Hey guys! Let's dive into everything you need to know about the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential. This model year brought a significant redesign, making it a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and feature-packed SUV. We're going to cover everything from its performance and interior features to its safety ratings and overall value. Whether you're considering buying one or just curious, buckle up!

Overview of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential marked a pivotal year in the model's history. It wasn't just a minor refresh; Hyundai rolled out a full redesign, giving it a fresh, modern look and a host of enhanced features. This revamp was aimed at making the Santa Fe more competitive in the crowded mid-size SUV market, and boy, did it succeed!

One of the biggest changes was its updated styling. The 2019 Santa Fe Essential sports a bolder, more assertive front fascia with a distinctive grille and sleek headlights. The body lines are sharper and more defined, giving it a more contemporary and upscale appearance. It's the kind of SUV that catches your eye without being too flashy. Inside, the cabin received a significant upgrade with improved materials and a more intuitive layout, making it a comfortable and user-friendly space for both the driver and passengers.

Under the hood, the 2019 Santa Fe Essential comes standard with a capable 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, providing a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. This engine is perfect for daily commutes and family road trips alike. It delivers enough oomph to handle highway merging and city driving with ease. Plus, the ride quality is smooth and composed, making it a pleasure to drive, even on rough roads. Let's not forget the tech! The 2019 Santa Fe Essential includes features like a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring you stay connected on the go. Safety is also a top priority, with standard features like forward collision warning and lane keeping assist, giving you extra peace of mind.

Performance and Engine Options

When it comes to performance, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential offers a solid driving experience. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine churns out around 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While it might not sound like a powerhouse, it's more than adequate for most driving situations. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, this engine provides enough pep to keep things interesting. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, ensuring seamless gear changes. It optimizes both performance and fuel economy, giving you the best of both worlds.

For those who crave a bit more oomph, there's also an available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This upgrade bumps the power up to around 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine transforms the 2019 Santa Fe Essential into a genuinely spirited performer. Acceleration is noticeably quicker, making merging onto highways and passing other vehicles a breeze. It's a great option if you frequently find yourself hauling cargo or driving in hilly terrain.

Fuel economy is another strong suit of the 2019 Santa Fe Essential. The standard engine achieves respectable EPA ratings, typically around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine sees a slight dip in fuel economy but still offers competitive numbers for its class. Overall, the 2019 Santa Fe Essential strikes a good balance between power and efficiency, making it a practical choice for daily driving. The handling is also commendable. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback from the road. The suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections, delivering a comfortable and composed ride. Whether you're tackling twisty back roads or long highway stretches, the 2019 Santa Fe Essential feels confident and controlled.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential, you'll immediately notice the thoughtfully designed cabin. Hyundai prioritized comfort and convenience, creating an inviting space for both the driver and passengers. The materials used throughout the interior feel premium, with soft-touch surfaces and tasteful accents. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long drives a breeze. Space is also plentiful, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear rows. Even taller adults will find themselves comfortable in the back seats.

The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all the controls within easy reach. The touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly, with crisp graphics and responsive touch inputs. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. This means you can access your favorite apps, make calls, send messages, and stream music directly from the touchscreen. Other notable features include a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a cinch. The 2019 Santa Fe Essential also comes with a suite of advanced safety technologies, such as forward collision warning and lane keeping assist. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road by alerting you to potential hazards and helping you stay within your lane.

Cargo space is another area where the 2019 Santa Fe Essential shines. With the rear seats up, there's plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area significantly, allowing you to haul larger items with ease. The cargo area is also well-designed, with a low load floor and a wide opening, making it easy to load and unload cargo.

Safety and Reliability

Safety is a paramount concern for any vehicle, and the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential doesn't disappoint. It has earned high marks in crash tests from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations put vehicles through rigorous testing to evaluate their ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The 2019 Santa Fe Essential aced these tests, demonstrating its robust construction and effective safety features.

Standard safety features on the 2019 Santa Fe Essential include a comprehensive suite of airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. These systems work together to help prevent accidents and minimize the severity of injuries if a crash does occur. In addition to these standard features, the 2019 Santa Fe Essential also comes with advanced safety technologies, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and provide warnings or interventions to help avoid collisions. For example, forward collision warning alerts you if you're approaching another vehicle too quickly, while automatic emergency braking can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.

Reliability is another key factor to consider when buying a car, and the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential has a solid track record. Hyundai has made significant strides in improving the reliability of its vehicles in recent years, and the 2019 Santa Fe Essential is a testament to this progress. While no car is completely immune to problems, the 2019 Santa Fe Essential generally receives positive reviews for its reliability.

Common Problems and Maintenance

Like any vehicle, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential can experience its share of common problems. Being aware of these potential issues can help you stay ahead of the game and address them proactively. Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, such as occasional glitches or slow response times. However, these problems are usually minor and can often be resolved with a software update.

Another common issue is related to the automatic transmission. Some owners have reported experiencing rough shifting or hesitation, particularly at lower speeds. While this issue doesn't affect all 2019 Santa Fe Essential models, it's something to be aware of. If you notice any unusual behavior from the transmission, it's best to have it checked out by a qualified mechanic. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your 2019 Santa Fe Essential running smoothly. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule can help prevent many common problems and extend the life of your vehicle. This includes routine oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, and fluid checks.

One of the most important maintenance tasks is changing the oil regularly. Fresh oil helps to lubricate the engine's moving parts, reducing friction and preventing wear. It also helps to remove contaminants and keep the engine clean. Consult your owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval. It's also important to keep an eye on your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires improve fuel economy, handling, and tire life. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb.

Value and Pricing

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential offers excellent value for money. It comes packed with features that you'd typically find on more expensive SUVs, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. When new, the 2019 Santa Fe Essential had a starting price of around $25,000. However, used models can now be found for significantly less, making it an even more attractive option. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the vehicle's condition, mileage, and location.

When evaluating the value of a used 2019 Santa Fe Essential, consider its overall condition. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or interior damage. Check the car's history report to see if it has been involved in any accidents or had any major repairs. It's also a good idea to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before you buy it. A mechanic can identify any potential problems that may not be visible to the naked eye.

The 2019 Santa Fe Essential also holds its value well over time. This means that you can expect to get a good return on your investment when you eventually decide to sell or trade it in. The resale value of a car depends on a number of factors, including its condition, mileage, and market demand. However, the 2019 Santa Fe Essential generally performs well in terms of resale value, thanks to its reputation for reliability and its strong feature set.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential? Guys, it's a winner! It combines a stylish design, a comfortable interior, and a long list of features at an affordable price. Whether you're looking for a daily commuter or a family-friendly SUV, the 2019 Santa Fe Essential is definitely worth considering. With its solid performance, good fuel economy, and excellent safety ratings, it offers a compelling package that's hard to beat. Plus, its strong reliability and good resale value make it a smart long-term investment. If you're in the market for a used SUV, be sure to check out the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Essential. You might just find your perfect ride!