Riverside Hyundai Shoppers Get The First Look at The 2019 Santa Fe

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize crossover which is now in its fourth-generation, and it's no exaggeration to say this latest incarnation is almost unrecognizable from the first-generation we first began to see back in 2000. This version of the Santa Fe you'll see now at dealers like Riverside Hyundai is a superb illustration of how the Hyundai brand and its model range has completely reinvented itself over the last decade. Let's look in more detail at how the Santa Fe is now better described as affordable and sensational rather than cheap and cheerful.

Five different trim levels now make up the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe range when you check it out at a  Hyundai dealership in Riverside County. The entry point to the lineup is the Santa Fe SE, and after that we go upwards to the SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, and finally to the top-of-the-range Santa Fe Ultimate.

Those people who don't like the way some manufacturers reserve some of the coolest features for the costly options list will love the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. Hyundai keeps things as simple and straightforward as possible because there are no options outside the trim levels. Each trim level has its clearly defined set of included features and equipment, and if more is required by the consumer it means looking at a higher trim level.  

Some midsize crossovers can be a little too mundane, conservative and anonymous in their styling, while others favour designs that can be a bit too cutting-edge and are polarizing for some tastes. A 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is neither of those extremes, and instead it strikes the perfect balance between accepted contemporary SUV styling and modern, almost futuristic design, but without going too far. The bigger, more aggressive front grille adds extra presence. Despite a more upright stance than its predecessor, the rounded creases of the body and the thin, swept-back headlights deliver a sporty feel.

Buyers have a choice of two engines for the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. The standard powerplant is a 2.4-liter inline-four producing 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which sends its power to the front or all four wheels through a new eight-speed automatic transmission. All models are standard front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an available option for all five trim levels. Those choosing one of the two top trim levels of Limited and Ultimate get the option of the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four under the hood. This superb engine develops 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and is available in front- and all-wheel drive variants.

Both engines come with an Idle Stop & Go system to turn the engine off and back on when appropriate to help keep fuel economy competitive. The most frugal version of the new Santa Fe is one with the standard 2.4-liter engine and front-wheel drive, which the EPA rates at 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined.* The more powerful 2.0-liter turbo in front-drive form is rated at 20/25/22 mpg, and adding all-wheel drive to either engine only cuts fuel economy by one or two mpg across the board.

* All vehicle mileage based on 2019 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.