Home > News & Blogs > Why the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Stands Out as the Top Mid-Size SUV
Why the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Stands Out as the Top Mid-Size SUV
Hyundai Santa Fe: Redefining Value in the Midsize SUV Segment
In the fiercely competitive midsize SUV market, the Hyundai Santa Fe continues to demonstrate why it remains a top contender year after year. Through multiple generations and significant redesigns, one constant remains—the Santa Fe delivers exceptional value that outshines rivals costing thousands more. This comprehensive analysis explores what makes the Santa Fe stand out in its class and how it compares to key competitors like the Honda Passport, Chevrolet Blazer, and Ford Edge.
$72986 Gas 3 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
$42492 Gas 56030 mi
Fair
Deal
0
(5)
$20000 Gas 243232 mi
Fair
Deal
0
(5)
2024 Lexus GX 550
2019 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450
BMW 2 Series
Unmatched Value Proposition
The Santa Fe's most compelling advantage becomes immediately apparent when examining price tags. In comparative testing against five rivals priced between $45,000-$52,000, the Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0T AWD model undercut the competition at just $39,905 including destination—representing a 15% savings over the group average.
This price advantage doesn't come at the expense of features. The Santa Fe actually leads its class in several premium offerings:
- Standard head-up display (unique in its segment)
- Second-row window shades (only one other competitor offers this)
- Wireless smartphone charging (matched by only two rivals)
- Sliding rear seats for customizable cargo/passenger space
Hyundai further sweetens the deal with its industry-leading warranty coverage—10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain—giving buyers long-term peace of mind that luxury brands can't match.
--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Thoughtful Interior Design
The Santa Fe's cabin demonstrates Hyundai's continued refinement in material quality and ergonomic design. The latest generation shows marked improvement over previous models with:
Premium Touches
- Genuine leather upholstery with minimal vinyl surfaces
- Fabric-wrapped roof pillars (a detail often overlooked by competitors)
- Reduced use of grainy plastics that plagued earlier models
Smart Storage Solutions
While front-seat knee clearance drew some criticism, the Santa Fe offers abundant storage throughout the cabin:
- Large center console with configurable dividers
- Generous door pocket storage
- Thoughtful small-item nooks throughout
Chrysler Pacifica Touring L FWD
$19375
Gas
93184 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2020 Lincoln Aviator
$36811
Gas
81310 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
Porsche 911
$124900
Petrol
10,283 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
Chrysler Pacifica Touring L FWD
$19375
Gas
93184 mi
Good
Deal
0 (5)
2020 Lincoln Aviator
$36811
Gas
81310 mi
Very Good
Deal
0 (5)
Porsche 911
$124900
Petrol
10,283 mi
Good
Deal
0 (5)
Cargo Space Champion
For families and active lifestyles, the Santa Fe delivers one of the most versatile cargo areas in its class:
| Measurement | Santa Fe | Ford Edge | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behind 2nd row | 19.9 cu ft | 20.3 cu ft | 18.6 cu ft |
| Max cargo depth | 78 inches | 73 inches | 78 inches |
| Liftgate angle | Most upright | More raked | Moderate |
The Santa Fe's cargo advantages extend beyond raw numbers:
- Substantial underfloor storage for valuables or wet items
- Standard power liftgate with hands-free operation
- Sliding rear seats for flexible configurations
- Most upright liftgate in class for easier loading
--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
User-Friendly Technology
Where many competitors complicate their interfaces with touch-sensitive controls or hidden functions, the Santa Fe keeps things refreshingly intuitive:
Control Advantages
- Physical knobs for climate and audio (unlike touch-only systems in some rivals)
- Conventional gear selector (versus confusing electronic shifters)
- Logical button placement that doesn't require menu diving
This sensible approach contrasts sharply with competitors like the Honda Passport, which frustrates drivers with:
- Touch-sensitive climate controls that distract while driving
- No traditional tuning knob for the audio system
- Electronic gear selector that lacks tactile feedback
2023 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
$39651
electric
14310 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
2024 Honda Prologue
$40948
electric
2943 mi
Very Good
Deal
0
(5)
2025 BMW i4 xDrive40
$66295
electric
9 mi
Fair
Deal
0
(5)
2023 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
$39651
electric
14310 mi
Good
Deal
0 (5)
2024 Honda Prologue
$40948
electric
2943 mi
Very Good
Deal
0 (5)
2025 BMW i4 xDrive40
$66295
electric
9 mi
Fair
Deal
0 (5)
Performance Considerations
The Santa Fe's primary weakness emerges in drivetrain refinement. The optional 2.0L turbocharged engine exhibits some drawbacks:
- Peaky power delivery rather than linear acceleration
- Noticeable turbo lag from stop and during passing
- Occasional transmission hesitation on kickdown
- No fuel efficiency advantage (25.1 mpg observed) despite the compromises
By comparison, the Honda Passport's 3.5L V6 delivers:
- Smoother, more predictable power delivery
- Comparable real-world fuel economy (24.9 mpg)
- More confident passing performance
--SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
The Final Verdict
In the closest of comparisons, the Santa Fe edged out the Passport by the slimmest of margins. The decision ultimately comes down to priorities:
Choose the Honda Passport if you value:
- Superior front-seat comfort
- Smoother powertrain performance
- Excellent outward visibility
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if you prioritize:
- Significant cost savings (15% less than average competitor)
- Superior cargo versatility
- Intuitive controls and user experience
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
Other competitors like the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer, and Nissan Murano trailed further behind in overall scoring, making the Santa Fe and Passport the clear front-runners in the segment.
2024 Acura MDX
$64030
Gas
45002 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
Audi e-tron 50 Quattro
$119680
electric
10000 mi
Good
Deal
0
(5)
Audi e-tron GT
$15773427
electric
54466 mi
Fair
Deal
0
(5)
2024 Acura MDX
$64030
Gas
45002 mi
Good
Deal
0 (5)
Audi e-tron 50 Quattro
$119680
electric
10000 mi
Good
Deal
0 (5)
Audi e-tron GT
$15773427
electric
54466 mi
Fair
Deal
0 (5)
Why the Santa Fe Wins Overall
The Hyundai Santa Fe claims the top spot by delivering exceptional value without significant compromise. While no vehicle is perfect, the Santa Fe's advantages in pricing, features, cargo space, and user-friendly design outweigh its drivetrain shortcomings for most buyers.
Hyundai continues to demonstrate how to package premium features at mainstream prices—a formula that keeps the Santa Fe at the head of its class year after year. For shoppers seeking a well-equipped, family-friendly SUV without luxury-brand pricing, the Santa Fe remains one of the smartest choices in the midsize segment.
motorverorachael
Last Updated On Apr, 16-2025