2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Review

Santa Fe will survive name revision well

By J. E. KUYPER

In 2018, there was a three-row Hyundai Santa Fe and a two-row Santa Fe Sport. They are history.

For 2019 there is a two-row Santa Fe and, also, a three-row Santa Fe XL. Both are classified as midsize SUVs. The Santa Fe Sport, which has been dropped, was a compact SUV with, obviously, smaller dimensions than the  midsize product. Vehicle classifications, such as subcompact, compact, midsize and full-size, are based on interior cubic feet provided for occupants and cargo.

The question arises. Is the 2019 Santa Fe attractive as a two-row, midsize, five-passenger, four-door SUV? Yes, and no.  The 2019 Santa Fe compares well with the midsize competition in terms of comforts and amenities provided for the price. This vehicle is well-equipped and even includes a head-up display (legal speed limit and actual speed reflected onto windshield) and power to lower the split rear seats. When powered flat, a cargo area expands from 35.9 cubic feet to 71.3 cubic feet. The lowered seats have to be manually raised back into an upright position.

The new Santa Fe might suffer in terms of engine power. Except for the two 2-liter, 235-horsepower,four-cylinder, turbocharged models ($34,200 Limited 2.0T and $35,600 Ultimate 2.0T), the other five models have a 2.4-liter, 185-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine. Without the turbo, the relatively noisy 2.4-liter engine underperforms. The five models (SE, SEL, , SEL Plus, Limited Plus, Ultimate) with the 2.4-liter engine range in price from $24,750 to $33,950. In all cases, add $1,700 to the prices if upgrading from front-wheel to all-wheel-drive.

The 2019 Santa Fe is wider and longer than the model it replaces. Standard this year are smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. An eight-inch color touchscreen is centered high on the dashboard. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay means a consumer can have all the information on his or her smartphone transferred to the Santa Fe and reflected onto the eight-inch color screen. A USB port is near the screen. Several auxiliary ports are nearby.

Cupholders serve the two rows. In front there are two center console cupholders as well as two more molded into the front doors. There are several cubbies for storage of, say, small notebooks, coins, address books, even a hamburger lunch from a fast food drive-through.

Little things make an impression and three of them on a recently tested AWD $35,450 Ultimate model were manual rear window sunshades, visors with lighted vanity mirrors as well as extenders to block out a strong sun coming into the driver's window, and a lighted ignition. At night, it is nice to see where the ignition button is to either push for starting or stopping. Leather is the major trim element. Wood adds to the leather trim. Four windows operate by power and the front two are express up and down. Power also operates exterior mirrors, door locks and a panoramic sunroof.

Via a surround camera system, the Ultimate model gives a view of surroundings, front, behind and on the sides.

The various models share a roof rack, heated side mirrors, rear window wiper and washer, chrome tip dual exhaust, front solar glass and rear privacy glass, LED headlights, daytime running lamps, fog lights and taillights plus proximity key entry with pushbutton start.

The Infinity sound system has high definition AM, FM and satellite radio.

Second row split seats move forward or backward for more or less leg room. Besides power, front seats in a recently tested $35,450 Ultimate model were heated and perforated for air conditioning purposes. Memory settings are for front driver's seat and exterior heated mirrors. The steering  wheel is heated.