Last month, Hyundai’s Manager of Product Planning Trevor Lai introduced the all-new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe to MAMA members in the form of a casual, tailgate-style event featuring lunch from local food trucks.

The five-passenger 2019 Santa Fe was designed to look like an SUV, and “most definitely not a minivan” compared to Hyundai’s competitors in the segment, according to Lai. The latest model features more tech and is stronger, safer and more efficient than ever before.

Beyond the Santa Fe’s refreshed design, Hyundai also aimed to increase visibility and utility in the vehicle. The beltline was lowered, the outside mirrors were repositioned lower and further rearward, and side windows are larger. To increase utility, Hyundai improved cargo space by adding a second-row, one-touch folding technology; cargo-area seat release; cargo underfloor storage; and selectable liftgate speed.

In an effort to ensure accessible safety features for both drivers and passengers, Hyundai made the following SmartSense technology features standard on the Santa Fe: head-up display; forward collision-avoidance assist; blind-spot collision avoidance assist; safe exit assist; lane keeping assist; high beam assist; driver attention warning; smart cruise control with stop-and-go tech; and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.

Available safety features include rear occupant alert, a system that detects and alerts the driver if there is something left in the backseat. Additionally, new to the Santa Fe, is the safe exit assist feature which keeps the rear doors locked if outside movement (i.e. an approaching vehicle) is detected.  

Under the hood, the 2019 Santa Fe features improved engine options including a 2.4-liter CDI 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed A/T and a 2.0-liter Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine with 8-speed A/T. Both engine options apply new electrically-actuated variable valve timing tech, which improves overall fuel economy and performance.

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is priced around $25,000 and ranges to $35,450.

The current long-wheelbase, three-row, seven-passenger model has been renamed to the Santa Fe XL for the 2019 model year. An all-new three-row, eight-passenger SUV is currently under development and will carry an all-new name, according to Hyundai.