The fourth-generation Santa Fe of Hyundai impresses

Both engines are hubs starting with a direct-injection 2.4L four-cylinder engine producing 185 hp and 178 lb / ft of torque, followed by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. 235 hp and 260 lb / ft. . Both use the eight-speed transmission designed and built internally by Hyundai.

The 2019 Santa Fe, fourth generation, is one of eight new or reconfigured SUVs that Hyundai plans to launch by 2020.

The look for 2019 is very different from the outgoing model. For example, the ultra-flat LED daytime running lights above the projection headlights complete the iconic waterfall grille.

The interior adopts a layered dashboard with a large group of main gauges and an infotainment touch screen floating at the top of the central stack.

There are many small details changes, such as moving window switches and door knobs for greater room for maneuver or a slight tilt of the touch screen to reduce glare.

In addition to a host of driving and safety aids, Hyundai is launching a rear occupant alert for the first time on the Santa Fe.

It uses an ultrasonic sensor that helps detect the movements of children and pets. The system first reminds drivers to check the rear seats when exiting the vehicle, with a message on the center dashboard display.

If the system detects movement on the rear seats after the driver has left the vehicle and locked the doors, he will sound a horn and send a Blue Link alert to the driver's smartphone via the connected Hyundai Blue Link car system.

The system is designed to prevent children and pets from being forgotten in the car. But it also helps if children accidentally lock themselves.

Another cool feature you may have seen on TV commercials in Santa Fe is the Safe Exit Assist program. It keeps the doors locked if the Santa Fe detects something approaching, like a cyclist, from behind and sends a warning to the main gauge group as long as the doors remain locked.

The toptrim Ultimate AWD is tested here with virtually every option on Hyundai Parts Bins.

In addition to Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Prevention with Pedestrian Detection and Blind Spot Assist, the Ultimate is equipped with a 360-degree surround camera and the largest panoramic sunroof I've ever seen. never seen on a medium sized VUV.

The 2.0-liter turbo is ideal for short or long distances and the view from the driver's seat has been improved with the larger windows of the 2019 model.

The Hyundai HTRAC AWD system can be selected by the driver to operate in Normal, Sport or Smart (eco) mode, in addition to a wide range of torque distribution for better grip in all conditions.

For the driver, the new Head-Up Display (HUD) projects an 8.5-inch virtual image on the windshield that can be adjusted for daytime and night-time brightness.

The turbo works well with the eight-speed automatic, which avoids the troubles of "elastic bands" on some crossovers equipped with the CVT that I piloted recently.

In my usual northern race, the 260 lb-ft of torque and the flexibility of the eight-speed descent made it possible to hike over the hilly roads.

The MacPherson strut front suspension and the multi-link rear suspension have been tuned so that the Santa Fe looks more like a car than a commercial vehicle.

And for utilities, there are 2,019 liters of cargo volume behind the front seat, with the interior being high enough to fit a large recycling bin vertically.

Drive a Santa Fe 2019 and you'll see immediately how much Hyundai has grown since entering the Canadian market in 1984.