2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D Premium Review

In recent years, the demand for D-segment SUVs in the Malaysian market has been steadily rising. Consumers not only value spacious practicality but also have high requirements for power performance and rich configurations—this is exactly the segment targeted by the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D Premium. As a mid-to-high trim model in the series, it comes equipped with a 2.2L diesel turbo engine and an all-wheel-drive system, alongside a host of standard intelligent features, making it highly competitive in terms of value. The core purpose of this test drive is to evaluate whether this vehicle can meet the daily needs of family users in terms of power, space, and configurations, as well as whether its actual performance aligns with its pricing.

From the exterior, the 2019 Santa Fe 2.2D Premium adopts Hyundai's family-style design language, with an overall style that leans towards understated yet distinctive styling. The large chrome front grille is integrated with the LED headlights, visually widening the front; the L-shaped LED daytime running lights inside the headlights are highly recognizable when illuminated. The body side profile features smooth lines, with 19-inch alloy wheels paired with 235/55 R19 tires, creating a well-balanced proportion; chrome accents on the lower door panels and black cladding around the wheel arches add to the ruggedness of the SUV. The rear design is simple, with LED taillights echoing the front design, and a silver skid plate on the lower rear bumper enhances the off-road vibe. The lighting system standard across all trims includes LEDs, while the addition of automatic headlights and front fog lights further increases daily convenience.

Sitting inside, the overall interior layout emphasizes practicality, with the dashboard angled towards the driver for easier operation. In terms of materials, the upper dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by silver trim accents, offering a texture that aligns with its segment standards. A 7-inch touchscreen is centrally positioned on the dashboard, supporting Bluetooth connectivity and the Sound Plus function, and its operational smoothness is acceptable; physical buttons are retained below the screen for easier blind operation. As for the features, the 12-way power-adjustable driver seat and 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat offer decent support, making long drives less fatiguing; the second-row seats support 60:40 split, sliding, and reclining, while the third row features a 50:50 split, allowing flexibility to balance passenger space and storage needs. The 7-inch Supervision TFT LCD instrument panel delivers clear readouts, providing real-time feedback on fuel consumption, all-wheel-drive status, and more. Features like dual-zone automatic climate control, independent rear air vents, and a 220V power outlet further enhance the comfort of rear passengers.

Space performance is one of the strengths of the Santa Fe. With dimensions measuring 4770mm×1890mm×1680mm and a wheelbase of 2765mm, it is among the mainstream levels in its segment. Front-row seating is spacious, and a passenger measuring 180cm will still have about a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The second row offers up to two fists' worth of legroom, and the lateral space is sufficient to accommodate three adults. The third row is more suitable for children or short trips, with legroom being just adequate. Regarding storage, the trunk offers a standard capacity of 547L, which can be expanded by folding down the third row, making it big enough to hold a stroller or luggage. Inside the cabin, there are numerous storage compartments, including the center console box, door panel storage slots, and front-row cup holders, offering great practicality.

In terms of power, the 2.2L diesel turbo engine delivers a maximum output of 193PS/3800rpm and a peak torque of 440Nm/1750~2750rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The power response is active during start-up, and the turbo boost provides a clear sense of acceleration. Mid-range acceleration for overtaking inspires confidence, and even when fully loaded with seven passengers, the power delivery does not feel strained. The driving modes include Economy, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, the transmission shifts are delayed, with engine revs maintained above 2000rpm for more direct power delivery; Economy mode is suitable for daily commuting, effectively reducing fuel consumption.

The handling performance is average, with the steering wheel offering moderate feedback and minimal dead zones, providing clear directional control. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, tuned for comfort to absorb most road surface bumps efficiently. On speed bumps or uneven roads, body vibrations are barely noticeable. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled within a reasonable range without a significant sense of swaying. The all-wheel drive system provides better traction on slippery surfaces or light off-road conditions, while defaulting to two-wheel drive for regular city driving for improved fuel efficiency.

Regarding fuel consumption, this test drive primarily included city roads with occasional highway stretches, resulting in an average fuel consumption of approximately 7.8L/100km. For a 2.2L diesel SUV, this performance meets expectations. Braking performance is excellent, with the brake pedal offering linear feedback and evenly distributed braking force. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable. Noise control is decent, with wind and tire noise slightly noticeable at high speeds but within an acceptable range. Diesel engine vibrations are well-dampened, with barely any noticeable noise in the cabin at idle.

In terms of safety features, the Santa Fe 2.2D Premium comes standard with six airbags, an electronic stability program (ESP), lane change assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera, all meeting daily safety needs. The inclusion of hill-start assist and an electronic parking brake further enhances driving convenience.

Overall, the 2019 Santa Fe 2.2D Premium's core strength lies in its well-balanced offering: spacious interiors suitable for family use, rich configurations that enhance comfort, diesel power that balances performance and fuel efficiency, and an all-wheel drive system that improves off-road capability. Compared to competitors in the same class like the Toyota Fortuner, the Santa Fe has advantages in configuration and comfort. Against the Honda CR-V, its standout features include spaciousness and diesel power.

This vehicle is ideal for families prioritizing practicality and comprehensive performance, especially for those frequently traveling with a full load or on long trips. Additionally, its extensive configurations cater to young users seeking a comfortable driving experience. If you're looking for an SUV that can handle daily commuting, family outings, and light off-roading, the Santa Fe 2.2D Premium is worth considering.

In summary, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2D Premium is a well-rounded mid-size SUV that meets core family needs in terms of space, features, and performance. It is a cost-effective choice within its class.