Redesigned for 2019, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is a 5-seat SUV with sharpened styling and far more standard and optional technology than its predecessor.
The Santa Fe competes against a wide swath of compact and mid-size 5-seat SUVs ranging from the Subaru Forester and Ford Escape to larger models such as the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano.
SE, SEL, Limited, and Ultimate trim levels span from around $27,000 to nearly $40,000. A 2.4-liter inline-4 is standard, while buyers can upgrade Limited and Ultimate trims to a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-4. On all, an 8-speed automatic transmission transfers power to either the front or, optionally, all four wheels.
The automaker also offered the long-wheelbase version of its previous-generation Santa Fe, called the Santa Fe XL, though this trim breakdown covers the 5-seat version.
Here’s a look at the trim levels available on the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SE (Original starting price when new: $26,845)
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The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SE started at $26,845.
The SE comes exclusively with the base 4-cylinder engine, though all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.
This model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and projector headlights outside. Inside, look for cloth upholstery with manually-adjusted front seats. Air-conditioning with rear-seat vents, power windows and locks, and six airbags join keyless entry, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a host of crash-avoidance features including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance.
Who is this trim for? The Santa Fe is well-equipped for a base model, but its lack of optional features means it’s best for drivers focused on the lowest possible price.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SE includes:
Crash-avoidance tech — The Santa Fe can apply its brakes automatically to avoid a wreck, and its adaptive cruise control system will help keep it a safe distance from the car in front even in stop-and-go driving.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — This smartphone mirroring system projects select entertainment, communication, and navigation apps onto the central touchscreen.
2.4-liter inline-4 — The base engine produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which should be adequate for most daily drivers.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL (Original starting price when new: $28,695)
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Stepping up to the SEL trim level adds a wide array of small items to a more premium-feeling SUV.
Outside, look for niceties such as heated exterior mirrors, approach lights, and a proximity key that can be kept in the driver’s pocket or bag for access to the vehicle. Its cabin features heated front seats with power adjustment on the driver’s side, satellite and HD radio, and the automaker’s Blue Link connectivity system. Drivers can also configure a digital display in the instrument cluster to show various trip computer functions.
The optional SEL Plus package adds parking sensors, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a hands-free power tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a garage door opener, and a 12-speaker Infinity audio system, plus a few other small items.
Who is this trim for? The SEL packs many small items for a modest price premium. It’s an outstanding balance between features and value, especially with the Plus package.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL includes:
Blue Link connectivity — Users can access certain vehicle functions such as lock/unlock and engine start from their phones, plus they can access remote diagnostics.
Satellite and HD Radio — These over-the-air choices for audio may make commutes and longer drives more relaxing, though satellite radio incurs a subscription fee.
Available SEL Plus Package — This package adds many useful features, plus some luxuries that add up to a nicer overall vehicle.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited (Original starting price when new: $33,695)
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The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited started at $33,695.
Available with either the base engine or the optional 235-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4, the Santa Fe Limited offers a taste of luxury without breaking the bank. It features LED exterior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable passenger seat.
Models with the available turbocharged engine are fitted with 10-inch alloy wheels and come with provisions for towing a small trailer.
Who is this trim for? The Limited is the cheapest Santa Fe with leather seats, and it’s the gateway to the more powerful turbo-4 engine. It’s a good value for drivers wanting one or the other.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited includes:
Available turbocharged engine — This engine may be smaller, but it packs a turbo punch for better acceleration.
LED exterior lighting — The LED headlights provide a whiter, sharper light at night than the incandescent bulbs on lower trims.
Leather upholstery — Leather has a soft, warm feel — even if it can be a little cold in winter.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate (Original starting price when new: $36,545)
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The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate started at $36,545.
As its name suggests, the Santa Fe Ultimate tops the lineup. It builds on the Limited with a surround-view camera system, a heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, additional power adjustment and memory for the driver’s seat, a head-up display, a wireless device charging pad, and a built-in navigation system, among other features.
Both the 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter engines are offered on this model.
Who is this trim for? Drivers who must have it all will find little to complain about in this well-equipped 5-seat SUV.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate includes:
Additional seat adjustment and memory — The driver’s seat features more lumbar adjustment, plus the driver can extend the bottom cushion to provide better under-knee support.
Cooled front seats — Tiny fans keep front-seat occupants cool when it’s warm outside.
Head-up display — This system projects select vehicle information such as its current speed onto the windshield where it is visible only from the driver’s seat.
