2019 Hyundai Santa Fe: Features, Performance, and Owner’s Guide

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe continues to stand out as a versatile and reliable midsize SUV. Whether you’re a family looking for comfort, a commuter seeking efficiency, or someone who enjoys weekend adventures, this SUV offers something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the 2019 Santa Fe—from its performance and interior features to real-life experiences of owners who’ve driven it extensively.

Overview of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-range SUV that balances style, technology, and practicality. Available in several trims—including SE, SEL, Limited, and Ultimate—the Santa Fe caters to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Its competitive pricing, combined with Hyundai’s reputation for reliability, makes it a solid choice in the crowded midsize SUV market.

From my personal test drives, the Santa Fe feels more spacious and refined than many of its competitors in the segment. The vehicle strikes the right balance between urban driving comfort and highway stability, making it suitable for families and solo drivers alike.

Exterior Design and Features

The 2019 Santa Fe exterior is sleek, modern, and functional. Its bold grille, angular headlights, and smooth body lines give it a contemporary look that stands out on the road. Available color options like Stormy Sea and Twilight Black add personality, while practical features such as a hands-free liftgate make loading and unloading cargo effortless.

Safety was a major focus for Hyundai in 2019. The SUV comes with standard features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. In fact, the 2019 Santa Fe safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirm its solid performance in crash tests, giving drivers peace of mind on long trips.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the 2019 Santa Fe, and the cabin impresses with space, comfort, and thoughtful technology. The SUV offers ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, making long journeys enjoyable. The materials feel premium for the class, and the available ventilated seats provide a touch of luxury on hot summer days.

The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Drivers also benefit from a digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports—perfect for families with tech-savvy teens. Real-life owners often praise how the interior balances comfort and practicality, especially for long weekend getaways or daily commutes.

Performance and Engine Options

Under the hood, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe offers two engine choices:

1. 2.4-liter four-cylinder: Produces 185 horsepower, suitable for city driving and moderate highway trips.
2. 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder: Delivers 235 horsepower for those seeking extra power and responsiveness.

Pair either engine with a smooth six-speed automatic or the available eight-speed transmission, and you get a balanced driving experience. From my personal experience during a road trip to the countryside, the turbocharged engine handled steep inclines and overtaking maneuvers with ease. The 2019 Santa Fe AWD performance review also highlights that all-wheel drive provides confidence in wet or snowy conditions without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

Speaking of fuel economy, expect around 22-25 mpg in the city and 28-29 mpg on the highway, making it a competitive choice for a midsize SUV.

Reliability and Maintenance

Hyundai’s reliability scores have been consistently above average, and the 2019 Santa Fe is no exception. Owners report minimal issues, with routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations keeping the SUV running smoothly. Hyundai also backs the Santa Fe with an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, giving drivers extra peace of mind.

In a real-life case study, a Santa Fe owner from Texas, Maria, has driven her 2019 Santa Fe over 80,000 miles in just four years. She reports that the SUV has handled everything from school runs to weekend camping trips without a hitch, highlighting its durability and practicality for daily use.

Towing Capacity and Practicality

One of the underrated strengths of the 2019 Santa Fe is its towing capacity. With the turbocharged engine, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, perfect for small trailers or boats. Add to this a generous cargo area, foldable rear seats, and smart storage compartments, and it becomes an SUV that can truly handle family adventures and weekend road trips.

The best 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe model for families is typically the Limited trim, thanks to its advanced safety features, upgraded technology, and comfort-focused amenities. This makes it an ideal choice for parents who want both practicality and style.

Conclusion

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe remains a compelling choice in the midsize SUV segment. Its combination of interior comfort, technology, safety, and performance ensures that it meets the needs of a wide range of drivers. Whether you’re commuting, towing, or taking family trips, the Santa Fe delivers reliability and value.

If you’re considering purchasing a used SUV that still feels modern and capable, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is a solid option. With a strong warranty, excellent reliability, and features that make daily driving enjoyable, it’s no wonder that it continues to be a favorite among families and enthusiasts alike.

For a comparison of modern SUVs with hybrid options, check out our detailed review of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid.

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