US-spec 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe looks better than ever, gains 190-hp 2.2L diesel

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Hyundai’s latest generation of its best-selling SUV in America offers more of everything

Following its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe now celebrates its U.S. debut in New York.

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Before getting into details about the 2019 Santa Fe, something needs to be clarified. Hyundai is dropping the Santa Fe Sport nameplate used by the outgoing five-seat model and replaces it with Santa Fe. The previous-generation seven-seat Santa Fe will remain on sale for a while under the name Santa Fe XL, while an all-new eight-passenger SUV currently under development will carry a new name.

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With that out of the way, the most obvious change the 2019 Santa Fe brings is the more daring design inspired by smaller SUVs such as the Kona and Nexo. It looks a lot fresher than its predecessor, and that goes for the interior as well.

The cabin features a three-dimensional instrument panel, a standard 7-inch user interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as many available features such as the AVN 5.0 navigation system, 8.5-inch Heads-Up Display, a 640-watt 12-speaker Infinity stereo system, and more.

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Since the 2019 Santa Fe is bigger than the outgoing model, the cabin offers more cargo room, more legroom for rear passengers, as well as one-touch folding second-row seats that provide access to the occasional-use third-row seat (available only on the 2019 Santa Fe Diesel).

Hyundai claims visibility has also improved as side mirrors are now mounted lower and further rearward than before. Furthermore, the A-pillars are smaller.

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U.S. buyers will have three powertrains to choose from: a 185-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder GDI unit, a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot, and, for the first time a 2.2-liter CRDi turbodiesel. The latter engine delivers 190 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 322 lb-ft (436 Nm) of torque at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm. All units are linked to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with available paddle shifters and the HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive system.

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Hyundai claims the 2019 Santa Fe offers improved ride comfort, handling, and stability thanks to developments in the suspension geometry. A self-load-leveling suspension will be optional as an option.

Safety-wise, the new Santa Fe offers new systems including Rear Cross Traffic Col lision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist.The fourth-generation Santa Fe will go on sale in the U.S. in the summer of 2018.

READ MORE: Hyundai has given the Tucson an update as well for the 2019 model year