I ventured all the way out to Park City, Utah to experience the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. This was my first experience in Park City and my first experience with a Hyundai. After all these years covering vehicles I am not sure how I managed to go so long without ever driving a Hyundai. I was unsure what to expect. With little to no expectations going into the drive, I must say I was stunned at how advanced their safety technology is, what a pleasant, quiet ride we had, and how stylish the Santa Fe is inside and out.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV. The new designed increased the overall size, without adding weight on. Instead, they managed to lighten it a bit, even though they increased the use of high strength steel by 14% and improve gas mileage. They also managed to make the ride quieter with laminated glass and foam underneath.
I spent about 5 hours driving the Santa Fe Ultimate around and it was a smooth, quiet drive. The stop and go they added is almost unnoticeable. This is the first time I have been in an SUV with this technology that I didn’t immediately notice it switching on and off.
The Santa Fe Ultimate AWD we drove cost around $39,000, but the lower model starts out at $25,500 and goes up depending on trim level and amenities. It comes in either AWD or Front Wheel Drive.
The Santa Fe has three drive modes: Comfort, Smart, and Sport. I enjoyed the sport mode the most which gives it substantially more get up and go by pushing 35% more torque to the back. It has H Trac AWD, which is essentially a smarter AWD system. The system is continually updating and making modifications for optimal driving. Instead of waiting for a change in driving the system can predict upcoming issues and address them before they become an issue.
Hyundai Santa Fe Features I appreciate!
- 4 USB Outlets
- Wireless Charging
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Hands free Lift Gate
- Surround View Mirror
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Heated and Cooling Seats
- Available in 9 different colors
- 8″ Display Navigation
Hyundai Smart Sense: a suite of safety features!
As always I have a high appreciate anytime a car manufacture goes above and beyond in safety. The Santa Fe has Hyundai Smart Sense aka 8 safety features built in to prevent accidents. They’ve put Hyundai Smart Sense in every trim level offered.
1. Forward Collision
2. Blind Spot Collision Warning: In addition to warning you that there is something in your blind spot the vehicle will also apply the brakes and steer the car into a safe position.
3. Lane Keeping Assist: In addition to warning you that you are leaving the lane, the vehicle will steer the vehicle back into the lane.
4. Rear Cross: Will warn you and brake the vehicle.
5. Safe Exit Assist
6. High Beam Assist
7. Smart Cruise Control with stop and go
8. Drive Attention Warning
Rear Occupant Alert
In addition to all of this they have added another safety feature for the first time, Rear Occupant Alert. After you lock up the car, any movement detected will set off the alarm. This motion detector continues to work for up for 24 hours. The alarm will go off for 60 seconds up to nine times. The system also sends you a text and an email. In order to get a Santa Fe with the Rear Occupant Alert you will have to get at least the mid trim level.
Lots of Storage
The Santa Fe had a nice size cargo space and underneath the floor there were extra storage compartments. The lift gate (tailgate) has two speeds, slow or fast. You can decide how quickly the trunk opens and closes. Watch the video below to see it opening and shutting in the faster mode. 
Unique buying options
They have one of the most unique car buying programs. They cater to you and your schedule by bringing the car to you to test drive whether that means at home or at work. You also have 3 days to exchange the vehicle for a different one if for some reason you are not happy with your purchase. And, forget about spending all those hours at the dealership doing paperwork, because now you can do most of the paperwork online from home.
Plus, when you buy a Santa Fe it comes with a 100K mile warranty.
Overall, I was totally impressed with the Santa Fe. They only reason I wouldn’t buy one is because, like most moms with three kids, I need a third row. However, I believe there will be a different one coming out with a third row. The price you can get this SUV for is better than many of its competitors.
Ready to buy a new Hyundai. Find out if you can trade in your non working car.
Stein Eriksen Lodge
While learning about the Santa Fe we stayed at European style 5 star resort, Stein Eriksen Lodge. This is a ski in/ski out luxury hotel. My room was so cozy and the bathroom had a huge bathtub. The views around the property were gorgeous and room service was delicious. Yes, I order french fries from room service and yes I know they are super healthy.
I heard some of the rooms have Jacuzzis on their patio decks, but I didn’t have a deck. I also heard that the pool area and 5 star spa are quite nice. I guess I will have to go back sometime and “research” this!
