Hyundai’s fourth generation Santa Fe sounds pretty promising from the get-go; the design is attractive, the standard kit includes tons of safety features, the cabin is big enough to scare the traditional compact crossovers and it’s also cleverly priced.
The new five-seater model -which is called simply Santa Fe instead of Santa Fe Sport- is available with a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185hp and 178lb-ft of torque and an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter unit with 235hp and 260lb-ft of torque.
Both powertrains come with an eight-speed automatic transmission (no CVTs here) and front-wheel drive as standard, while Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive is optional.
The spec list is quite generous, even on the entry-level SE variants and includes a seven-inch infotainment with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a rear-view camera, air-conditioning, automatic headlights, USB ports front and back and Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety systems as standard.
The SmartSense pack includes systems like Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Whether you’re a fan of Hyundai’s latest design language or not, you have to admit that the new 2019 Santa Fe has much more presence and character on the visual front. Add to that the very competitive starting price of $26,500 and it’s no wonder that the Hyundai Santa Fe feels like great value in a rather crowded and really competitive segment.
But what is like in the real world? Let’s see what Kelley Blue Book has to say on their video review linked below.