2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With Upscale Interior Materials & Low Ownership Costs

JM on February 12, 2024

I am the original owner (“OO”) of a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate FWD 2.0L Turbo. I bought the vehicle because there is a 100,000 mile Power Train Warranty (“PTW”) for the OO. I started experiencing vibration about 98,000 miles after balancing and rotating the tires. After three more attempts at re-balancing the tires, they were replaced under the tire warranty, but still the vibration persisted. The tire shop noticed nothing abnormal the four times they had my car in the shop. At 99,580 miles (“weeks” later), I finally got a Service Appointment at the local Hyundai Dealership. The Service Manager test drove the vehicle and said, “Your CV joint(s) and/or drive shafts are bad…” I contacted Hyundai and they approved the service to replace them under the PTW… but… The Service Manger said the “boots” were leaking grease at the CV joints. After the repair, I noticed those boots were not torn, ripped or broken in any way. The failed CV joints caused the boot clips to open and let grease out. Since Hyundai returned previous warranty parts to the Dealership after post-warranty review, the Dealership was caught eating those repair cost. As a result, the Service Manager refused to process a PTW claim “unless” Hyundai guaranteed the parts would not be returned after the service was performed. He didn't want to be burned by Hyundai yet “again.” Hyundai USA could not guarantee anything, and my Case Manager could not even identify the post-warranty location within their organization that did post-service inspections and returns. Going back and forth between Hyundai USA and the Dealership caught me in the middle, and cost me $2,500 to return my Santa Fe to working order. Without the repair, the transaxle, engine or other power-train components could have been damaged. Yes, Hyundai advertises a “too good to be true” (“TGTBT”) warranty for their vehicles, and probably the best in the industry until warranty service is needed. Hyundai USA puts their vehicle owners in the middle, and forces the Dealerships to perform repairs on their nickel. Hyundai USA Case Managers are not technically knowledgeable, and rely on the Dealership Service Managers to referee any warranty repairs. Since Dealerships are in business to make money, the owner bears the brunt of the cost… even for covered warranty work. Even if a valid PTW repair, some unknown gremlin in Hyundai USA returns warranty parts to the Dealerships to reduce Hyundai warranty-claim costs. BOTTOM LINE: Buy a “reliable” vehicle — like a TOYOTA — and forget about a TGTBT warranty from car makers like HYUNDAI.

Edson on August 31, 2023

I wanted a nice car at a value price at a great price so I got the 2019 Santa Fe and it had 30,000 miles on it and this thing runs and drives as smooth as glass

Sal on December 1, 2022

Had since new. Over 92,000 miles and I just replaced front brake pads. Did rear pads at 65,000. Never had any issues. Very comfortable. Actually got over 31 mpg on highway for the 2.4 which is rated at 22-29 mpg

Ex Mitsubishi user. on August 25, 2022

Great car, love driving it. It is under powered but once you get to highway speed it's fine. Had a great service rep but he left so will have to see how new one pans out. I have had zero problems with this car.

Elicia on July 24, 2022

I have had this SUV for two months. I LOVE 💕💕💕💕 it. It is my dream SUV. It rides smooth. Thus far I have no complaints. It's used and I got it for a good price.

Chad on June 4, 2022

Overall, very satisfied with my 2019 SE, AWD. This particular year and model included a number of vehicle upgrades that were removed from the SE model in 2020. The value for the money, and getting AWD, is truly one of the best affordable options of any make and model for 2019. Once, the engine maintenance light went on; ultimately the vehicle required a replacement seal within the exhaust system. The car has run very good before, during, after the seal replacement. The only knock on Hyundai, is not the vehicle, yet rather service. Find that Hyundai service in Northern NJ is always a negotiation to get a fair price, or a loaner vehicle - and only when giving a negative review will the dealership respond with expected levels of service.

Larry on April 24, 2022

Very satisfied overall, but the cruise control is extremely irritating. When driving in hilly terrain with cruise engaged it is not unusual to lose 4 to 6 mph when going up a modest hill. I've driven many makes of cars and none are as bad as this one when it comes to downshifting far enough to maintain speed.

Darcy White on April 6, 2022

I have had 2 other Santa Fe's over the past 10 years and the 2019 is the best one!! It's beautiful and has the best pick up I've ever had in a 4 cylinder vehicle.. I love this car!

Cyndi on June 2, 2021

The trim package is the Ultimate. The car drives smooth. It has multiple driving options. The interior is soft yet durable. It has a lot of bells and whistles for a reasonable price.

TIM and Gloria on May 3, 2021

We really like the room and comfort of this car. We are enjoying all the extras we did not have on our previous vehicle. It is a smooth ride!