2019 Hyundai Santa Fe - The CUV Middle Child
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Date: 2019-05-30
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Comments and reviews: 10
Stephen Hendricks
As a Kia Sorento owner Im struck by the similarities and differences between the Santa Fe and the Sorento. The two vehicles are almost exactly the same size. (The Santa Fe is about one inch shorter) They share the same chassis and the same AWD systems including the center differential locking feature. The switch gear (e. g. climate control, infotainment content, etc) all come from the shared Hyundai/KIA parts bins. Anyone familiar with the Sorento will feel at home in the Santa Fe. On the other hand KIA dropped the two row seat and turbo 4 options when the Santa Fe was introduced. Most Sorentos are fitted with a V6, an option not available in the Santa Fe. KIA plans to add a diesel option for the Sorento in North America in the 2019 model year; no such plans for the Santa Fe. The top SX-L version of the Sorento has more luxury touches than the Ultimate Santa Fe. But the two row Santa Fe is significantly less expensive than the three row Sorento. It appears that Hyundais Palisade will be both larger and more luxurious than the Sorento while the Kia Telluride will take a different route with a more rugged upscale crossover. All in all it appears that Hyundai and Kia have decided to split the baby in the Goldilocks CUV category between the Santa Fe and the Sorento. Looks like a strong strategy combining cost savings from shared engineering and parts with clear differentiation in model appeal and priorities.
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As a Kia Sorento owner Im struck by the similarities and differences between the Santa Fe and the Sorento. The two vehicles are almost exactly the same size. (The Santa Fe is about one inch shorter) They share the same chassis and the same AWD systems including the center differential locking feature. The switch gear (e. g. climate control, infotainment content, etc) all come from the shared Hyundai/KIA parts bins. Anyone familiar with the Sorento will feel at home in the Santa Fe. On the other hand KIA dropped the two row seat and turbo 4 options when the Santa Fe was introduced. Most Sorentos are fitted with a V6, an option not available in the Santa Fe. KIA plans to add a diesel option for the Sorento in North America in the 2019 model year; no such plans for the Santa Fe. The top SX-L version of the Sorento has more luxury touches than the Ultimate Santa Fe. But the two row Santa Fe is significantly less expensive than the three row Sorento. It appears that Hyundais Palisade will be both larger and more luxurious than the Sorento while the Kia Telluride will take a different route with a more rugged upscale crossover. All in all it appears that Hyundai and Kia have decided to split the baby in the Goldilocks CUV category between the Santa Fe and the Sorento. Looks like a strong strategy combining cost savings from shared engineering and parts with clear differentiation in model appeal and priorities.
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Eskie Man
Interesting review, Alex, as usual Looks like Hyundai finally woke up and worked on their suspension and sound proofing, and it appears to be a decent CUV vs. the abysmal Santa Fe Sport. They seriously need torethink their choice of powerplants - move the Kia V6 over & forget the turbo. I haveto admit that Ipreviously disliked the placement of a tablet-like infotainmentcenterhigh in the dash. But. compared to usinga TomTom along with a radar detector attached to your windshield like I did with my older Chevy on a recent business trip- which is worse, and easier to use? Its growing on me. Cant say Im a fan of the interior side jaggeddoor panels, but I DO likethat Hyundai has joined a growing group of manufacturers that have removed the drivers side rear view mirror and reattached it to the door, reducing the A-pillarblind spot for the driver. The Ford Edge still uses that design, andits A pillar/rear viewmirror assembly glob is a visibility problem. I also like the Hyundais headlight placement - it appears that it mayprovidebetter illumination, certainly better than the Edges with its drop off illumination usingthe low beam (Im driven many late model Edges for extended distances. Anyway, based upon your excellent review, Im reconsidering the Santa Fe. Hope that I can get an Ultimatewithout the vista roof
