Hyundai’s dug its heels hard in the hotly contested midsize crossover segment when they launched the last generation Santa Fe. They pulled out all the stops where styling, driving and performance were concerned, and they instantly reaped the rewards.
When something ain’t broke, you don’t fix it. The new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is set to repeat the success of old.
Styling-wise, the new Santa Fe is bold, and smug. Its front fascia reminds us of the Kona for a little dose of youth. The cabin is upscale, with lovely materials and great design. The outer dimensions have grown slightly, but it’s on the inside where the increases are most obvious. The gains in interior space are experienced mostly by the 2nd and 3rd row passengers, and the boot is larger as well.
HTRAC, Hyundai’s in-house AWD system, does power distribution duties. Its variable torque control sends torque where needed and can be manipulated via the pre-set drive modes. Power comes from the existing 2.4-litre and turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines. The big news is that a 2.2-liter diesel engine option, and a new 8-speed automatic transmission, will debut with the new 2019 Santa Fe.
On the road, Hyundai promises that the Santa Fe will be the smoothest and most refined ever. The suspension’s tuning is revised and for the first time, a self-load-leveling suspension is offered as an option.
Hyundai’s very insistent on safety technology and it shows. The new 2019 utility vehicle is loaded with a battery of active and passive safety features including Rear Occupant Alert which monitors the rear bench and alerts the driver if it’s still occupied.
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe will go on sale in Canada in late-summer of 2018.
