2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Changes: What to Know

Introduction

Hyundai's celebrated entrant into the compact SUV class, the Santa Fe, has seen some changes over the years, but certainly none quite as major as what's coming. Before setting out to see what the 2019 model year means for Hyundai's Santa Fe, check out the following tips on what buyers need to know in order to make a smart purchase. In this case, it's really all in the name?

View Santa Fe Inventory

Model Name Changes

As if car specs, trim details, starting MSRPs, and bizarrely branded color schemes weren't confusing enough, Hyundai has decided to flip the script on its familiar model names. So, bear with us as we explain these changes. The current five passenger 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport will be, beginning with the 2019 model year, known as the 2019 Santa Fe, touted by Hyundai as its "most tech-advanced SUV ever." Simply drop the Sport and you're up to speed. That's one-half of the puzzle.

The current seven-passenger Santa Fe will be rebadged as the 2019 Santa Fe XL (makes sense, right, when you keep in mind the extra passenger space?) For added fun, an eight-passenger variant is rumored to be on the horizon; however, we don't even want to guess at what Hyundai might name that newcomer.

Exterior Redesign

Sporting a makeover from the ground up, the 2019 Santa Fe is all about confidence, signaled by an exterior edginess in details like the bold, curvier chrome grille, set off by stunning LED headlights in all seven of its available models.

Interior Updates

Hosting updated tech in plush surroundings, the 2019 Santa Fe feature some impressive interior enhancements like a standard 7-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging for personal devices, heads-up smart display, and a panoramic sunroof.

Engine Changes

Although it would seem that these name changes would equate to new equipment, the engines on the 2019 Santa Fe models remain true to current operation. That means drivers should expect a standard 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, able to generate 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Available power comes from the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI DOHC 4-cylinder variant; however, the 2019 model year sees a drop in horsepower from 240 to 235, with torque holding true at 260 lb-ft, regardless.

Either engine can be paired with front-wheel or all-wheel drive; however upcoming models feature an 8-speed automatic transmission, swapping out the current 6-speed transmission. Fuel efficiency numbers are as follows: the 2019 Santa Fe's primary powertrain returns fuel figures of 22/29/25 mpg, while the available engine dips slightly to 20/25/22 mpg.

Word on the street is that Hyundai will introduce a 2.2-liter turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine in 2020, which will return 190 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. Again, fuel efficiency ratings remain a mystery; however, industry experts anticipate something in the neighborhood of 30 mpg combined.

Conclusion

There is already so much to love about Hyundai's popular 2018 Santa Fe models, but the 2019 Santa Fe offers more of what consumers want in a restyled package sure to please.