2019 Hyundai Santa Fe UK Review: Is It Worth It?

Alright, guys, let's dive into the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe and see if this SUV is still a contender in the UK market. We're talking about a popular family car, so understanding its pros and cons is super important before you shell out your hard-earned cash. This review will cover everything you need to know, from its performance and practicality to its tech and safety features. We will explore the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe's capabilities, considering its engine options, handling, and overall driving experience. Is it a smooth ride for the daily commute or a capable companion for weekend adventures? We'll also examine the interior, assessing the space, comfort, and quality of materials. Is it spacious enough for families, and does it offer a pleasant environment for both drivers and passengers? Then, we will look into the tech and features, investigating the infotainment system, driver-assistance technologies, and connectivity options available. Are they up-to-date and user-friendly? Finally, we will consider the value proposition, comparing the Santa Fe against its rivals, and providing a final verdict on whether it's a worthwhile purchase in 2019 and beyond. So, buckle up, and let's get started on this 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe review!

Driving Experience and Performance of the 2019 Santa Fe

When we talk about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, the driving experience is key, right? You want something that's not just practical but also enjoyable to drive, whether you're battling the morning rush or cruising on a long journey. The Santa Fe offers a few engine options, primarily diesel and petrol variants, each with its own characteristics. The diesel engines, especially, were popular in the UK for their fuel efficiency and torque. That means a good pull for overtaking and general responsiveness. They are generally known for their good fuel economy, which can be a big plus for those long commutes or family road trips. The petrol engines, on the other hand, might offer a slightly smoother and quieter experience, which is important, especially in city driving.

One of the things that stands out in the 2019 Santa Fe is its ride comfort. Hyundai has done a good job of soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road, making for a generally smooth experience. The suspension is tuned for comfort, meaning it's less sporty and more focused on providing a relaxed ride. The steering is light and easy, making the car a breeze to maneuver in tight spots, which is great for parking and navigating urban environments. However, some might find it a bit lacking in feel on more twisty roads. The handling is competent and predictable, which is what you'd expect from a family SUV. It's not a sports car, obviously, but it handles well enough for everyday driving. The Santa Fe also comes with different drive modes, which you can switch to adjust the car's performance to match the road conditions or your driving style. These modes can alter the steering feel, throttle response, and transmission behavior.

Ultimately, the driving experience in the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is designed to be user-friendly and comfortable. It's a car that's easy to live with day in and day out, with a focus on ride comfort and practicality over outright sportiness. If you're looking for a car that offers a relaxed and enjoyable driving experience, the Santa Fe is definitely worth considering. It is also good for towing. This can be great if you have a caravan or trailer. Just make sure the engine you choose is up to the task.

Interior, Comfort, and Practicality

Now, let’s get inside the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe! The interior is where you’ll spend most of your time, so it needs to be comfortable, practical, and a nice place to be. The Santa Fe offers a spacious cabin, which is one of its biggest selling points. There's plenty of room for both front and rear passengers, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller adults. The seats are generally supportive and comfortable, making long journeys a breeze. The materials used in the interior are decent quality, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. It doesn't quite reach the premium levels of some of its rivals, but it feels well-built and sturdy. You will spend a lot of time inside, so this is important!

Practicality is another key strength of the 2019 Santa Fe. The boot is generously sized, offering plenty of space for luggage, groceries, or whatever else you need to carry. The rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area even further, making it easy to accommodate larger items. There are also plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a center console, and a glove compartment, so you can keep your belongings organized and within easy reach. The layout of the dashboard and controls is generally intuitive and easy to use. The infotainment system is well-integrated, and the buttons and switches are logically placed. The visibility is also good, thanks to the large windows and elevated driving position, which helps make parking and maneuvering easier. The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe provides a practical and comfortable interior, making it well-suited to the demands of family life. It has comfortable seats that provide good support, and plenty of space for passengers of all sizes. The interior is a pleasant place to spend time, thanks to the quality of the materials and the overall design. The vehicle has plenty of space for everything that you want to carry.

Tech and Features of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

Let’s get into the tech and features of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. Modern cars are packed with technology, and the Santa Fe is no exception. The infotainment system is a central part of the experience, usually featuring a touchscreen display that controls various functions, including navigation, audio, and smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are often included, allowing you to seamlessly connect your phone and use apps like navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling. The display quality and responsiveness vary depending on the trim level, but generally, the system is user-friendly and easy to navigate. You can also expect to find features such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a premium sound system.

In terms of driver-assistance features, the 2019 Santa Fe offers a comprehensive suite of safety technologies designed to enhance your driving experience and protect you and your passengers. These features may include adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, lane-keeping assist, which helps you stay in your lane, and blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. Automatic emergency braking is another important safety feature, designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes if a potential collision is detected. Some models also come with a surround-view camera system, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The Santa Fe typically comes with parking sensors, which help you avoid obstacles when parking. Overall, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a range of tech and safety features that make it a modern and well-equipped SUV, designed to keep you connected, safe, and comfortable on the road. The features improve your driving and are a necessity in today’s cars.

Value for Money and Rivals

When we’re talking about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, value for money is a crucial aspect, right? Let's be honest, we all want to get the best bang for our buck. Hyundai has a reputation for offering well-equipped cars at competitive prices, and the Santa Fe is no exception. The cost of a used 2019 Santa Fe will vary depending on the trim level, mileage, condition, and any optional extras. Generally, it offers a good balance of features, space, and build quality for the price. When we consider its rivals, the Santa Fe goes up against some tough competition in the mid-size SUV segment. The Kia Sorento, which is a close relative of the Santa Fe, is also worth a look. It often offers similar features and practicality at a competitive price. The Nissan X-Trail is another popular choice, known for its practicality and comfortable ride. The Skoda Kodiaq is also an interesting option, offering a spacious interior and a range of engine choices.

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a compelling package, especially if you're looking for a practical, well-equipped SUV at a reasonable price. The Santa Fe also has a great warranty, offering peace of mind to buyers. The fuel efficiency of the diesel engines can help keep running costs down. However, the price also can be a bit more expensive than some of its rivals. Considering your needs and priorities is important. If you prioritize space, comfort, and a long list of features, the Santa Fe is certainly worth considering. Before making a final decision, it's always a good idea to test drive a few different cars to see which one best fits your needs and preferences. Also, consider the specific trim levels and options available, as this will affect the overall value proposition. If you need a reliable and well-rounded family SUV, the Santa Fe is a great choice!

Final Verdict

So, guys, after this deep dive into the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, what’s the final verdict? Is it a good buy in the UK market? Overall, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment. It offers a winning combination of practicality, comfort, and value for money. The spacious interior and generous boot make it well-suited for families, while the range of tech and safety features add to its appeal. The driving experience is generally smooth and refined, with a focus on comfort over sportiness.

However, like all cars, it has its drawbacks. Some might find the steering a bit light, and the interior, while well-built, doesn't quite match the premium feel of some rivals. The engine options are good, but you need to choose the one that best suits your needs, whether that’s fuel efficiency or performance. Also, the availability of used models will depend on the area, so keep that in mind. Weighing up the pros and cons is important. Consider what you need from a car and what your priorities are. If you’re looking for a comfortable, practical, and well-equipped family SUV that offers good value for money, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is definitely worth a look. With its strong points and minor weaknesses, the Santa Fe is a solid choice. It's a car that will likely serve you and your family well. Make sure you do your research, read other reviews, and take a test drive before making your final decision. Happy car hunting!