Completely redesigned for the 2019MY, the Hyundai Santa Fe wants to cater to those who don’t need three rows of seats but would like the extra boot space.
Deciding, quite surprisingly, to change the SUV’s range for the new model year, Hyundai renamed the Santa Fe Sport the Santa Fe, whereas the longer model, with its seven-seat layout, is now labelled the XL.
Powering the entry-level model is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 185 hp (187 PS / 138 kW) and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) of torque. The mill gets the job done and feels smooth, according to Consumer Reports’ review, and the power delivery is quite linear.
Also Watch: 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe – First Impressions Are In And They’re Positive
The Santa Fe is also available with a 2.0-liter turbo-four that puts out 235 hp (238 PS / 175 kW) and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque. And while this would seem like the best powertrain option, the fact that it’s sometimes hesitant didn’t help it win that many points with the reviewer, who said that the entry-level unit is the one to go for.
The ride is somewhat on the firm side, and can get even bumpier with the optional 19-inch wheels offered in the Turbo. On the plus side, the new Santa Fe has a responsive steering and predictable handling.
Ingress and egress won’t be a problem thanks to the large doors, and once inside, users will find that the front seats are supportive and comfortable and that there’s plenty of head- and legroom at the back. The interior has a modern look and quality materials, and gets some very easy to use controls. Boot space can turn from decent to gigantic by folding down the rear seats.
All versions of the 2019 Santa Fe come with several driving assistance systems, including Automatic Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Warning. The Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exist Assist and Rear Occupant Alert have earned it extra points with CR, as you can see in their short video review below.