Hyundai Palisade is here. It is the new largest model by the company. However, the carmaker is not putting a flagship SUV in the second plan because of the new arrival. The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is getting an update, the first one since the third generation hit the market in 2018. First feedbacks were enough to show lacks of the new Santa Fe. Now, engineers are fixing it and deliver as the part of 2020 Santa Fe update.
The success of Santa Fe and Tucson made the Korean company expanding their lineup. However, while the Palisade still needs to test the market, flagship models already have their army of fans looking. What will be changed on the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe? Minor cosmetic updates and interior features could be all. However, the company is considering diesel and hybrid drivetrains for 2020. What will happen with the Santa Fe XL model now with the larger Palisade available? We believe the carmaker will keep this version. Also, fans are eager to wait what will N Sport package bring in 2020.
All in all, the popularity of the Santa Fe is growing, not only in the US but also in Canada and Australia. More options with diesel, hybrid, or N model, will definitely draw the attention of more fans. Well, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe will see some competition in Kia Sorento, which will come with significant mid-cycle updates.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Specs
There are no changes about the base units of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the main choice for most of the lineup. This unit is capable to produce 185 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. However, one of its greatest advantages is fuel economy. The mid-size SUV will return 30 mpg on the highway, which is a class-leading result. In the city, Santa Fe 2020 will go 23 mpg. Buyers can opt for AWD and this system will definitely consume more fuel, but nothing radically.
The other possibility for buyers of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe is to pick turbocharged engine. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder can deliver 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Extra power takes more fuel, so the SUV returns 20/25 mpg for city/highway drive. Front wheels are getting power from turbo engine, and again, all-wheel drive is optional.
Hybrid Engine – Major Addition For 2020 Santa Fe
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is announced. Couple of months ago chiefs in the Korean company that development is in the final phase, and that the drivetrain will be ready in the next 12-18 months. That means we could see the hybrid version of 2020 Santa Fe late in 2019, or early in the following year.
Whatsoever, the bad thing is that the SUV is not confirmed for the US. For now, only markets that will offer it are the UK and some European countries. Nevertheless, shortly after that, 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid will head overseas, since the major market is in the United States. Also, the SUV is very popular in Australia and Canada. A hybrid version will succeed easier in these regions.
So, what is 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid? Basically, the SUV will borrow the engine from its smaller stablemate, Tucson. It is a 48V hybrid system that is combined with a 2.0-liter petrol unit. Definitely, the vehicle will boost the efficiency. But, Hyundai is not giving exact details until the release date.
Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel in the US as Well?
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe outside the United States will offer a diesel engine as well. It is a 2.2-liter CRDi unit that delivers 200 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Turbo engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy with diesel jumps to almost 40 mpg. On the other hand, this engine will need a lot of tuning before it meets the emission requirements of the US laws. With hybrid model coming there, Hyundai might not be interested to deliver Santa Fe diesel in the same year.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Options – XL, Sport
The change in nomenclature, basically, made the Santa Fe Sport the Santa Fe, and ex Santa Fe three-row SUV became a Santa Fe XL. So, that was a move that created space for the new Palisade and future models, such as Grandmaster full-size SUV.
The new 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe XL will offer seats for seven passengers, with pretty much the same options as the two-row version. But, the larger version is going to offer only two trim levels, compared to six of the standard Santa Fe. This version comes with a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 290 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. A larger displacement is going to consume more fuel and its rating is currently at 18/25 mpg for FWD version and 18/23 mpg for AWD.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe vs Kia Sorento
A mid-size crossover SUV class is overcrowded with many models from all serious companies in the market. However, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe will face the major competition from Hyundai’s partner company – Kia. Its Sorento SUV is using the same recipe as Santa Fe – it is affordable, versatile SUV, with many options.
When we compare these two – Hyundai offers a cheaper vehicle. On the other hand, if you want a peace of mind, then Kia’s 10-year or 100,000 miles warranty is the best deal you can find in the industry. Sorento is going to offer more features as well, while the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with more storage room. Outputs are very similar, but the hybrid unit will put Hyundai in advantage.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Release Date and Price
The Korean company will wait for the hybrid engine to debut with a new 2020 Santa Fe. Since it is a major change, Hyundai will take their time to deliver a vehicle with as less as possible downsides. The competition is strong, so there is no room for mistakes. The new 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe won’t come any time soon, at least not before the last quarter of 2019.
Regarding the price, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL will keep their starting price. The base model costs about $25,000 ($1,700 more for AWD in any trim), while three-row version starts at $29,000. A hybrid could be available at $30k.
