2019 Hyundai Santa Fe - Review & Road Test

[@canadabear72]

I don't know why there's so many people on here complaining about the "compact" size of the Santa Fe. That's what Hyundai calls it and that's what the EPA calls it. Who cares?! You can call it a small mid size or a large compact. The point is it's a very comfortable and practical vehicle that is priced appropriately. It's a great competitor and I think people are going to love it.

[@guymerola1033]

Exactly lol.

[@TheBMurda]

I agree, I saw those cloth seats in person, they are the nicest cloth design outside of the GTI or Volvo V60.

[@oarias5158]

I know when I saw the cloth seats my self that was my first impression is that it is not bad at all.

[@jonnykromps9836]

Blake M. I was just totally thinking GTI! GTI has the nicest cloth, and these look (and look like they feel) even better

[@NileshR12]

The Santa Fe isn't a compact crossover. It's a midsize crossover. The Hyundai Tucson is their compact crossover

[@MrTwarner]

The reason she’s calling it a compact is because Hyundai is marketing it as such (as seen on their website). However, if you look at the interior volume and length, this vehicle is firmly in the midsize category. I’m guessing Hyundai is avoiding the midsize name because it only has two rows. Still, it’s more comparable size-wise to the Murano, Edge, or upcoming Blazer is size than a CRV, RAV 4, or CX5.

[@Arpege92]

Just dumped my Jeep and bought a 2019 Santa Fe.....love love love it!

[@ronnieking7921]

Holly 1992 - 2.4 or 2 LT? How is fuel economy? I really like this SUV and am considering it but am a bit concerned about the lackluster fuel economy. 1 month later - do you still love it?

[@sirvoidwalker1652]

RonnieK I just purchased the 2.4. And average about 32 mpg in the city, and about 26 mpg in the city. I personally think the gas mileage is pretty great for a car of its size.

[@ronnieking7921]

@@sirvoidwalker1652 Thanks for the info! Those numbers are more than acceptable. The reviews are great but having this kind of info from real world drivers is great.

[@sirvoidwalker1652]

RonnieK King Not a problem :)

[@ronnieking7921]

@@sirvoidwalker1652 Ended up buying the 2.4 Ultimate this past weekend and I love it. First drive to work today. In rainy LA traffic got 28 MPG this morning and 35 on the way back with little traffic which is fantastic. Drives nice and plenty of power for me.

[@AbhishekZambre]

Those are not sunshades, those are peasant blockers.

[@NinjaDecimator]

Someone watches Straight Pipes ;)

[@tgr.4550]

LMAO

[@lackyparker7799]

😆

[@NileshR12]

You forgot to mention the options in higher trims for heated & cooled front seats, heater rear seats, leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Head-Up Display, a Surround View (360°) camera system, a heated steering which are all in the higher trim levels. Along with the upgraded Infinity 12-speaker audio system

[@gengstar09]

I thought: Kona= subcompact Tuscan = Compact Santa Fe = Midsized Palisades = Full 3rd Row crossover I’m confused now.

[@jacobyo99]

Michael Rafael you’re right, she’s wrong

[@mqayyum9226]

all correct except for Palisade = 3rd row midsize. It is smaller than a Honda pilot which is midsize. Full size SUV's are like the Tahoe, Suburban, Sequoia and Expedition

[@ro0ster648]

I agree with you except on the Palisade. I think Santa Fe should be considered as mid-size 2 row Crossovers. Exterior dimensions of the Santa Fe is much bigger than the average compact crossover. Palisade would be regular 3 row Midsize crossover. A full size is something like the Tahoe, Expedition, Sequioa..etc.

[@ro0ster648]

I expect more automakers to add 2 row midsize crossover to their lineup as consumers continue to embrace SUV/Crossovers. We already have the new Honda Passport and Chevy Blazer coming, Ford Bronco might be coming soon too.

[@gengstar09]

I think you're right! I read that the Nissan Murano, despite being 3 years old, had a sales explosion in the last few months.

[@wolflarson71]

Huge improvement especially the interior.

[@Acc0rd79]

Hyundai just keeps getting better, Honda and Toyota better seriously be paying attention!

[@dubu12]

Hyundais just need better engine and transmission

[@beamboy420]

Steven Lee 2018 Santa Fe sport 2.0t. It’s better. Not CTV and it has automatic the turbo engine is really good as well.

