Used 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0T SUV Review

First, we need to start off with a public service announcement: The naming of the redesigned 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe might throw you off. The previous-generation Santa Fe (2013-2018) was a three-row crossover SUV, but the 2019 model is now a two-row and is essentially the redesign of last year's two-row Santa Fe Sport. Last year's three-row Santa Fe is now called the Santa Fe XL.  Got it? Great. Now the question is: How good is this new Santa Fe?

We like that the Santa Fe is a bit wider and longer than outgoing Santa Fe Sport. It's more spacious on the inside, an area where it already excelled. Hyundai also improved the look and feel of the cabin. For standard equipment, the new Santa Fe gets smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and Hyundai's attractive 7-inch touchscreen. What's more, safety features such as forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a drowsy driving warning system, and Hyundai's Safe Exit Assist — which will temporarily prevent your door from opening if a vehicle is approaching from behind — all come as standard.

Alas, one thing we weren't overly keen on the Sport is still hanging around: the standard 2.4-liter engine. Power output is unchanged at 185 horsepower, and fuel economy is lackluster. Hyundai has paired it to an eight-speed automatic transmission for 2019, though, rather than last year's six-speed. The change mildly increases fuel economy and should improve acceleration, too.  Hyundai is also offering a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder (235 hp).

Despite the probable confusion with its name change, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has a lot of appeal. It's a well-equipped crossover with lots of modern tech and plenty of space for your family. If you're looking for a good value in the two-row crossover segment, it's a vehicle you'll want on your short list.

The 2019 Santa Fe is a five-passenger crossover, available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited and Ultimate. The SE and the SEL are reasonably well-equipped, while the SEL Plus and Limited add some useful convenience features. The Ultimate packs on the luxury-oriented features. For the most part, there are no significant options or packages to choose from.

All trim levels come with the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (185 horsepower, 178 pound-feet of torque). The Limited and the Ultimate are available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (235 hp, 260 lb-ft). An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board, and any model can be specified with front- or all-wheel drive.

Hyundai Santa Fe SE

The base SE trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, a rearview camera, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch display screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, four USB ports (two front and two rear) and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention warning to prevent drowsy driving, forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and Hyundai's Safe Exit Assist, which will temporarily prevent your door from opening if a vehicle is approaching from behind.

Hyundai Santa Fe SEL

Along with the SE's standard equipment, the SEL gets foglights, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, an upgraded driver information display, Hyundai Blue Link services and satellite radio.

Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Plus

Next up on the trim-level ladder is the SEL Plus. On top of the SEL's equipment, it adds 18-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, slide functionality for the rear seats, and a 12-speaker Infinity stereo system.

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited

For a few more creature comforts, there's the Limited trim level. Here you get LED exterior lighting (headlights, taillights, foglights), a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery and a power-adjustable passenger seat.

Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate

At the top of the heap is the Santa Fe Ultimate. It has everything on the Limited plus a top-down parking camera system, rear parking sensors, driver-seat memory settings, adjustable lumbar support for the driver, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, a driver head-up display, navigation and wireless smartphone charging.

On the Limited and Ultimate trim levels, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine option also comes with 19-inch wheels and a trailering package.