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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $27,662–$36,840 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.9/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.4/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $27,662–$36,840, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Santa Fe sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $27,662 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 23%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.0/10 | $34,747 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $34,747 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $33,735 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $32,722 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $31,710 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $30,698 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $29,686 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $28,674 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $27,662 | |
| 2017 | 7.7/10 | $26,650 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $25,638 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $24,626 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Steering / steering wheel/handle bar 17/02/2018 · 18V118000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The steering wheel assembly may break, possibly resulting in the steering wheel separating from the steering column while driving. |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 03/02/2022 · 22V056000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.