[@dubu12]

@@beamboy420 yeah but the hyundai 2.4l cannot compare with the hondas. Its got too much problems

[@beamboy420]

Steven Lee heard the same about crv

[@michelkai5436]

@@beamboy420 yeh i am really surpised about that because when it comes to engines honda does a pretty good job but whoever designed that engine had a hangover

[@devonnewest7990]

Lyn we LOVE ur reviews! and enjoyed this one very much too :)

[@GuitarSamurai17]

I love the reviewers personality!

[@druppiit4960]

New generation hyundai santafe looks pretty good.

[@alexandergoldman]

Love it or hate it...no question Hyundai and Kia are raising the bar in their respective segments...and that is a very good thing for consumers. color me impressed with this Santa Fe. Great review

[@antonioduenas8342]

This Hyundai Santa Fe is a world class SUV. Congratulations! Goes to law!

[@asian432]

Thanks for the reviews, Lyn and the KBB peeps. I got the SEL+ last month it certainly made my decision less painful and I have fun driving it.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Though reviewers seem to ignore it, the new Santa Fe is is in effect a two row version of its corporate cousin, the "midsize" three row Kia Sorento. Same platform, same transmission, same AWD system including a center differential lock, many other shared components, and an almost identical interior including passenger room in the first and second rows. The Santa Fe is only one inch shorter than the Sorento and (surprisingly) a few pounds heavier. The differences lie in the 2.0L turbo 4 in the Santa Fe versus the naturally aspirated V6 in the Sorento and the availability of under floor storage in the Santa Fe where the Sorento stows the third row seat. None of that is meant as a criticism of the Santa Fe. But it does suggest that classifying the Santa Fe as a "compact" crossover when the leading vehicles in that category (CR-V, Rav4) are more than eight inches shorter and about 700 lbs lighter (!) than the Hyundai is stretch (no pun intended.) Or perhaps it means that there's still more categories of the ever growing number of crossovers--the "super compact", the "mini-midsize" or just the Goldilocks class.

[@beamboy420]

Perfect review , the only channel which got the competition for this vehicle right. For its price range it attracts more of CRV , RAV 4 segment shoppers .. I almost got the crv 2018 but decided to try to Santa Fe 2018. There was not match , got the ultimate 2018 with a loooong warranty. I love the vehicle so far. It’s amazing how Korean vehicles are good. I don’t think murano even stands a chance against this one because I test drove it too. Only thing I didn’t drive is the edge but it was priced really high and I am not a big fan of American reliability either. This vehicle is giving Honda an after thought and that’s why the new Honda passport was born. To tap in to this segment where you don’t have to settle with smaller space and slower engine that typical compact suv segment offers

[@jmart01]

Compact? You mean Midsize, right?

[@rlsuarez65]

I think what's important is what it will compete against with most buyers. I tend to think it's going to compete with more of the compact SUV's because it's price is more in line with them.

[@hlee3098]

Yep it should compete with Edge, Blazer, Murano, and upcoming Passport. Comparing to Equinox or Escape is bit off even though they all have 5 seats.

[@MrCarpediem6]

@@hlee3098 True, Hyundai has the Tuscon for that

[@beamboy420]

It’s actually in real world competing with compact suv. Maybe that’s what she was trying to tell. I was about to finalize crv but thought I should give this vehicle a try. I got the top most trim with zero percent interest for only a little more than crv . Way more features and way more space inside and bit more luxurious.. so she is kind of right to compare. In real world lot of people shopping for compact suv end up buying this one.

[@austing4321]

In between

[@tracie5245]

I test drove a CRV today and did not like it at all. Then I stopped in at Hyundai and test drove the Santa Fe ... loved it. The interior is gorg. Pays to test drive. 🚘

[@deu8894]

This SUV has a nice exterior silhouette with a good looking design. the White paint-job is also fitting.

[@DoSum4Me]

I just drove a 2.4 AWD version, and it's really nice.. the interior quality is very good too.

[@jimmacmurdo355]

Just took delivery of a Ultimate 2.4 L AWD. The power level is more than acceptable, it's downright peppy.

