The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe represents the fourth generation of Hyundai’s most noticeable SUV. On the market since 2000, we’ve seen it transform from a basic, compact SUV into something that’s a little closer to being midsized but also closer to the premium category. For 2019, it’s more attractive and more advanced than ever. With a new exterior look, more upscale cabin (with more space than ever), and a lineup of fuel-efficient drivetrain choices, you really can’t go wrong with the Hyundai Santa Fe. We actually got our hands on a 2019 model and put it through the paces. Our tester was a 2.0T model, so we had the turbocharged engine that was very enjoyable to drive. As you’ll find out from our driven review below, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is easy to enjoy.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 185 @ 6000
  • Torque: 178 @ 4000
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Santa Fe Exterior

Interior

The Santa Fe's interior is surprisingly well done. It's been a few years since Hyundai's interiors started to get better, but with this 2019 generation, whoa... It is really up there, especially when you factor in the price. Steering wheel, start button, and the entertainment center - they all feel premium. Even the two-tone interior is nice, and that is not easy to pull off. The headliner material is actually really cool, far from the cheap foamy textile you could expect at this price point. Everything in there looks nice. Hyundai is just not a cheapo brand anymore, and the 2019 Santa Fe is a perfect illustration of how close to the market leader Hyundai is. You have to see it to believe it.

Santa Fe Driving Impressions

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe's sporty look may give you the impression that it is ready to tackle the twisty roads at speed but keep in mind that the big bumper vents are all fake and the sport trim is just there to blend in with the latest trends of big wheels and painted side skirts. The Santa Fe's engine is actually quite good with plenty of torque and power, but when it comes to steering and suspension, you are reminded of the Hyundai trademark dead center feel and comfy ride. This doesn't mean it is sloppy, no. The Santa Fe just put a priority on comfort and relaxed steering. Overall the drive feel is a good match with the upscale interior and family focus of the vehicle. Personally, I liked every aspect of the driving dynamic except for the steering which just doesn't make me happy. But, I have to admit that after a few hours behind the wheel, you just forget about it and enjoy the ride.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe - Drivetrain Dimensions

2.4L

2.0L

2.2L Diesel

Type

Theta-II 2.4 GDI, 16-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder in-line

Theta-II 2.0 T-GDI, DOHC D-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve

Timing) 4-cylinder

R 2.2, 16-valve MLA, DOHC, 4-cylinder in-line

Turbo Type

Twin Scroll

Materials

Aluminum block and head

Aluminum block and head

Bore & stroke (mm)

88 x 97

86 x 86

85.4 x 96

Compression ratio

11.3:1

10.0:1

16.0: 1

Displacement

2.4 liters / 2,359 cc

2.0 liters / 1,998 cc

2.2 liters

Horsepower

185 HP @ 6,000 RPM (est.)

235 HP @ 6,000 RPM

190 HP @ 3,800 RPM

Torque

178 LB-FT @ 4,000 RPM (est.)

260 LB-FT @ 1,450~3,500 RPM

322 LB-FT @ 1,750 - 2,500 RPM

Valves per cylinder

4

4

4


Santa Fe Pricing

Model

Drivetrain

MSRP

SE 2.4

Front-Wheel Drive

$25,500

SE 2.4

All-Wheel Drive

$27,200

SEL 2.4

Front-Wheel Drive

$27,600

SEL 2.4

All-Wheel Drive

$29,300

SEL Plus 2.4

Front-Wheel Drive

$29,800

SEL Plus 2.4

All-Wheel Drive

$31,500

Limited 2.4

Front-Wheel Drive

$32,600

Limited 2.4

All-Wheel Drive

$34,300

Ultimate 2.4

Front-Wheel Drive

$35,450

Ultimate 2.4

All-Wheel Drive

$37,150

Limited 2.0T

Front-Wheel Drive

$34,200

Limited 2.0T

All-Wheel Drive

$35,900

Ultimate 2.0T

Front-Wheel Drive

$37,100

Ultimate 2.0T

All-Wheel Drive

$38,800


Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe.