The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has a small third-row seat, but delivers on almost every major crossover-SUV talking point.
Pros No major flaws A very good value Excellent passenger space Well-equipped, across the board Smooth 6-cylinder delivery
Cons Stiff mileage penalty for AWD Six speeds may be too few Slim third-row space
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe ranked #14 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Hyundai Santa Fe has a score of 8.2 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 57 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Class-leading warranty and buyer's coverage Enthusiastic V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines Fuel-efficient standard engine in Santa Fe Sport
Cons Meager amount of cargo room
With only three trim levels and one option, picking the right Santa Fe isn't too difficult. We think the sweet spot is the SE Ultimate, which comes with the comfort and safety features you'll want along with a larger entertainment and navigation system and a surround-sound audio system
PROS Plenty of standard features for the money Easy-to-use entertainment interface Generous warranty coverage
CONS Fuel economy is slightly below par Limited availability of advanced driver safety aids Cargo capacity falls short of some competitors
The 2018 Nissan Rogue may not be very exciting, but it checks all the right boxes—and then some—for most family needs.
Pros Lots of standard safety tech Can drive itself, at least a little Great interior space utilization Rides well Optional hybrid
Cons Light on power Transmission drones on and on Hardly fun to drive Base model looks very basic Hybrid’s not that thrifty
The 2018 Nissan Rogue ranked #10 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Nissan Rogue has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 44 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Upscale interior Spacious, versatile cargo area Top-tier gas mileage Lots of advanced safety features, even in base model
Cons Underpowered engine Noisy transmission
For most uses — commuter, family and recreational — we'd recommend the SV trim with the optional Premium package. The latter adds useful features such as a surround-view camera system, navigation and a power liftgate. You also get some of the SL trim's more desirable items without the larger wheels that can detract from the ride quality.
PROS Front seats are comfortable on long drives Ride quality remains comfortable over varying terrain Tech options and features are user-friendly Cargo space is vast and versatile
CONS Outward visibility is poor Transmission responds slowly and with an annoying "surge" feeling Acceleration is weak and listless