[@ronnieking7921]

@@jimmacmurdo355 are you matching expected EPA - better/worse?

[@jimmacmurdo355]

@@ronnieking7921 Averaging 23.7 mpg through 500 miles or so.

[@ronnieking7921]

@@jimmacmurdo355 Thank you Jim!

[@adamnevis7636]

Nice job on this review!

[@andyschrack4466]

So, we bought a new 2017 Ford Escape Titanium fully loaded in June of 2017. We had it for one year. The roof leaked and ford couldn't fix it after no less than 6 visits at two different ford dealerships. We traded it in on a new 2019 SanteFe Ultimate with the 2L turbo. I will tell you this...the 2019 SantaFe is way better than the Ford Escape Titanium. Even if I disregard the leak problem Ford couldn't solve. So far we really like the SanteFe. It fits my 5ft wife and me at 6ft1in. The body and frame feel very solid. I like how you can change between drive modes and all the safety features. Everybody has their own opinions but Hyundai has truly improved the Hyundai SanteFe and it has the most car for the money in the segment. I shopped around and around and around. A Ford of the similar size and features would cost way more. I heard the SantFe is put together at the plant located near Montgomery Alabama. alabamanewscenter.com/2018/06/02/hyundai-alabama-launches-production-of-redesigned-2019-santa-fe-suv - So far we are impressed with the quality and performance of our new SanteFe. We purchased the 100K mile wrapper warranty. I hope this car proves to be reliable for the long term but you never know. This car has so many electrical and electronic things, computers, etc. It seemed logical to get the warranty for that stuff. The trim feel in our ultimate version is very nice. Our car has leather seats and what looks like leather on the dash (probably synthetic). The 2L turbo with 8 speed performs well. Depending on what drive mode you select the throttle response can lag. In sport mode it improves. I use the sport mode in city traffic and on the interstate use comfort or smart mode. My wife always has it in comfort mode. The brake feel is progressive but it will grab hard when needed. I put it in the slightly aggressive feel category. Our 2009 Honda Ody has very bad brake feel even when it was new. And the 2017 Ford Escape brake feel was aggressive. I prefer a quicker response on the brakes....go figure. I also noticed how quiet it is in the cab. Its probably the quietest car we have owned. When we go to Sams and the commissary it holds everything. The seats easily fold down and there is plenty of room for what we need it for. Ask the dealer for the rubber mat. Ours came with one and you should make the dealer give you one for free. There was some getting used to the Screen and center dash settings. Its not as easy as the Sync3 system but it is still very comprehensive. I'm still learning all the features. Again, for the money, its a great car.

[@michaeldavis2347]

Andy Schrack have you watched the video about the 2013 Elantra that is going strong on 1 million miles on original power train . I have the same car and I love it. Really proves their reliability

[@iHateApple04]

I just bought a 2.4 AWD Ultimate and it's amazing. I came from a Fusion 2.0 Ecoboost and I would say that the 2.4 Hyundai in sport mode is faster 0-30. They've done an amazing job with the engine. The technology is also amazing. It has so many features that other brands charge an arm and a leg for. A similarly priced Edge is about $5000-7000 more. I also feel like the styling is far superior than the more popular competitors, it's nice to stand out in a crowd

[@artokiiskinen1058]

"significant body roll, especially on corners." - where would you have body roll if not in corners?

[@balabolrustam507]

Arto Kiiskinen @ kia and Hyundai known to have worst suspension in industry. In Sportage and Sorento it is jolty , Santa Fe and Tucson have them wobbling.

[@Artecus]

Lol! Almost had a spit take.

[@allendavid4139]

Reminds me of a BMW X3 at the rear which is no bad thing ,I appreciate how they have stayed with clear old school dials which are easy to read and full marks for fitting a proper auto gearbox rather than the lazy option CVT and no need to spend extra money on paint as it looks good in white

[@fernandosauret1906]

I just bought a 2020 santa fe. Overall I love it, being a bit picky it could use better engine insulation. A bit noisy. Other than that I love it

[@Cathandroo]

Your review style and personality is refreshing. Earned a sub :)

[@brianlee5649]

Just got rid of our Winter White '16 Tucson Eco and bought a 2020 Symphony Air Silver Santa Fe, couldn't be more proud of it! (Just the engine needs to be broken in right now.) I'm loving it! Hopefully it won't give us any trouble at all!

