2019 SANTA FE EDMONTON ALBERTA. PREFERRED TEST DRIVE REVIEW EDMONTON CONTACT GREGTHECARGUY.COM CALL/TEXT: 587-200-5676
For 2019, Hyundai has changed the name of its five-passenger SUV from Santa Fe Sport to just Santa Fe. The old three-row Santa Fe will be called the Santa Fe XL for the 2019 model year. Later, Hyundai will bring out a brand-new three-row SUV that bears a different name. The base 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch audio display. There are many new standard features to this trim, including lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability, high-beam assist, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and more. The next step up is the SEL, which adds heated front seats, proximity key with push button start, foglights, and a 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster.
[inventory_list saleclass=”New” make=”Hyundai” model=”Santa_Fe” dealer_id=”2060]
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Although it replaces the Santa Fe Sport, the new model is actually a bit bigger. It measures 2.8 inches longer and 0.4 inch wider, and it has a wheelbase that’s 2.6 inches longer. You can sort of see the difference in size between the two models by looking at their side profiles. And while the Santa Fe Sport had a sloping roofline and wedge-shaped window profile, the 2019 model appears to have a more upright back end.
Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system, which was previously only available on Genesis models, will be available on the new Santa Fe.
It works to increase traction on snow, gravel, and regular road surfaces by changing the ratio of torque distribution based on the active drive mode. In sport mode, up to 50 percent of available torque is sent to the rear wheels. In comfort mode, that figure changes to up to 35 percent, and in eco mode, power is sent mainly to the front wheels for improved fuel efficiency. In slippery conditions, the system automatically distributes power to all four wheels automatically.
LOOKS
There’s more than a hint of BMW X3 or X5 about the Santa Fe, especially from the three-quarter rear profile. Over all, it’s a little less slick than the outgoing model’s design, but does look a little more outdoorsy SUV than urban crossover.
INTERIOR
Interior styling is a mix. On one hand, the seats are excellent, particularly the quilted-look available on higher trims. On the other hand, Hyundai has allowed some harder plastics to come up above the beltline on the doors and dashboard. These would be better off tucked away, with soft-touch materials above but regardless if still gives the spectacular feeling of luxury.
PERFORMANCE
The 2.0-litre turbocharged Santa Fe models should be properly quick, with plenty of down low torque. However, the bulk of sales will be the 2.4-litre version. While only diesel models were available for driving impressions, the new eight-speed transmission seems as well-sorted as the six-speed it replaces.
TECHNOLOGY
Driver-assist technology such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring is rapidly becoming a must-have for this segment, and it’s all available on the Santa Fe. There are also some unexpectedly clever features. Safe-exit assist can “see” a car approaching from the rear and will sound a warning and lock the rear doors: think traffic at the school drop-off. There’s also a sensor in the rear headliner to make sure sleep-deprived parents don’t accidentally leave a child in the car.
CARGO
Total space for this new, slightly larger Santa Fe seems good on paper at 1,036 litres behind the rear seats. However, the load height is fairly high; dog owners take note. The rear seats can be slid forward for a little extra room.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
The all new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is loaded with features and options from even the lowest of the trims. It provides all the necessities you would look for in a higher trim from the past years, and not just in Hyundai’s but other brands as well. The drive is smooth, quiet, and comfortable, while providing the power and handling of a sport SUV.
TEST DRIVE:
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Greg Karwacki
778-867-4734