hyundai redubbed its three-row suv for 2019 — adding an xl to the santa fe's name — but its price stays the same. when the 2019 santa fe xl goes on sale, it'll start at $31,830, including a $980 destination charge. for 2019, the suv carries over with minimal changes, such as an updated navigation system. meanwhile, the smaller, two-row santa fe sport used engine -1420699151901/">loses its sport name this year and is now simply called the santa fe.
the xl entry price gets you the base se model with front-wheel drive. stepping up from there, the se with all-wheel drive starts at $33,580, the limited fwd ultimate at $40,530 and the limited awd ultimate at $42,280 (all prices include destination). the sole standard used engine is a carryover 3.3-liter v-6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
although the santa fe xl has excellent crash-test scores, it's behind competitors when it comes to available safety equipment. an automatic front crash prevention system is only available as an option on the top trim level, for example, and it's bundled into an expensive package ($2,100). some competitors offer the feature as standard equipment, like the 2019 honda pilot, which starts only slightly higher than the santa fe xl at $32,445. the system is also standard on the 2018 toyota highlander, which also starts only a little higher at $32,275.
's editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. in line with 's long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don't accept gifts or free trips from automakers. the editorial department is independent of 's advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.