[@alexgre215]

Undoubtedly Hyundai is in the 5 top best brands in the world!

[@michaeldavis2347]

Alex Zeus have you watched the video about the 2013 Elantra that is going strong on 1 million miles. I have the same car and I love it

[@ofcbob6391]

JD Powers has ranked it up there with Lexus for years, and they are about half the price!

[@salemsaberhagen8390]

@@ofcbob6391 jd powers is an advertising firm, their opinion is worthless and bias. i agree though that hyundai isnt bad compared current honda.

[@jancarlsson8138]

Nice review but one thing confuses me and that's when you mention that the cargospace is slightly smaller than both the rav4 and the crv. What measuremethod did you use and would you mind presenting the correct numbers regarding cargospace on all three cars? Here in Sweden we get the VDA measuremethod presented for us normally by the carcompanies, which is everything below the cargocover in liters. 5 seat versions of the santa fe get 625 liters or 22,07 cubicfeet, rav4 580 liters or 20,5 cubicfeet and the crv get 561 liters or 19,8 cubicfeet. I have driven all three cars and compared their bootspace by sitting in the boot and I find it hard to believe that the santa lacks space to the rav4 and the crv. Regards Jan

[@tinadudley5318]

Love the grill look better then the last one PERIODT

[@pauldomenech7443]

Ikr!!

[@chrisperrywv]

I never realized Micah did the work. Good work Lyn! Edit: music. I didn’t know Micah did the music***

[@thomasdollard7971]

If the Santa Fe is a compact, what is the Tuscan? Also wouldn't the Nissan Rogue, not the Rogue Sport be the direct competitor? Wouldn't the Rogue Sport be competing with the Tuscan?

[@Aurora_v_cali]

love lynns reviews

[@koreanmtnbiker2931]

Hyundai design is getting better every year. The new design is Awesome!! It is very distinct and have character from other same old car makers! Great job Hyundai!!

[@Agent77X]

Waiting for the “N” version in 2020 to make it to the States!

[@germanquinonez7661]

Loved that fire effect 🔥

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

The car is priced 1-2k more than compact SUVs, but is cost less than 4-5k than other midsize cars. It's size is 4-5 inches longer than compact SUVs, but is 1-2 inches less than other midsize cars.

[@frankpowers7919]

We have a 2017 7 passenger SANTA FE with a 290hp six cylinder engine. Including front wheel, ALL wheel drive and FOUR WHEEL drive. Based price was $32.000. With a very quite 6 speed transmission We wouldn't trade our beast for the 2019 version. I just don't a 4 cylinder engine is big enough. Excellent handling in Maine Winters.

[@scottrowley5943]

I bought this new Santa Fe because it has all the safety features of a $40K SUV. The best car value I have ever owned. I have had 3 BMW's, 1 Benz, 2 Lexus, 1 Audi and 3 Toyota. Just have to say wtg Hyundai! $22K and so many standard features.

[@gabrielobidiran4577]

How much did you get the 2019 Santa fe?

[@NJAceSgt]

Gabriel Obidiran I’ve had my ultimate 2.0 for three months now and I got it at $39k with taxes and fees.

[@chuckloh3008]

Great review, and great personality. Best line of review “the car goes where I aim it “, 🤣

[@Lucky8s]

I really like the exterior design, especially the rear, but only offering LEDs on the top trim is a HUGE market misread.

[@YocoWheelin]

No HP mention?....

[@alliejr]

YocoWheelin Does it really matter? All the competitors are within a fee h.p. of one another, excluding the “sport” editions like Edge ST. In addition it’s pointless to list horsepower stats without including weight stats as well because power/weight matters, just power is irrelevant.

[@AviationDirection]

Too low, so not worth mentioning.

[@proudindian30]

YocoWheelin - Depending on the engine type, it’s between 185-235. Which is ideal for an SUV!

[@handas2]

proudindian30 185hp is not ideal

[@mattmc8391]

Can't comment on the 2.4 , but the 2.0 T moves it nicely. Lots of torque, you can accelerate in most road speed situations without a downshift, even 80+ acceleration is strong .

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Great review

[@mmwalker6828]

This 4th generation is actually larger then the predecessor, if santa fe sport was compact, this one is definitely mid-sized.

[@DharminDoshiart]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!! Thanks MICAH!!! You guys made my day :)

[@jab1720]

It's possible that the home button is that far away because of the right hand drive markets. They figured it's not cost effective to have the unit redone for LHD markets.

[@joshuas3897]

Great review!

[@joecardner4532]

Her review is OK, but the Santa Fe is NOT a compact SUV/CUV (I know because I own one, a 2014 model, and love it) - It's a mid-size SUV/CUV. If she wants to review Hyundai's compact SUV, she needs to go look at the Tucson.

[@titanx04]

If worried about suspension ask for the Australian setup

[@omgitsme435]

Good car, but the biggest and a huge factor is poor mileage

[@lowlanz]

It seems to be the largest alternative for a compact SUV price range

[@jackcarline5183]

Soccer mom : hold my rose wine

[@TommyG11814]

I just bought a SEL w, convince package ,love it.

[@raydavies3278]

Nice looking,and the car is good too.

[@NJAceSgt]

I’ve had this suv for three months now. I love it. The only thing I don’t like is the poor gas mileage. I’m getting average 16mpg driving in the city (Philadelphia). A full tank of gas will last me between 8-10 days driving local...about 240 miles a tank.

[@inthedistance5057]

Maurice A. I was having the same issue but realized that it was my acceleration that was killing my gas mileage. Accelerate smoothly, utilize your forward motion to “coast” around a little bit, and set the gauge to monitor your fuel economy, and you should see gas mileage improvement. After modifying my driving it went from about 16 mpg to 21 mpg average in the city. Hope this helps.

[@mattmc8391]

Great reviewer 👍

[@tinadudley5318]

Yes yes,Tuscon is the competitor for Cr-v and rav 4!!

[@gene978]

I Knew as soon as I seen the preview of this newly styled Santa Fe it was bound to be in our household sooner rather than later. And the reddish orange is beautiful with the cloth interior SEL Plus. The only Luxury Features missing are Heads up display, and Ventilated Seats. I’m not big on leather so I love that these seats are heated without being leather. And I am not a fan of Turbo Engines for long term and the lag with many mainstream turbos. No Lag with the base engine which is more then adequate

[@barryb6282]

Nice review...I’ll put this on the short list. Looking forward to the Honda Passport review to make my final choice!

[@Tully3674]

Good review!

[@dcjohnson2490]

Love this new design, but I hope that Theta II 2.4L engine doesn't have metal shavings and fire problems like the Santa Fe Sport and it's cousin, the Sorento.

[@hejoce0328]

I owned a 2013 Santa Fe 2.0 turbo and loved it except, the stirring in highway driving was bad. It didn't want to hold a straight line, always having to move steering wheel more than needed be. Also the seats were hard. I ended up trading it for a Nissan Pathfinder. Can someone tell me if they have fixed the steering because I am about ready for a new car and like the reviews on the new Santa Fe.

[@minivanmaster]

heated cloth seats should be an option on all cars

[@AnsrMax]

"Jeeves drive" So impressed...

[@i.aan02]

I am now confused as hell with the category that the Santa Fe is on. Should the Tucson be the competitior for the CR-V and Rav4?

[@E30TouringDE]

I just wish all these crossovers/mid size had a bit more power. My 2016 cx5 is infuriatingly slow when on the highway. But there is little to no replacements...

[@Barobran92]

Wouldn’t the regular Rogue compete against this? The Rogue Sport is more of a Kona competitor.

[@mirridulfarhan7105]

The rouge is way smaller.

[@Barobran92]

First off, they're the ones that said the Rogue Sport competes with this, which is even smaller than the Rogue and second off while I realize the Murano is the true competitor, the Rogue is not way smaller than the Santa Fe, it offers an optional third row and the Santa Fe doesn't.

[@Barobran92]

Yes it does, but the Rogue is a more suitable competitor than the Rogue Sport (Qashqai).

[@BamPlan]

get this girl a watch please

[@boy638]

I'm surprised no mention of its direct competitor the Sorento?

[@rlsuarez65]

The Sorento is more of a sibling rival than a competitor.

[@Layla-vz5yq]

KBB are you going to review the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?

[@AnsrMax]

Only thing lacking is an optional V6.

[@josegeorge9512]

How does the new Santa Fe compare to the 2019 Mazda CX-5? I live in Ottawa, Canada and I’m planning to purchase within the month

[@ofcbob6391]

Jose, I think you'll find the CX5 to be much smaller overall. The Santa Fe you will find to be heavier, longer, much more like the CX9 in size really.

[@davidjym]

True, the Santa Fe is much larger than the CX5, so it depends on your needs in terms of size of vehicle.

[@laylanuno8491]

I was wondering the same thing! I’m going to purchase one of those 2 in the next few days :/ any suggestions?

[@pdlynch4330]

Turbo lag? Rear hatch auto open? Sunroof?

[@NileshR12]

I thought the Santa Fe is a mid-size vehicle & the Tucson is the compact crossover from Hyundai

[@minivanman1356]

Hyundai is really making some games changers

[@Log1cTech]

Does this mean this car is replacing the Tucson?

[@MEAMERIE]

The old one shown wasn’t the sport tht was the regular Santa Fe. I actually think this new one looks less sporty though

[@pyongcho]

Does anyone notice the annoying reflections from the dashboard. In a car with top trim that comes headup display. When driving against the sun the bumps where the headup display is supposed to be installed gives the most annoying reflections right in front of your eyes. Is there any solution to it?

[@slayer0390]

if santa fe is a compact SUV while being a 7 seater then what are tucson and kona? toys?

[@Rover30-o5f]

Tucson and kona is cross over suv

[@guitartec]

QUESTION: my wife's 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SE has the oil change reminder in the dash screen, like all Santa Fes, but for the life of me, I cannot get it to remind us of the 5000 mi oil change. I always reset it to 5000 miles (and hit reset), which "looks" to be the way to set it, but we NEVER get any reminder. What am I doing wrong??? She just notified me I was supposed to change her oil 4000 miles ago UGH! Any help would be appreciated.

[@denault3985]

Looks good but this SUV is underpowered with a 2.4L GDI engine considering its weight.

[@999Mrwahab]

5:30 this shook me 🤯

[@bman_dc]

How about the power train? didn’t mention that.

[@hamidmghazi]

Seriously?! You compare this to rogue sport?

[@secordman]

Exactly, the Rogue Sport/Qashqai is even smaller than the Tucson.

[@emrandafadar550]

It's good to see you Ms Lyn. I was missing your lovely smile

[@djaftermath4313]

Indeed!

[@lkh0120]

really nice car...I am a santafe TM owner

[@AmirAzmoon]

can anyone share road noise experience on this car? how good is sound insulation?

[@DraaelD]

Agree with the Grill comment. Old horizontal grill makes for a better face. Also, Kona headlights. Nice.

[@MarkM58]

How could you not compare it with the Sorento cousin?

[@ysatisedwards5605]

Love my 2019 limited

[@Soh90]

Compact SUV??!! This thing is only 3” shorter than the Highlander and 7” longer than the RAV4. Now admitting, the Highlander and RAV4 are both on the smaller side of the segment, but c’mon, the Sante Fe is no compact SUV folks!

[@dontramartin8643]

The front end is sooooo confusing...😅

[@ofcbob6391]

Can anyone who drives one please comment on how well those "down low" headlamps work? Do they light up the road at night as well as projection headlamps that are up high on the front end? I really want to like this vehicle for all it offers as standard..but I worry about those headlamps being low in the front end.

[@chuacirilo]

The most significant problem with this new design are the tirn signal lights.. its way too low low low. Trucks, pickups or sedans too close behind you cannot see that light blinking.. for the front same issues as well, too low that curb can sometimes block it from others view..

[@blakespower]

how is that considered a compact SUV? its mid size if anything, a compact suv is like an ecosport

[@johnshuler1396]

Those seats are hot like you with those sun glasses and hat that you were modeling!

[@TurfSurf]

I wish they used Palisades interior instead.

[@steelydanfan100]

The interior is nice. I bought the Ultimate 2.0T. To each his own.

[@steelydanfan100]

A Palisade is going to sell for $5K more than a Santa Fe, so yes, the interior should be nicer. A loaded Palisade will push $40K or beyond.

[@bradybisgard]

I really hate the new Hyundai front ends