American car buyers are enamored of crossovers, a clever bit of hucksterism that starts with an ordinary vehicle that excites no one, such as a compact sedan, and exchanges its body shell for one with a vaguely SUV-like shape. Next, a part-time all-wheel drive system is added, and the vehicle is named something outdoorsy or western sounding. Suddenly, itโs far easier to sell despite a price thatโs thousands more than a sedan. And consumers willingly pay it.
What buyers typically get in return is a rolling Quonset Hut of suburban somnolence, a banal vehicle designed to deliver comfort and cargo space, not driving excitement. Its biggest surprise is no surprise. For most of us, thatโs fine. After all, vanilla is still Americaโs best-selling ice cream flavor, while beige, gray and white are this nationโs top choice for house paint. So itโs no surprise that if you look down your cul-de-sac, youโll see that the modern American driveway is one dreary nod to crossoversโ artless maturity, free from exuberance or imagination.
Which brings us to the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The big news for 2018 is the addition of a $1,900 Value Package, which provides such niceties as heated power side mirrors, proximity key, push-๏ฟฝbutton start, 7-inch display, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, dual automatic climate control, power driver seat, heated front seats, front fog lights and roof rails.
Itโs nestled in an interior thatโs modern, up-to-date, easy to use and pleasingly roomy for the vehicleโs size, although the punishingly hard seats rival economy class airplane seats for comfort. And, surprisingly, thereโs enough tire and road noise to ensure passengers canโt hear each other at highway speeds. Then again, maybe you donโt want to hear what others have to say.
The Santa Feโs infotainment system is intuitive, although its screen seems small. The audio system delivers acceptable sound, but the embedded navigation system is abysmal. No matter how you adjust the settings, it will direct you to the longest, slowest route. Better to use your smartphone navigation app. The panoramic sunroof helped, since you could use the stars for navigation. Besides, it enhanced the cabinโs open, airy feeling.
Motivating the Santa Fe Sport is a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Eco, Normal and Sport modes are optional, and each adjusts the throttle and transmissions response, although it seems to make little difference. Yet the turbo engine provides plenty of thrust โ as well as noticeable turbo lag, the interminable pause between pressing the throttle and the moment when the turbo spools up and provides power. But itโs more than enough for most motorists. The ride is fairly comfortable without undue body motions. Cornering reveals expected body lean, but itโs not out of line for the segment. Steering feels responsive and accurate, although the turning circle seems a little wide for the size of the vehicle. Fuel economy was an unremarkable 21 mpg in mostly highway driving.
Safety and driver assistance features meet federal requirements but go no further, which is disappointing considering the test vehicleโs eye-popping $38,000-plus price tag.
If youโre considering towing, the Santa Fe Sport is rated for 2,800 pounds with the 2.4-liter, 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged 2.0-liter.
More impressive was the roomy cargo hold, which measures a sizeable 35.4 cubic feet with the rear seats in use, 71.5 cubic feet with them folded. But this model is a short timer; a new Santa Fe Sport is coming for 2019, when it will simply be called the Santa Fe. Meanwhile, the three-row Santa Fe becomes the Santa Fe XL when they go on sale this summer. The 2019 Santa Fe addresses many of the 2018 modelโs shortcomings, including an impressive array of driver assistance features, a large infotainment screen and more space, although drivelines remain unchanged.
The Santa Fe Sport ably and tastefully performs its expected duties. Like too many other crossovers, the Santa Fe Sport is functional but artless. It doesnโt reward your spirit; it numbs it.
Color it gray or beige.
At a Glance
Base prices: $24,950-$37,200
Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 240
Torque: 260 pound-feet
Fuel type: Regular
EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 19/24
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 185 inches
Cargo capacity: 35.4-71.5 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,624-4,107 pounds
NHTSA rating: 5 stars