2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL: Specs, Features, And More

by Alex Braham 53 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL – a seriously popular SUV that caught a lot of eyes back in the day. We're going to break down everything from the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL specs to its features, and why it was such a hit. If you're considering buying a used one, or you're just curious about what made this SUV tick, then you're in the right place. So, grab a coffee (or your favorite beverage), and let's get started!

Understanding the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL

First things first, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL was a mid-size SUV that really hit the sweet spot for many drivers. It offered a great balance of size, practicality, and features, all at a competitive price point. Hyundai really stepped up their game with this generation of the Santa Fe, and the SEL trim was a key player in its success. Think of it as the Goldilocks of the lineup – not too basic, not too loaded, but just right for a lot of people. It was a step above the base SE trim, offering some nice upgrades without breaking the bank. This made it a fantastic choice for families, commuters, and anyone looking for a versatile vehicle. Let's not forget the sleek design – Hyundai nailed the aesthetics, making the Santa Fe SEL look modern and stylish. It wasn't just about functionality; it was about making a statement on the road. The 2019 model year was particularly significant because it introduced several improvements over previous generations, setting a new standard for what people expected in a mid-size SUV. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty and see what made this SUV so special. We'll explore the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL specs in detail, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Key Highlights

  • Versatile: Perfect for families and commuters.
  • Stylish Design: Modern and attractive aesthetics.
  • Competitive Pricing: Great value for the features offered.
  • Upgraded Features: Offers a step up from the base trim.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL Specs: Engine and Performance

Alright, let's get down to the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL specs that matter most: the engine and performance. The 2019 Santa Fe SEL came standard with a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine, which delivered a solid performance for everyday driving. This engine produced around 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which was plenty of oomph for city driving, highway cruising, and even handling some light off-road situations. The engine was paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, which helped to optimize fuel efficiency and provide a comfortable driving experience. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Santa Fe SEL was pretty decent in this area. You could expect around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, making it a relatively economical choice for a mid-size SUV. The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL specs also included the option of all-wheel drive (AWD), which was a great feature for those living in areas with inclement weather. AWD improved traction and stability, giving drivers extra confidence in challenging driving conditions. The SEL trim had a well-tuned suspension, which provided a comfortable ride quality, even on less-than-perfect roads. The steering was responsive and provided good feedback, making the Santa Fe SEL easy to handle in various driving situations. Whether you were navigating tight city streets or cruising on the open highway, the Santa Fe SEL offered a pleasant and composed driving experience. This combination of a capable engine, smooth transmission, and well-designed suspension made the 2019 Santa Fe SEL a reliable and enjoyable SUV to drive. And it's not just about the numbers; it's about how the car feels on the road, and the Santa Fe SEL delivered a confident and comfortable ride.

Engine and Performance Breakdown

  • Engine: 2.4-liter inline-4
  • Horsepower: 185 hp
  • Torque: 178 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, All-wheel drive (AWD) optional

Interior and Features of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL

Okay, let's move inside the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL and check out its interior and features. This is where the SEL trim really shines, offering a bunch of upgrades compared to the base model. The interior was well-designed, with quality materials and a layout that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The seats were comfortable and provided good support, making long drives a breeze. The SEL trim came standard with features like heated front seats, which were a welcome addition during colder months. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen display that was easy to navigate. It included features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allowed you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. This made it easy to access your favorite apps, make calls, and listen to music. The Santa Fe SEL also offered a generous amount of cargo space, making it perfect for families and anyone who needs to haul gear. The rear seats could be folded down to create even more storage space. Safety was a top priority for Hyundai, and the Santa Fe SEL came equipped with a range of safety features. These included things like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. These features helped to enhance driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents. The overall feel of the interior was modern and sophisticated, providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The combination of practicality, comfort, and advanced features made the 2019 Santa Fe SEL a standout in its class. From the user-friendly infotainment system to the spacious cargo area, the SEL trim really delivered on its promise of providing a premium experience without the premium price tag. The interior design elements and features were carefully chosen to enhance both the comfort and convenience for both the driver and passengers.

Interior Highlights

  • Heated Front Seats: Added comfort in cold weather.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment: Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Spacious Cargo Area: Perfect for families and gear.
  • Safety Features: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning.

Safety Features in the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL

Let's talk about safety – a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL was well-equipped in this area. Hyundai understood the importance of keeping its occupants safe, and the Santa Fe SEL included a range of advanced safety features. As mentioned earlier, the SEL came standard with blind-spot monitoring, which alerted drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent accidents when changing lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert was another valuable feature, which warned drivers of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space or driveway. Lane departure warning helped to keep drivers in their lane by alerting them if they started to drift out of their lane. The Santa Fe SEL also featured a robust airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, providing comprehensive protection in the event of a collision. The vehicle's structure was designed to absorb impact energy, further enhancing occupant safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) both gave the 2019 Santa Fe SEL good safety ratings, reflecting its commitment to protecting its occupants. These ratings are a testament to Hyundai's dedication to safety and provide peace of mind to drivers and passengers. These safety features, combined with the vehicle's solid build quality, made the 2019 Santa Fe SEL a safe and reliable choice for families and anyone who values safety on the road. Hyundai's commitment to safety was evident in every aspect of the vehicle's design and engineering. The inclusion of these advanced safety features significantly reduced the risk of accidents and made the driving experience more secure for everyone involved. Whether you're a parent transporting children or simply a daily commuter, the 2019 Santa Fe SEL offered the safety features you need for a worry-free ride.

Safety Features Summary

  • Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts drivers to vehicles in blind spots.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching vehicles when backing up.
  • Lane Departure Warning: Alerts drivers if they drift out of their lane.
  • Airbag System: Comprehensive front, side, and curtain airbags.
  • Good Safety Ratings: Recognized by NHTSA and IIHS.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL: Trim Levels and Pricing

Okay, let's briefly touch upon the trim levels and pricing of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL. The SEL trim was positioned as a mid-range option, offering a great balance of features and value. It was more feature-rich than the base SE trim, but it didn't come with all the bells and whistles of the higher-end trims, such as the Limited or Ultimate. This made it a popular choice for buyers who wanted a well-equipped SUV without paying for features they didn't necessarily need. The pricing of the 2019 Santa Fe SEL was competitive within its class, offering a good value proposition for what you got. When it was new, the price was reasonable for the features and performance offered. However, the price would vary based on options and the location. Used car prices fluctuate, so if you are considering purchasing a used 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL, it's important to research current market values. Factors such as mileage, condition, and location play a significant role in determining the price of a used vehicle. Keep in mind that options and additional features could have increased the initial price. The key takeaway is that the SEL trim was designed to be an attractive option for a wide range of buyers. Its strategic positioning in the lineup made it a popular choice. Buyers appreciated the balance of features and affordability it provided, which made it a compelling option in the mid-size SUV market.

Trim Levels and Pricing Overview

  • Position: Mid-range trim, offering a balance of features and value.
  • Pricing: Competitive within its class, varying based on options and location.
  • Target Audience: Buyers seeking a well-equipped SUV without paying for top-end features.

Pros and Cons of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL

Let's get real and look at the pros and cons of the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL. No car is perfect, so understanding the upsides and downsides is crucial before making a decision.

Pros

  • Comfortable Ride: The suspension was tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment: The touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was easy to use.
  • Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
  • Good Fuel Economy: Relatively good fuel economy for a mid-size SUV.
  • Standard Safety Features: Came equipped with many standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
  • Reliability: Hyundai generally had a good reputation for reliability.

Cons

  • Engine Performance: The 2.4-liter engine, while adequate, may have felt a little underpowered for some drivers, especially when fully loaded or in mountainous terrain.
  • Base Engine Only: The SEL trim didn't offer the option for a more powerful engine.
  • Interior Materials: While the interior was well-designed, some of the materials may have felt a bit basic compared to more premium competitors.

Final Thoughts on the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL

So, what's the verdict? The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL was a solid choice in the mid-size SUV market, offering a great combination of features, practicality, and value. Its comfortable ride, user-friendly features, and standard safety features made it a popular choice for families and commuters alike. While the engine might not have been the most powerful, it provided adequate performance for most driving situations. If you're considering a used SUV, the Santa Fe SEL is definitely worth a look. Just be sure to do your research, check the vehicle's history, and get a pre-purchase inspection to ensure it meets your needs. Overall, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL was a well-rounded SUV that delivered a lot of value for its price. It's a testament to Hyundai's commitment to quality and innovation, and it's a vehicle that continues to be a good choice in the used car market.

Key Takeaways

  • Great balance of features, practicality, and value.
  • Comfortable ride and user-friendly features.
  • Solid choice for families and commuters.
  • Worth considering if you're looking for a used SUV.

I hope this deep dive into the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL was helpful. Happy car hunting, guys! And remember, always do your research and take a test drive before making a decision!