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Interesting review, Alex, as usual Looks like Hyundai finally woke up and worked on their suspension and sound proofing, and it appears to be a decent CUV vs. the abysmal Santa Fe Sport. They seriously need torethink their choice of powerplants - move the Kia V6 over & forget the turbo. I haveto admit that Ipreviously disliked the placement of a tablet-like infotainmentcenterhigh in the dash. But. compared to usinga TomTom along with a radar detector attached to your windshield like I did with my older Chevy on a recent business trip- which is worse, and easier to use? Its growing on me. Cant say Im a fan of the interior side jaggeddoor panels, but I DO likethat Hyundai has joined a growing group of manufacturers that have removed the drivers side rear view mirror and reattached it to the door, reducing the A-pillarblind spot for the driver. The Ford Edge still uses that design, andits A pillar/rear viewmirror assembly glob is a visibility problem. I also like the Hyundais headlight placement - it appears that it mayprovidebetter illumination, certainly better than the Edges with its drop off illumination usingthe low beam (Im driven many late model Edges for extended distances. Anyway, based upon your excellent review, Im reconsidering the Santa Fe. Hope that I can get an Ultimatewithout the vista roof
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Ramon Suarez
I test drove the 2019 Santa Fe SEL, 2018 CR-V EX, 2018 CX-5 Touring, and 2018 Rogue SV Premium. On the Santa Fe, I had absolutely no complaints. Controls were easy to use, it was comfortable and quiet, and safety features had just the right amount of sensitivity. Then I drove the CX-5, and I had a few complaints; the infotainment was cumbersome and BSM was too sensitive, but it was so refined and the interior was so good, I actually liked it better overall. The Rogue was ok, and I ranked my drive similar to the Santa Fe, but Im concerned about Nissans quality. The CR-V had the best grades overall for me, nothing to complain about, much more efficient than the Santa Fe and almost as refined as the CX-5, but Im still stuck between the CR-V and CX-5, especially since I think I can get the CX-5 for less due to incentives. I think the Santa Fe would work better for me if I had a big family, but between myself, my fiance, and a small dog theres no point in getting the Santa Fe over the best compact crossovers. The Tucson did not qualify because I wanted adaptive cruise control, which you only get on the highest trim.
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I test drove the 2019 Santa Fe SEL, 2018 CR-V EX, 2018 CX-5 Touring, and 2018 Rogue SV Premium. On the Santa Fe, I had absolutely no complaints. Controls were easy to use, it was comfortable and quiet, and safety features had just the right amount of sensitivity. Then I drove the CX-5, and I had a few complaints; the infotainment was cumbersome and BSM was too sensitive, but it was so refined and the interior was so good, I actually liked it better overall. The Rogue was ok, and I ranked my drive similar to the Santa Fe, but Im concerned about Nissans quality. The CR-V had the best grades overall for me, nothing to complain about, much more efficient than the Santa Fe and almost as refined as the CX-5, but Im still stuck between the CR-V and CX-5, especially since I think I can get the CX-5 for less due to incentives. I think the Santa Fe would work better for me if I had a big family, but between myself, my fiance, and a small dog theres no point in getting the Santa Fe over the best compact crossovers. The Tucson did not qualify because I wanted adaptive cruise control, which you only get on the highest trim.
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Ben Sarlin
Great review. I dont think this car compares with the smaller compact segment. Its more for the price than all of them. It compares best to the midsize Edge or Murano but seems a better choice. I see this as the best SUV on the market and should have been SUV of the year which the Jeep somehow took the award for. Im waiting to see what the 2020 Subaru Outback looks like and the new Mazda CX-7 or CX-8 in the US. But I have a feeling this one will be better than both. Hondas Passport looks too high off the ground and more like a large SUV than medium. It just seems like they took the Pilot and cut off the rear end. The Hyundai looks much nicer. Honda is really disappointing. I thought the Passport would redeem them. But it seems they dont have a good looking vehicle in their entire lineup let alone the CRV perhaps with its horrible engine. That would be their Acura line, which is much more expensive.
