreens)
Premium Infinity sound system
Multi-view rearview camera system (offering a 360-degree view)
Hands-free smart liftgate with auto open
Proximity Key Entry with Push Button Start

While connectivity is generally good, it's worth noting that the Santa Fe Sport typically comes with a single USB port, though it compensates with four 12-volt outlets and an auxiliary input to keep devices charged.

Safety First: Ratings and Advanced Features

Safety is a cornerstone of the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport's appeal, and it performed admirably in crash tests, earning top marks from leading safety organizations.

Crash Test Ratings

The 2017 Santa Fe Sport received an overall five-star rating for crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars each in frontal and side-impact protection categories.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also awarded the 2017 Santa Fe Sport its coveted Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) designation. This was a significant improvement over previous models, largely due to extensive structural reinforcement of the occupant compartment for 2017, which boosted its score in the stringent small overlap front crash test to "Good." It also earned "Good" ratings in moderate-overlap, side-impact, roof-strength, and seat/head restraint tests.

Driver-Assist Technologies

Beyond its robust construction, the 2017 Santa Fe Sport offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, both standard and optional:

Standard Safety: Antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a rearview camera, and Hyundai's Blue Link emergency system (providing services like remote access and emergency assistance).
Available Advanced Safety Features:
- Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking