Hyundai Santa Fe 2019: 7 Seater SUV Review

by Alex Braham 43 views

Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the Hyundai Santa Fe 2019, specifically the 7-seater version. If you're in the market for a reliable, spacious, and feature-packed SUV, you’ve probably heard about the Santa Fe. Let’s break down what makes the 2019 model a worthy contender in the crowded SUV landscape.

Overview of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2019

The Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 marked a significant step up from its predecessors, offering a more refined driving experience, enhanced safety features, and a stylish redesign. For families needing that extra bit of space, the 7-seater configuration is a huge plus. This model year falls into the fourth generation of the Santa Fe, which brought about substantial changes both inside and out.

Exterior Design

First impressions matter, and the 2019 Santa Fe doesn't disappoint. The exterior boasts a bold and modern look, characterized by Hyundai's signature cascading grille, sleek LED headlights, and a sculpted body. The overall design feels premium and upscale, setting it apart from some of its more conservatively styled competitors. The strong character lines and well-proportioned dimensions give it a confident stance on the road. Adding to its appeal are the stylish alloy wheel options and the thoughtfully designed rear fascia, which includes LED taillights that enhance visibility and aesthetics.

Interior Comfort and Space

Inside, the Santa Fe 2019 continues to impress with its comfortable and spacious cabin. The materials used feel high-quality, with soft-touch surfaces and attention to detail evident throughout. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long drives a pleasure. The 7-seater configuration means there’s enough room for larger families, although the third row is best suited for children or smaller adults. The panoramic sunroof (available on higher trims) adds an airy and open feel to the interior, enhancing the overall sense of spaciousness. Storage is also well-thought-out, with plenty of cubbies, cupholders, and a generous cargo area behind the third row, which expands significantly when the rear seats are folded down.

Technology and Features

The 2019 Santa Fe is packed with tech features designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable. The infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This allows seamless connectivity with your smartphone, giving you access to navigation, music, and other apps. Available features include a premium sound system, wireless charging pad, and a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Safety tech is also a strong point, with standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control providing added peace of mind.

Performance and Handling

Let’s talk about how the Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 performs on the road. It’s available with two engine options:

  • A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
  • A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine

Engine Options

The base 2.4-liter engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. It’s smooth and refined, making it suitable for commuting and running errands around town. However, if you’re looking for more oomph, especially when the car is fully loaded with passengers and cargo, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is the way to go. This engine delivers brisk acceleration and plenty of torque, making highway merging and overtaking a breeze. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and efficiently, contributing to a comfortable and refined driving experience.

Driving Experience

The Santa Fe 2019 offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension soaks up bumps and road imperfections with ease, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you confidence behind the wheel. While it’s not a sporty SUV, the Santa Fe handles corners predictably and remains composed in various driving conditions. The available all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with inclement weather. Overall, the driving experience is well-rounded, offering a good balance of comfort, performance, and handling.

Key Features of the 7-Seater Model

When considering the Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 7-seater, here are some key features that set it apart:

  • Spacious Cabin: The extended length accommodates the third row, making it suitable for larger families.
  • Versatile Seating: The second and third-row seats can be folded down to create a larger cargo area.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Features like rear climate control and multiple USB ports cater to the needs of passengers in the back.

Third-Row Seating

The third-row seating is a standout feature of the 7-seater model. While it's not the most spacious in its class, it provides a valuable option for families who occasionally need to transport extra passengers. The seats are relatively easy to access, and the ability to fold them down independently allows for flexible cargo configurations. Keep in mind that with the third row in use, cargo space is limited, but folding the seats down opens up a significant amount of room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. This versatility makes the Santa Fe 7-seater a practical choice for families with varying needs.

Cargo Space

Cargo space is always a critical factor for families, and the Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 doesn't disappoint. With all seats in place, there's still enough room for everyday essentials. Folding down the third row significantly expands the cargo area, providing ample space for larger items. The wide and flat load floor makes it easy to load and unload cargo, and the available hands-free power liftgate adds convenience. Whether you're hauling groceries, sports equipment, or luggage for a road trip, the Santa Fe offers plenty of space to accommodate your needs.

Safety and Reliability

Safety is paramount, and the Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 excels in this area. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitoring

Safety Ratings

The 2019 Santa Fe has earned high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings reflect the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The robust construction and advanced safety technologies contribute to its excellent safety performance, providing drivers and passengers with added peace of mind.

Reliability

Hyundai has made significant strides in improving the reliability of its vehicles, and the Santa Fe 2019 is a testament to that. While individual experiences may vary, the Santa Fe generally receives positive reviews for its reliability and durability. Regular maintenance and adherence to the recommended service schedule can help ensure that your Santa Fe remains in top condition for years to come. Hyundai's comprehensive warranty coverage also provides added reassurance, protecting you against unexpected repairs.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 7-seater:

Pros

  • Spacious and comfortable cabin
  • User-friendly technology
  • Available turbocharged engine
  • Comprehensive safety features
  • Attractive design

Cons

  • Third-row seating is tight for adults
  • Fuel economy could be better
  • Some competitors offer more cargo space

Alternatives to Consider

If the Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 isn’t quite what you’re looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Kia Sorento
  • Toyota Highlander
  • Honda Pilot
  • Nissan Pathfinder

Conclusion

The Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 7-seater is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling combination of space, comfort, technology, and safety. While the third-row seating may be a bit tight for adults, it’s a valuable option for families who need the flexibility to carry extra passengers. With its attractive design, user-friendly features, and available turbocharged engine, the Santa Fe is a strong contender in the competitive SUV market. If you’re in the market for a reliable and versatile family vehicle, the Santa Fe 2019 is definitely worth a look. Happy car hunting, guys!