What Is the Difference Between the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and the Regular Hyundai Santa Fe?
Compare the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and Hyundai Santa Fe to learn the differences in size, seating, engines, cargo space, and which SUV is right for your needs.
By Automotive Verified Editorial Team · Published August 1, 2026 · 4 min read
Although they share a similar name, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and the regular Hyundai Santa Fe were designed for different types of SUV buyers. As part of the Hyundai lineup, each model offered its own combination of space, performance, and versatility.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the SUV that best fits your lifestyle—especially when shopping on the used market.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vs. Hyundai Santa Fe
| Feature | Santa Fe Sport | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 5 | Up to 7 (most model years) |
| Rows | 2 | 3 |
| Primary Focus | Everyday driving and efficiency | Family transportation and passenger space |
| Cargo Space | Generous for a two-row SUV | Greater maximum cargo capacity |
| Engine Options | Four-cylinder engines | Four-cylinder and V6 (depending on model year) |
| Available AWD | Yes | Yes |
Passenger Space
One of the biggest differences is seating capacity.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- Two-row SUV
- Seats up to five passengers
- More compact overall size
- Easier to maneuver and park
Hyundai Santa Fe
- Three-row SUV
- Seats up to seven passengers on most model years
- Better suited for larger families
- More flexible passenger accommodations
If you frequently carry children, relatives, or carpool passengers, the third row may be an important advantage.
Cargo Capacity
Both SUVs provide useful cargo space, but the regular Santa Fe offers greater overall versatility.
The Santa Fe Sport provides:
- Spacious rear cargo area
- Folding second-row seats
- Plenty of room for groceries, luggage, and sports equipment
The regular Santa Fe adds:
- Larger overall cargo capacity
- Fold-flat third-row seating
- More storage flexibility for larger families
Engine Options
The Santa Fe Sport was commonly available with:
- 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder
- Available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
The regular Santa Fe offered:
- Four-cylinder engines (varies by model year)
- Available V6 engine on many model years for increased power and towing capability
Both models were paired with automatic transmissions and offered available all-wheel drive on many trims.
Technology and Safety
Depending on the trim level and model year, both SUVs offered:
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ (later model years)
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Bluetooth® connectivity
- Blind Spot Detection
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Rearview camera
- Heated seats
- Available panoramic sunroof
Feature availability varies by trim level and model year.
Which SUV Should You Choose?
Choose the Santa Fe Sport if you want:
- Seating for five
- A more maneuverable SUV
- Better everyday efficiency
- Lower purchase price on the used market
Choose the Santa Fe if you want:
- Three-row seating
- Additional cargo flexibility
- More passenger capacity
- Available V6 performance on applicable model years
Understanding the Name Change
One point that often causes confusion is Hyundai's model lineup evolution.
- 2013–2018: The Santa Fe Sport was the two-row midsize SUV, while the Santa Fe was the larger three-row model.
- 2019 and newer: Hyundai discontinued the Santa Fe Sport name. The redesigned Santa Fe became a two-row SUV, while larger three-row models eventually became the Hyundai Palisade and later Santa Fe generations evolved again.
Knowing the model year is essential when comparing used Hyundai SUVs.
Explore our Hyundai research hub for more SUV buying guides, or browse available Hyundai inventory to compare Santa Fe models, trims, and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Research
What Engine Options Were Available on the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
Learn about the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport's available engine options, including the 2.4L and 2.0L turbo engines, performance, fuel economy, and which one may be right for you.
Read Article
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport a Good Used SUV to Buy?
Learn whether the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a good used SUV by exploring its reliability, comfort, safety, technology, and what to inspect before buying.
Read Article
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Have All-Wheel Drive?
Learn whether the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers all-wheel drive, how Hyundai's AWD system works, and which buyers benefit most from choosing an AWD model.
Read ArticleRelevant Vehicles
Explore Vehicles From Automotive Verified Dealers
Model names, seating configurations, engine options, and available features changed across different generations of the Santa Fe. Always verify the specifications of the exact model year you're researching.