The 2019 Santa Fe is powered by either one of two available engines, both of which are mated to a new 8-speed automatic. The standard engine is a 2.4L 4-cylinder making 185 horsepower. 2.0T models are powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder making 235 horsepower. With power equivalent to or better than many of the V6 engines in its class, the Santa Fe 2.0T returns great fuel economy while also offering plenty of torque for highway onramps and passing situations.
The Santa Fe XL comes standard with a 3.3L V6 making 290 horsepower. Once again, power and fuel economy compare positively to most of its rivals. The Santa Fe XL accomplishes this feat with a combination of slippery aerodynamics, light weight, a 6-speed transmission and state-of-the-art direct injection on all of its engines.
The Santa Fe has plenty of standard equipment. Even the base SE model comes with features such as air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual front USB ports, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, LED daytime running lights and a body-colored rear spoiler.
Plenty of options can be added and the Santa Fe comes in a multitude of trim levels. Beyond the SE, the SEL comes with a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, drive mode select, a proximity key, heated side mirrors, fog lights, heated front seats and SiriusXM satellite radio. SEL Plus models come with parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free liftgate and a 12-speaker Infinity sound system. Limited models add a panoramic sunroof and LED lighting, while the top-of-the-line Ultimate trim includes a surround view monitor, a bigger screen with a navigation system, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a memory system for the driver's seat and a heated steering wheel. All-wheel drive is offered throughout the range and costs $1,700 extra.
The Santa Fe XL is available in three basic trim levels: SE, SE Ultimate and SE Limited Ultimate. Since the Santa Fe XL is a little bit bigger and more expensive than the regular Santa Fe, it gets more standard features. The base SE comes with 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic temperature control, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated side mirrors, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SE Ultimate comes with memory seats, 19-inch wheels, a multiview camera system, a hands-free liftgate, blind spot detection, leather seating surfaces and a heated steering wheel. The top-of-the-line Limited Ultimate gets a panoramic sunroof, an Infinity sound system, heated rear seats and second row captain's chairs. Once again, all-wheel drive is an option at $1,750.
Spacious
Powerful
Fuel-efficient
Available All-wheel Drive
2 Or 3-row Seating
Attractive Styling
Great Warranty
For 2019, Hyundai has redesigned the Santa Fe lineup, as well as reshuffled their naming conventions. The 5-passenger Santa Fe Sport has been replaced with the Santa Fe and the bigger, three row 7-passenger Santa Fe is now dubbed the Santa Fe XL.
The Santa Fe has gone through a pretty thorough redesign with all-new, modern and attractive styling with a brand new interior. The new 4th generation vehicle promises to continue the tradition of combining a great value with efficient packaging and an excellent track record of reliability.
Starting at around $25,000, the Santa Fe competes with other small SUVs such as the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. Meanwhile, the long-wheelbase Santa Fe XL starts at just under $31,000 and is more competitive with mid-sized SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. Both Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL boast new, updated styling that makes them look modern and cutting edge, without overdoing it. Fuel economy is competitive, besting many other vehicles in their class. The Santa Fe is capable of up to 29 mpg on the highway, while the larger Santa Fe XL still manages 25 mpg. Few other SUVs offer such a strong combination of luxury, space, fuel economy and price.
