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.
It’s general appearance is appeasing to all age groups
And it even looks gorgeous in white - something we can’t say about all models
The rear end is quite sporty for crossover in this price bracket
The waistline contributes to a commanding stance
Notice the detail around the rear wheel arches?
The grille is a little big but it somehow works
The lower air dam gives the front end a smile
The big corner openings help take attention from the big grille
The grey insert on the rear fascia provides just the right contrast
The Santa Fe sits level but has a raked look
You can even notice that from the distance
The rear windows are tinted dark but not too dark
The detail is what matters most, like the kink on either side of the air dam
The wheels are sporty yet provide plenty of air flow for the brakes
The thin headlights look above premium from this angle
There’s nothing special about the brakes
but you do get discs on all four corners
The double LED strip is a nice look here
These large lights actually give the huge corner openings purpose
We love the way the headlights flow with the bodylines
At least a little air can get through so it’s not all smoke and mirrors
Air does flow through the grille
but there are no active shutters to be had here
The mirrors are on the small side but look proportionate next to the A-Pillars
A standard fuel cap - nothing to see here
These taillights have an oddly familiar look to them
The could look better, honestly
The lower lights have a nice appearance here
The 3D effect of the taillights is nice, though
The Hyundai emblem is rather subtle
The tailights do have a detailed matrix
Our tester was the HTRAC 2.0T
The rear fin is sporty but merely aesthetic
It almost feels like the lower corner of the light was cut off to save time
The grey roof rails ad just the right amount of contrast between black and white
It would look a little better if the glass and taillight has the same angle
The mirrors are small but provide a good view
The top of the dash looks busy from the outside
The turn indicator on this mirror sticks out like a sore thumb
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.
The tan and black interior is a pleasant look
The black controls really stand out in the tan armrest
The fake trim is a little disheartening
Typical controls made with cheap plastic
The detail here is pretty awesome - we like the look
The cabin is really inviting
All the adjustments you could want to stay comfortable
The seats provide plenty of support for a model of this caliber
The interior feels kind of upscale despite a few shortcommings
The detailed stitching is great for this price point
For a newer model the wrinkles in the leather is a little troubling
Way too many buttons to use on the go
The cabin is rather spacious
And it’s modern too
The semi-digital gauge cluster is a nice touch
The infotainment system is easy to use and fairly responsive
The heater controls resemble a futuristic dual-knob radio
Dual cup holders are a must
Most of everything is controllable via the thumb buttons
Your left thumb controls call and voice functions
Your right thumb controls various features
The turn-signal stalk isn’t ground breaking but attractive
More wiper controls than you can count
No need for a key - push button start baby
What doesn’t have dual-zone climate control these days?
Basic 12-Volt socket, Built-in USB, and Aux port
The center console does seem a little busy
The leather boot on the shift is high-quality, though
Your driver assistance hub and electronic parking brake
Passenger’s get a nice cubby
The screen isn’t that big but it’s tolerable
Simple button controls keep things easy
Lots of angle and 3D design elements
The dash kind of smiles at you
The sunroof is HUGE!
The wind deflector isn’t that attractive but it does help cut down on noise
Visors have personal mirrors
Typical roof control panel
The Map lights are extra bright, though
Total interior space comes in at 146.6 cubic-feet
Passenger space, however, is just 110.7 cubic-feet
built-in visors keep kids safe from solar rays
Maximum rear legroom comes in at 40.9 inches
Head room in the back is accommodating at 39.2 cubic-feet
Hip room is decent too at 56.3 inches
With the center console up, you can seat three adults
They might not be that comfortable, though
Rear passengers get two USB charging ports
and one 120-Volt outlet
all of which can be covered, of course
The second row does slide to make carrying cargo easier
The 70-30 split makes cargo space easily customizable
Cargo room with the left side folded down is somewhere in the 55 cubic-foot range
Which is more than sufficient if you need to haul a third person too
The floor lifts up to provide extra storage
Your emergency hack is located close to the rear hatch for ease of access
Moving the second row is effortless thanks to these handy switches
Maximum cargo room is 71.3 cubic-feet
The rear hatch is electric too - no slamming needed
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.
0T trims come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine
It delivers 235 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque
You can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped
And you’ll garner as much as 24 mpg on the highway!
The 2.0T is also good for 21 mpg in the city or 23 mph combinded
Always on the lookout for the latest automotive news, Philippe Daix is our most senior editor and founder of TopSpeed.com. He likes to see himself as a consumer advocate with a mission to educate motorheads of all ages.
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