2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D Executive Review

In Malaysia's D-Segment 7-seater SUV market, the needs of family users always revolve around three core aspects: "spacious interiors, high configurations, and reliable performance." The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D Executive is a popular choice targeting this group—it not only comes equipped with a diesel turbo engine but also features all-wheel drive as standard. Priced at RM 188,218, it covers most practical configurations valued by families. The focus of this test drive is to verify whether its space can truly meet the needs of a 7-person journey, assess the fuel consumption of the diesel engine in daily commutes, and evaluate the practicality of the all-wheel-drive system on rainy season roads, providing potential buyers with a clear reference.

In terms of appearance, the 2019 Santa Fe 2.2D Executive follows a stable yet slightly rugged design philosophy. The front fascia features a large horizontal chrome grille, paired with polygonal halogen headlamps on both sides, giving it decent recognition; the body side lines are straight, with a waistline stretching from the front fender to the rear, ensuring the side profile doesn't appear bulky. The 18-inch wheels are appropriately proportioned for the SUV's positioning—not too extravagant, nor too small. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged taillights mirroring the headlights at the front, while the silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a touch of off-road flair. For lighting options, automatic headlights and daytime running lights are standard, making daily use quite convenient.

Inside, the interior design leans towards practicality without overly flamboyant elements. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical layout, with the upper portion wrapped in soft-touch materials that feel reasonably refined, while the lower part is made of hard plastic, though the seam control is well-executed. In terms of key configurations, a 7-inch touch-screen sits at the center of the dashboard, offering decent smoothness in operation. It supports the Sound Plus feature and is paired with six speakers, sufficient for everyday music needs. The instrument panel includes a 3.5-inch TFT LCD, which displays information like fuel consumption, speed, driving modes, and more, making it easy to read. As for the seats, the driver's seat supports 12-way electric adjustment, making it easy to find a comfortable seating position, while the front passenger seat is manually adjustable. The second row can be split 60:40, slide, and recline, while the third row is split 50:50, providing great flexibility.

Space performance is critical for 7-seater SUVs, and the Santa Fe's body dimensions are 4770mm in length, 1890mm in width, and 1680mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2765mm. In actual experience, the space in the first two rows is very generous. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the second row can leave more than two fist's width of legroom. The third row is more suitable for children or adults on short trips, as the legroom is just about enough without being overly cramped. In terms of storage, the boot has a standard volume of 547L, which can be expanded significantly with the third-row seats folded down, enough for strollers or suitcases. There are also multiple storage compartments inside the vehicle, such as a central armrest box and door panel storage slots, which provide ample space for storing phones or water bottles in daily use. Additionally, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, and a 220V power outlet are all standard features, catering to the needs of the entire family.

Powertrain: The 2.2L turbo diesel engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 193PS and reaches peak torque between 1750-2750rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the start feels brisk with ample low-end torque, making it easy to follow vehicles or overtake in urban areas; when accelerating on the highway beyond 120km/h, there’s still some reserved power for effortless overtaking. The transmission’s shifting logic is clear and smooth, with hardly any noticeable jerks. Driving modes include Normal, Sport, and Eco. In Sport mode, throttle response is more sensitive, while Eco mode focuses on fuel efficiency.

In terms of handling and suspension performance, the steering wheel has a moderate weight with minimal play, making it easy to handle during daily driving. The suspension setup features front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or rough roads, most vibrations are filtered out, without feeling too bumpy. While cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, providing a stable feel. The all-wheel-drive system enhances traction on rainy or slippery roads, giving more confidence when crossing water-logged sections, but as a city-oriented SUV, extreme off-road capability isn't its forte. Regarding fuel consumption, it averages around 7-8L/100km under mixed driving conditions. The fuel economy of the diesel engine is indeed commendable. With a 70L tank capacity, a full tank can exceed 800km in range, which is impressive for long trips.

In terms of ride comfort, the noise insulation is decent. In urban environments, road noise and engine noise are minimal, while wind noise on the highway becomes slightly noticeable but remains acceptable. The seat padding is relatively soft with good support, ensuring comfort even on long journeys. Features like electric parking brake and hill-start assist come standard, making parking or starting on slopes very convenient.

In conclusion, the core strengths of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D Executive are evident: a 7-seat spacious interior, practical features, reliable diesel powertrain, and all-wheel drive. Its pricing is competitive within its class — for instance, compared to the Toyota Fortuner, it offers more refined interiors and better features, along with lower fuel consumption; compared to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, it provides more spacious seating.

Overall, the 2019 Santa Fe 2.2D Executive is a well-rounded 7-seater SUV, ideal for families who frequently travel together, especially those prioritizing space, features, and fuel economy. It doesn’t have any significant shortcomings, and every aspect meets daily practical needs, making it a reliable choice for family use.