The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor belt and oil consumption issues. At $18,975 to $26,175, it’s a good value for a midsize SUV with a nice interior and relatively low ownership costs as it ages.
Is the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Hyundai Santa Fe, great reliability ratings paired with a luxurious cabin give it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the long warranty, low ownership costs, as well as the safety technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are better than many other midsize SUVs, the seats are very comfortable on long drives, yet cargo space is a bit low.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major mechanical problems on the 2018 Santa Fe. We recommend avoiding models from 2007–2014, while models from 2015–2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard V6 engine, although it’s not very fun or sporty to drive.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Santa Fe is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane change assist, automatic emergency braking, as well as adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 21 MPG, giving 365 miles of range from the 17.4 gallon tank. Gas prices are $10 cheaper than average at $199 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other SUVs, while still offering a nice interior.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Consumer Reports says the Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most pleasant three-row SUVs on the market, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Santa Fe at 4.4/5, praising the easy-to-use entertainment system, but doesn’t like the limited cargo space.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Santa Fe a 4.4/5, enjoying the well-appointed interior, but owners don’t like the weaker engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe include squeaking noises from the alternator belt, excessive oil consumption, as well as some black smoke when starting in very cold conditions. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs, leading to reasonable repair costs as the Santa Fe ages.
Squeaking noises from the alternator belt are the most widespread complaints on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, at around 70,000 miles. The accessory drive belts wear out as vehicles get older, and have to be replaced. Changing out the belt costs around $350, depending on local labor rates.
Excessive oil consumption is another issue mentioned by Santa Fe owners at around 50,000 miles. As engines age seals begin to wear out, leading to oil getting burnt. Usually it’s fine, although if you notice white smoke then too much oil is reaching the engine. Replacing seals in the engine can cost over $1,000. Most owners simply top off the oil regularly to make sure it doesn’t get too low.
Black smoke when starting in very cold conditions, also shows up on some Santa Fe models at around 10,000 miles. When outdoor temperatures are below freezing, the Santa Fe has a cold start mode where it will add extra fuel to the engine. This sometimes causes a small amount of black smoke in the exhaust, and is normal.
There are two recalls on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, which is better than some other midsize SUVs. The first recall covers the steering wheel which may detach from the steering column. Hyundai will replace it for free on affected models. The second recall is for the ABS unit, which can have electrical issues which could cause a fire. Hyundai will replace the ABS multi-fuse on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $340 per year.
As a used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the oil pump for $1,100, the knock sensor costing $400, as well as the oil pan gasket, which costs $550.
Very reliable car. No problems so far that we have had it. I drive 20 miles to and from work worth it about everyday.
Very reliable! Even though I have only had it for about a year and a half, the issues are very minor and are more cosmetic than anything. However it has yet to give me major problems and I can trust it for long drives and various road conditions.
The Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4l sport is a very reliable vehicle. I haven't had any problems with it since I got it.
This vehicle is reliable and having such an awesome warranty attached to the price, makes it easy to select this vehicle.
The air conditioning gave out much too soon. It was a covered repair but should not have happened. Ok otherwise.
Have not had any problem with our Santa Fe sport, except for the damage from the rear end collision.
My car has been very reliable! The only issues I've encountered have been with recall alerts. My car has had several alerts but only needed on update which was provided for free by Hyundai.
Yes, it is reliable. My car is garage kept; however, in the winter it heats up fast and in the summer it cools off fast too. It has vents for front and back so my back passengers are comfortable as well.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great in the 2018 Santa Fe since it has a standard 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a larger 8-inch touchscreen available as an optional upgrade.
Safety technology is good with a standard rearview camera. Optional advanced safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, rear parking sensors, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a good value since it’s more affordable than many other SUVs while still offering good reliability. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,975 to $26,175, making it cheaper than a Subaru Outback or Honda Pilot. When new, the price range was $24,950 to $41,300. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
There are three models of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe offered, from the base Santa Fe SE, the popular Se Ultimate, all the way up to the Limited Ultimate. It’s also offered with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. There’s also a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport which is a completely different model.
SE is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- 40/20/40-Split Folding Second Row
- Power-Adjustable Driver Seat
- 7-Inch Infotainment Display
- Rearview Camera
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Satellite Radio
- Six-Speaker Sound System
SE Ultimate is a step up, adding:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- Leather Seating
- LED Fog Lights
- Heated Front and Second Row Seats
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- 12-Speaker Audio System
- 115-Volt Outlet
Limited Ultimate is the flagship model which adds:
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
- Tech Package
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatic High Beams
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Rear Window Sunshades
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The engine found in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is an average 3.3L V6 which makes 290 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is okay, taking 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a very comfortable midsize SUV offering room for six or seven passengers depending on the configuration. The Santa Fe seats are nice, offering high quality cloth and leather options with a lot of cushioning.
Passenger room is great in the first and second rows with enough legroom for adults, especially with the available captain’s chairs. The third row has limited legroom, making it best suited for younger children.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Have?
There’s less cargo space than many other midsize SUVs. The Santa Fe offers enough room behind the third row for 2-3 suitcases, 6-8 behind the second row, and around 15 suitcases with all of the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe came out in 2013, and was replaced by the fourth generation in 2019.
2015: Smoother suspension across the lineup, and a hands-free power liftgate.
2016: GLS model renamed to the SE.
2017: Standard 7-inch touchscreen, minor exterior styling changes, optional adaptive cruise control available.
2018: Limited model removed from the lineup.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new engines, technology, and styling.
2020: Ultimate model discontinued, improved blind-spot monitoring system.
2021: Minor exterior and interior styling changes, upgraded engines, Calligraphy model introduced.
How Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe is a very good midsize SUV since it’s more reliable than earlier years, while still offering a lot of luxury features for the price.
The Hyundai Tucson is a smaller SUV from Hyundai which costs around $2,000 less. Steering is more responsive in the Hyundai Tucson while the Hyundai Santa Fe has better passenger room. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since you get a lot more practicality for the money.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV which is available for about $3,000 less. Performance is a bit better in the Nissan Rogue since it’s a sportier SUV, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is more luxurious. We recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe since it’s a better daily-driver, although both are worth taking a look at to see which one you prefer.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Santa Fe?
Yes, runs very smoothly and great mileage. Plenty of space for traveling which is the main reason we chose it.
Yes! I love it. It is completely reliable, has great gas mileage, does everything I could wish for in a car.
Yes it's a great car. And I love it. And if I had to purchase another vehicle it definitely would be another Hyundai.
This is a good vehicle. I find that it is reliable and offers many features for a great price. Cannot beat the warranty.
In every way except large blind spots to the rear. The back-up cameras are helpful but do not work when changing lanes.
Holding up well, rear ended and came out better than the Nissan truck that hit us. Gas mileage could be better but not bad, lots of room and comfortable.
Yes, this is a very reliable car and gets good gas mileage. The interior is very roomy and has seats that can lay down completely. The Hyundai service department is also always very helpful with keeping my car up to date.
Yes, it is extremely comfortable, spacious reliable and has all of the bells and whistles that I wanted. It even has remote start from my cell phone.