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Great review. I dont think this car compares with the smaller compact segment. Its more for the price than all of them. It compares best to the midsize Edge or Murano but seems a better choice. I see this as the best SUV on the market and should have been SUV of the year which the Jeep somehow took the award for. Im waiting to see what the 2020 Subaru Outback looks like and the new Mazda CX-7 or CX-8 in the US. But I have a feeling this one will be better than both. Hondas Passport looks too high off the ground and more like a large SUV than medium. It just seems like they took the Pilot and cut off the rear end. The Hyundai looks much nicer. Honda is really disappointing. I thought the Passport would redeem them. But it seems they dont have a good looking vehicle in their entire lineup let alone the CRV perhaps with its horrible engine. That would be their Acura line, which is much more expensive.
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Stephen Hendricks
The lines between categories of CUVs are blurry and almost impossible to draw with any precision. Is the Santa Fe the largest of compact crossovers or the smallest of the midsize category? Its only about one inch shorter than its corporate cousin, the KIA Sorento (as well as the Ford Edge, vehicles that are conventionally included in the midsize category. Is it a compact because its limited to 4 cylinder engine choices while most midsize CUVs have V6 options? Does the absence of a third row of seats make it a compact or small crossover? What about the Edge, the Murano, and the Grand Cherokee? All in all, I think Alex does a credible job comparing the Santa Fe to those vehicles but its a messy task. The Santa Fe is what it is; a Goldilocks CUV with engine choices similar to compact/small rivals and cargo/passenger capacity comparable to midsize two row alternatives.
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The lines between categories of CUVs are blurry and almost impossible to draw with any precision. Is the Santa Fe the largest of compact crossovers or the smallest of the midsize category? Its only about one inch shorter than its corporate cousin, the KIA Sorento (as well as the Ford Edge, vehicles that are conventionally included in the midsize category. Is it a compact because its limited to 4 cylinder engine choices while most midsize CUVs have V6 options? Does the absence of a third row of seats make it a compact or small crossover? What about the Edge, the Murano, and the Grand Cherokee? All in all, I think Alex does a credible job comparing the Santa Fe to those vehicles but its a messy task. The Santa Fe is what it is; a Goldilocks CUV with engine choices similar to compact/small rivals and cargo/passenger capacity comparable to midsize two row alternatives.
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King 43
After two years of looking, test driving (about 30 different vehicles with, at times, differing criteria, reading everything about a wide range of vehicles, watching a myriad of Alexs videos (around 45 or so, and also being a former dirt track racer and an all around car junkie, we purchased an SEL+ AWD. Roomier cabin the CR-V, RAV4, CX-5 and Cherokee, better driving dynamics than the Murano, Edge or Highlander, better price than the Forester or Outback, not an FCA (although FCA is getting their quality control and engineering act together, and the price was right due to the discounts. MSRP of 32, 800, deal price of 26, 300 and out the door at 28, 900; incentives abound if one waits for the right month. It is exactly, without compromise, what the lovely wanted; my only issue is fuel economy. So, thank you, Alex, for your video compilations; they are of immense benefit.
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After two years of looking, test driving (about 30 different vehicles with, at times, differing criteria, reading everything about a wide range of vehicles, watching a myriad of Alexs videos (around 45 or so, and also being a former dirt track racer and an all around car junkie, we purchased an SEL+ AWD. Roomier cabin the CR-V, RAV4, CX-5 and Cherokee, better driving dynamics than the Murano, Edge or Highlander, better price than the Forester or Outback, not an FCA (although FCA is getting their quality control and engineering act together, and the price was right due to the discounts. MSRP of 32, 800, deal price of 26, 300 and out the door at 28, 900; incentives abound if one waits for the right month. It is exactly, without compromise, what the lovely wanted; my only issue is fuel economy. So, thank you, Alex, for your video compilations; they are of immense benefit.
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Robert Pigeon
Quite a thorough review Alex. Glad that you pointed out how it is an in between size vehicle with lots of value. That you highlighted the rear under space (very convenient and spacious) - a gem. This is my 3rd Santa Fe and quality has been excellent thus far and found all a bit more plush and roomy by comparison. As you mentioned, lots of safety features included (they dont make you need to purchase the upper trim model to get all the safety. I too noticed the almost luxury level quietness and very solid build. I like the locking Diff. and the little side view windows in front of side mirrors for added visibility. I find the 8 spd. is smoother and quieter than my previous 6 spd. And getting noticeably better fuel economy (2. 0L turbo in this and last version) Overall, very pleased with this fully redesigned CUV.
