2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 Premium Review

In Malaysia's mid-sized 7-seater SUV market, family users usually have to balance between space practicality, rich configurations, and price — not only to meet the needs of daily commuting and weekend family outings but also to obtain sufficient comfort and safety features within budget. The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 Premium, as a popular choice in this segment, has attracted considerable attention with its 7-seater layout, comprehensive active safety features, and flexible space design. This time, we got the vehicle for a comprehensive test, and the core purpose is to see whether its static performance meets family needs, whether its dynamic driving balances comfort and practicality, and whether its overall value for money is competitive in the same class.

From an exterior perspective, the 2019 Santa Fe 2.4 Premium's design leans towards being steady yet distinctive. The front features a large hexagonal grille adorned with horizontal chrome strips, giving it a grand look; the LED headlights on both sides are connected to the grille, visually widening the front proportion, while the automatic headlights and daytime running lights enhance daily convenience. The side profile has smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the A-pillar to the rear, adding a sense of dimension; the 19-inch alloy wheels paired with 235/55 R19 tires appear proportional and robust for a mid-sized SUV. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED taillights echo the front design, with rear fog lights and reverse sensors ensuring safety during night-time driving and reversing. The overall exterior design avoids excessive flamboyance, aligning with family users' aesthetics of being "timeless and steady."

Inside the vehicle, the interior adopts black as the primary color, complemented by silver accents, showcasing a simple and practical style. The center console layout is clear, and the 7-inch touchscreen in the central position offers decent responsiveness; while the size may not be particularly large, it suffices for daily navigation and multimedia control. Below, physical buttons and knobs are retained for easier blind operation while driving. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, offering a good tactile feel, and the inner side of the door panels is covered in leather, placing it above average within the same price range. In terms of features, this car is worth mentioning: the front row is equipped with a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, making it easy to find a comfortable seating position; the dual-zone automatic climate control supports independent front and rear settings, and the rear row also has air vents, accommodating the needs of all family members during outings. The 7-inch Supervision TFT LCD instrument cluster displays information clearly and allows switching between different interfaces, providing strong practicality. Additionally, features like keyless entry, push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding side mirrors are all included, maximizing daily convenience.

Space performance is one of the core needs for 7-seater SUVs, and the Santa Fe 2.4 Premium does not disappoint in this regard. The vehicle dimensions are 4770mm×1890mm×1680mm, with a wheelbase of 2765mm, providing a solid foundation for interior space. The second-row seats support sliding forward and backward as well as backrest adjustment. Passengers of 175cm sitting in the rear have about two fists' worth of legroom and one fist of headroom, which ensures comfort even during long journeys. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or smaller-sized adults; they are fine for short trips but might feel cramped for extended travel. In terms of storage, the trunk has a standard capacity of 547L, which easily fits two 28-inch suitcases and some smaller items. The second and third-row seats support 60:40 and 50:50 split-folding respectively, forming an almost flat space when folded down, which is very practical for carrying large items. Additionally, there are multiple storage compartments inside the car, such as front and rear door pockets, a center armrest box, and a glove compartment, making it convenient for storing daily miscellaneous items.

Powertrain: This car is equipped with a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 172PS/6000rpm and a peak torque of 232N·m/4000rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive layout. During actual driving, the power delivery feels relatively linear. During the initial acceleration phase, there isn't an obvious push-back sensation, but the throttle response is still responsive, making it easy for daily city commuting, following traffic, and starting off. During mid-to-high-speed acceleration, the engine needs to rev higher to provide sufficient power, and it’s best to press the throttle deeper in advance when overtaking. The transmission's shifting logic is quite smooth, with no noticeable jerks. There are three driving modes to choose from: Normal, Economy, and Sport. In Economy mode, the throttle response becomes gentler, suitable for congested urban roads. In Sport mode, the transmission delays shifting, keeps the revs at a higher range, and delivers power more directly, making it suitable for highway overtaking.

Handling and suspension performance are tuned more towards comfort. The steering wheel weight is moderate, with minimal play, making it relatively easy for daily driving. At high speeds, the steering feels steadier, providing a sense of confidence. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, which filters road bumps effectively. When crossing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, avoiding any harsh impact. Body roll is controlled within a reasonable range during cornering. As a family SUV, its performance balances comfort and a certain level of handling capability. Regarding braking, the brake pedal has a moderate travel distance, with linear response at the initial stage and sufficient braking force in the later stages. During emergency braking, the vehicle maintains stability, providing a sense of security.

Fuel consumption performance is a key concern for family users. We drove around 100km each on city roads and highways, and the average fuel consumption was about 10-11L per 100km under mixed conditions. In congested urban traffic, it could increase to approximately 12L, while during highway cruising, it can drop to around 8L. This fuel consumption level is within the normal range for a 2.4L naturally aspirated 7-seater SUV. It's not particularly fuel-efficient but still acceptable. As for noise control, wind and road noise is present during high-speed driving but does not affect cabin conversations. Engine noise becomes noticeable at high revs, but for daily use, the engine mostly stays below 2000rpm, keeping noise well-controlled. The seats offer good support and cushioning, ensuring long drives are not tiring. Overall, the comfort in driving and riding meets the needs of family users.

In terms of safety features, this car's performance can be described as "comprehensive." It comes with 6 airbags (including front and rear curtain airbags), vehicle stability control, lane change assist, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard. For family users, these safety features provide ample peace of mind.

In summary, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 Premium's core advantage lies in its "balance": the space meets the needs of a 7-seater, the configurations are rich and practical, and while the power is not particularly strong, it's sufficient for daily use. Its safety features are comprehensive. Compared with its classmate, the Toyota Highlander, its price is more affordable, and its configurations are more abundant. Compared with the Honda Avancier (5-seater), it offers a third-row seat, making it more suitable for larger families. This car is most suitable for family users who focus on practicality and safety—whether for daily commuting, picking up and dropping off children, or weekend family getaways, it can meet your needs. If you need a 7-seater SUV that offers ample space, full features, and reasonable pricing, the Santa Fe 2.4 Premium is a worthy choice.