Hyundai has been producing the Santa Fe SUV since 2000 and when it hit the market for the first time, it competed in the compact crossover segment, but nowadays we can watch Santa Fe stepping into a mid-size territory. Three generations have come and gone and it is time for the fourth one. The new model has been presented at the Hyundai Motorstudio in Goyang and we have a lot to look forward to. Let’s take a look at what new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe brings to the table.
Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior
The new Santa Fe brings the new refreshed styling. At the front, you can see the headlight housings which feature a different shape and they are much narrower than before. This gives the automobile an aggressive appearance and they use LED lights as their DRLs, but there are extra projectors below. The brand’s latest Cascading Grille design is featured and there is a silver trim line that bonds the two headlight housings.
From the sides, you can see that despite this one being a new model, the traditional tall and muscular stance is kept. The fenders now come with rounded flares in order to emphasize the SUV’s beefiness. Furthermore, you can see a polished metal surround around the windows as this vehicle sits proudly on the 19-inch diamond cut wheels.
As you move to the rear end of the car, you will see narrow triangular taillights and silver skidplate element that decorates the flat-black rock guard. It is important to mention that the new Santa Fe is the largest model compared to its predecessors.
Interior
An increase in size means more room inside the cabin of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. And this also means that the passengers, especially the ones on the rear bench, will feel much more comfortable. Some of the things such as window switches and grab handles have been relocated to make the space inside as functional as possible whereas the floor was lowered as well – in other words, additional legroom.
This “family-oriented” car as Hyundai described it will keep the five-passenger seating arrangement, but it will no longer be titled as “Sport”, just “Santa Fe”. The buyers can opt for the seven-seat Santa Fe XL whereas the eight-seater is currently being developed.
The main infotainment display is slightly higher on the dash than it was before. Meanwhile, the three-dimensional instrument panel received a bunch of buttons and knobs whereas the upholstery features color-contrast stitching adding an upscale feel to the car. Safety is one of the most important factors of the car and the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe doesn’t lack safety gear. For instance, you will find features such as rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, smart cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, etc.
One feature that stands out is the rear seat occupant alert. Hyundai said: “If the system detects movement in the rear seats after the driver leaves the vehicle it will honk the horn, flash the lights and send a Blue Link alert to the driver’s smartphone via Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car system.”
Engine
The customers will be able to opt for three different engine options. For starters, there is a 2.2-liter CRDi turbodiesel that delivers 200 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Also, you can find a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 and a 2.4-liter I4 GDI that produce 232 hp and 185 hp respectively.
The eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the older six-speed gearbox and it comes with the option for shift paddles. Hyundai HTRAC AWD configuration is used.
| 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Engine And Transmission | |
| Engine type | inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2.4L |
| Power/torque | 185 hp/178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | six-speed automatic |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 6,5 sec. |
| Top speed | 125 mph |
| PRICE RANGE: $25,000 – $33,700 |
|
| Competitors:Honda CR-V,Toyota RAV4 | |
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Price
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe can already be purchased. The entry-level SE model starts at $25,000 but the prices rise as you climb the ladder. The range-topping Limited 2.0T costs $33,700.