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Quite a thorough review Alex. Glad that you pointed out how it is an in between size vehicle with lots of value. That you highlighted the rear under space (very convenient and spacious) - a gem. This is my 3rd Santa Fe and quality has been excellent thus far and found all a bit more plush and roomy by comparison. As you mentioned, lots of safety features included (they dont make you need to purchase the upper trim model to get all the safety. I too noticed the almost luxury level quietness and very solid build. I like the locking Diff. and the little side view windows in front of side mirrors for added visibility. I find the 8 spd. is smoother and quieter than my previous 6 spd. And getting noticeably better fuel economy (2. 0L turbo in this and last version) Overall, very pleased with this fully redesigned CUV.
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Joseph Massimino
We have the 2019 Santa Fe Ultimate, and after driving the CRV, and the Edge, it was the best feel on the road. We have zero regrets, and would buy it if given a do over. The safety features do take a little to get used to. Like the white line detection, if you sway near the white line on the road, the steering wheel is nudged by the SUV, and it takes a bit to get use to your wheel being taken over by your vehicle. It scars you a little ata first. The hologram type of display that appears in the windshield to show your speed, plus the posted speed limit, is a nice touch. I am pretty sure that other information appears in that display as well, and it might be configurable just like everything else. It went for approx 36k, and we got it for 32k. It was a very good deal.
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We have the 2019 Santa Fe Ultimate, and after driving the CRV, and the Edge, it was the best feel on the road. We have zero regrets, and would buy it if given a do over. The safety features do take a little to get used to. Like the white line detection, if you sway near the white line on the road, the steering wheel is nudged by the SUV, and it takes a bit to get use to your wheel being taken over by your vehicle. It scars you a little ata first. The hologram type of display that appears in the windshield to show your speed, plus the posted speed limit, is a nice touch. I am pretty sure that other information appears in that display as well, and it might be configurable just like everything else. It went for approx 36k, and we got it for 32k. It was a very good deal.
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kc cleven
Alex I have watched the video on the 2019 Santa fe ultimate but Im a little confused, you said the interior was a brown on brown, which I would like better. When I have looked at the Ultimate it seems to only comes in the Tan on Black or Black interior. Right now I am deciding between the Hybrid Rav 4 or the Santa fe Ultimate. My question is how did you get one with a brown on brown, was it a special order? I like your reviews they are very informative, calm and competitive which I like that. But since you had review of the Ultimate I was expecting all the features of the heads up display, which wasn even mentioned.
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Alex I have watched the video on the 2019 Santa fe ultimate but Im a little confused, you said the interior was a brown on brown, which I would like better. When I have looked at the Ultimate it seems to only comes in the Tan on Black or Black interior. Right now I am deciding between the Hybrid Rav 4 or the Santa fe Ultimate. My question is how did you get one with a brown on brown, was it a special order? I like your reviews they are very informative, calm and competitive which I like that. But since you had review of the Ultimate I was expecting all the features of the heads up display, which wasn even mentioned.
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K. Theodos
I love the tech and all the safety features. AWD system with the AWD lock is pretty good. Think the interior looks very nice. The exterior looks good from all sides, except (unfortunately) the front. I dont like the front lights. I also think the 4 cylinder is too weak for this vehicle. The turbo has decent power, but Im not sure about their quality. And the mpg on that turbo is nothing to brag about, and most likely even worse in real life driving (as most vehicles end up being. But overall I think this vehicle is still on my list of possible purchases this year.
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I love the tech and all the safety features. AWD system with the AWD lock is pretty good. Think the interior looks very nice. The exterior looks good from all sides, except (unfortunately) the front. I dont like the front lights. I also think the 4 cylinder is too weak for this vehicle. The turbo has decent power, but Im not sure about their quality. And the mpg on that turbo is nothing to brag about, and most likely even worse in real life driving (as most vehicles end up being. But overall I think this vehicle is still on my list of possible purchases this year.
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