AutoNSider Review | 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T AWD
2019 brings a complete re-do to Hyundai’s Santa Fe.
And a well-done “clean sheet of paper” it is.
We tested the two-row version that used to be called the Santa Fe “Sport”.
Today it’s simply called “Santa Fe”…and their three-row version is now the “XL”.
Makes sense, no?
But just because Hyundai dropped “Sport” from the name, that doesn’t mean that the ’19 can’t more than get out of its own way with the optional 235 HP 2.0 turbo.
Performance is roughly equal to anything in its class, and mileage is rated at 20 city and 25 hwy. We, however, eaked out 28 mpg on an easy-going Christmas Eve two-lane country commute.
Comfort and capability, tho’, more than “Sport”, best describe today’s Santa Fe.
For starters, room for five and a load of luggage is no problem.
You can choose from seven different levels of performance and trim…starting in the mid 20s and adding options and features till you bump right on up to around 40K. Our test AWD “Ultimate” is Santa Fe’s top of the line. The sticker read $39,905 with no options…nor did it appear to need any.
For just under 40 thousand, we got pretty much every feature and convenience that you’d expect on the average 60K German sport / luxury vehicle…heated and ventilated leather front seats, heated rears, heated steering, hands-free lift-gate, a panoramic sunroof, power folding rear seats, heads-up windshield display, mobile charging, auto high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, surround-view, and even a driver-attention feature that can tell if you’re likely to be nodding off behind the wheel.
19” alloys are part of the package, and as mentioned, we had the 235 hp turbo, an 8-speed auto, and AWD. Sure…the non-turbo 185 HP 2.4 four is going to be a bit slower, but you’ll also get better mileage. The EPA says to expect 22 city and almost 30 on the road.
So back to the overall takeaway on this all-new Santa Fe. Comfort and capability. The ride was almost coddled, but never soft or bouncy. Just very comfortably controlled. The brakes were more than up to the job, too.
So with virtually every feature and option available today for a hair less than 40 thousand, plus Hyundai’s 10-year / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, performance equal to most of the other guys, and a big bunch of comfort, there’s a lot to like about Hyundai’s all-new Santa Fe.
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