Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 Review

In Malaysia's 7-seater SUV market, household needs have always been dominant - consumers want enough space to travel with family, practical configurations without being flashy, and controlled budgets. The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4 Executive aims at this niche market, offering a 7-seater layout, keyless entry/start, 12-way electrically adjustable seats, and other mainstream features at a price of over 160,000 MYR. Combined with Hyundai's 5-year/300,000-km warranty, it seems to provide great value for money. This time, we got a test car to verify whether it truly meets the core needs of an ordinary family for a mid-size SUV: Is the space sufficient? Is the power smooth for daily driving? Are the configurations reliable?

Let's start with the exterior. This generation of the Santa Fe adopts a relatively robust design language. The polygonal front grille, combined with chrome trim and halogen headlights on both sides, gives it decent recognition; the body side has straight lines running from the front to the rear without too many complex curves, appearing very steady; the L-shaped taillights at the rear are a highlight, offering clear visual effects when lit, and the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a touch of SUV ruggedness. Overall, its design leans more towards practicality and a grand presence, without overly pursuing a youthful style, aligning with its positioning as a family car.

Sitting inside, the interior style is mainly simple. The dashboard layout is clear, with the 7-inch touch screen positioned in the center, having straightforward operational logic that makes daily use hassle-free. In terms of materials, the top of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, which feels decent, while the lower part is hard plastic. Considering the price, this is reasonable. For features, the standard keyless entry/start eliminates the need to search for keys each time, greatly enhancing convenience. The 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat is very practical and allows for a comfortable driving posture to be easily found, though it is a minor regret that the passenger seat is manually adjustable. The second-row seats support forward and backward sliding and backrest angle adjustment, while the third row has a 50:50 split-fold, making space expansion more flexible when extra cargo room is needed. In terms of space, the 4770mm length and 2765mm wheelbase provide about two fists of legroom for a 175cm tall adult in the second row, and the headroom does not feel cramped. The third row is more suitable for children or adults on short trips; for long trips, it might feel a bit cramped. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 547L, which can accommodate several suitcases without issues, and folding down the third-row seats significantly enhances cargo capacity.

Next is the dynamic driving section. The 2.4L naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power of 172PS and a peak torque of 235Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the power delivery is very linear. It doesn't lurch when starting, and acceleration is relatively smooth, making it comfortable for city driving and low-speed following. However, on highways, overtaking requires a deep press on the gas pedal to bring the revs up to around 6000 rpm, as the power reserve isn't particularly abundant, but it's sufficient for household commuting. The transmission's shifting logic is clear, with active gear changes and no noticeable jerks. The steering wheel has moderate weight, the dead zone isn't significant, and overall it's easy to handle daily. The suspension uses a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent setup, tuned for comfort. It filters out most bumps while going over speed bumps or uneven roads, helping passengers feel less jostled. In curves, the body roll is well-controlled and doesn't feel excessively unstable, offering good overall stability. Regarding fuel consumption, we tested it with an equal mix of city and highway driving, averaging around 9.5L/100km. For a 2.4L 7-seater SUV, this figure is within an acceptable range.

In terms of ride comfort, the performance of this car is decent. Regarding sound insulation, tire noise and wind noise are not obvious during low-speed driving in the city. At high speeds, tire noise is slightly more apparent but does not affect normal conversations. The seat padding is relatively thick and provides good support, so you won’t feel tired after long drives. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning system cools quickly, and the rear row is equipped with independent air outlets to cater to the needs of rear passengers.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2019 Santa Fe 2.4 Executive are clear: affordable pricing, practical features, spacious enough for 7-seater needs, and with a long warranty, it is very appealing to family users. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Honda CR-V 1.5TC VTEC 7-seater (priced around 170,000), it is cheaper while offering similar features. Compared to the Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ (priced around 190,000), it may not excel in off-road capabilities, but it delivers better urban driving comfort and fuel efficiency.

Overall, this car is suitable for families who prioritize practicality and value for money. Whether for daily commutes with family, weekend shopping trips to the mall, or occasional short self-driving tours, it can adapt well. If you’re looking for a 7-seater SUV with ample space, sufficient features, and peace of mind driving, without wanting to spend too much money, the Santa Fe 2.4 Executive is worth considering.