Hyundai Ioniq and Accent Awarded Editors' Choice Honors by Car and Driver

• Hyundai vehicles named top picks in the Hybrid and Subcompact categories

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Mar. 5, 2018 – Further proof of Hyundai’s quality across a diverse vehicle lineup has once again been demonstrated as the 2018 Ioniq and 2018 Accent were named among Car and Driver’s Editors’ Choice awards for the Hybrid and Subcompact categories respectively.

The Ioniq was recognized for its three distinct powertrain choices, including: electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, as well as class-leading efficiency that maintains a fun-to-drive experience. The Accent has been honored due to its distinctive design, fuel economy and redesigned interior. Both vehicles also feature dynamic design elements and an available suite of safety and infotainment features that highlight Hyundai’s commitment to a great driving and ownership experience for its customers.

“As we continue to push the limit for driver experience and value, this recognition is a good reminder that we are changing what matters for our customers,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Car and Driver is one of the most trusted names in automotive journalism and we’re honored to have the Ioniq and Accent included in their Editor’s Choice picks.”



Car and Driver’s Editors’ Choice awards are selected by combing through the hundreds of vehicles they test and review each year to highlight the standouts in each class. In-depth criteria including the results of their Buyer’s Guide in-depth testing, track performance, and value, help to narrow their choices to segment leaders, helping buyers decide which models are worth their consideration.


Hyundai Motor AmericaHyundai Motor America is focused on delivering an outstanding customer experience grounded in design leadership, engineering excellence and exceptional value in every vehicle we sell. Hyundai’s technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance—our promise to deliver peace of mind to our customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide and the majority sold in the U.S. are built at U.S. manufacturing facilities, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.

Vincentric Recognizes the 2018 Elantra as the Best Value Compact Car in the U.S.

• Award Marks Elantra’s Second Win in the Compact Category

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 27, 2018 – Hyundai’s reputation in delivering incredible value for its customers continues as leading cost and value analysis group Vincentric named the 2018 Elantra its Best Value award winner for the Compact class. This marks Elantra’s second Best Value award win and continues to highlight the long-term success of the model, which was also recently recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).



The Vincentric Best Value awards are given to vehicles which have lower than expected ownership costs given their market segment and price. The prize measures cost-of-ownership using eight different cost factors: depreciation, fees & taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost and repairs.

With available safety features like Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist, standard Blue Link features and available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Elantra shows that excellent value doesn’t need to forsake driver experience.

“The Elantra is a great example of how we are pushing the standard for what is considered great value in this class,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Its design, driver experience, infotainment and available safety features are a testament to making value not just about the savings you get out of your vehicle, but the experience as well.”

“Our Best Value award highlights vehicles that deliver strong value throughout their lifecycle,” said David Wurster, president of Vincentric. “The Elantra’s win showcases Hyundai’s ability to provide better total cost of ownership, delivering higher value to their customers in the segment.”


Hyundai Motor America - Hyundai Motor America is focused on delivering an outstanding customer experience grounded in design leadership, engineering excellence and exceptional value in every vehicle we sell. Hyundai’s technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance—our promise to deliver peace of mind to our customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide and the majority sold in the U.S. are built at U.S. manufacturing facilities, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.

Hyundai Celebrates World Debut of the All-New 2019 Santa Fe

•  Bolder design language for Hyundai’s best-selling SUV in the United States
•  New safety, comfort and convenience technologies
•  Increased visibility, cabin and storage space
•  Introduces diesel engine option
•  Santa Fe Sport name dropped

 

Korean Domestic Model Shown

SEOUL, Feb. 21, 2018 – Hyundai Motor today celebrated the world premiere of the fourth-generation Santa Fe at its Motorstudio Goyang. As the best-selling SUV in the brand’s 32-year history in America—with sales of more than 1.5 million units—the Santa Fe represents Hyundai’s strong SUV heritage and continues its success story. Going on sale in the U.S. in the summer of 2018, the fourth generation 2019 model builds on this success using its family-oriented interior, loaded with practical cutting edge technologies and bold exterior looks.

The third and fourth of eight new or re-engineered crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) Hyundai is debuting by 2020, the 2019 Santa Fe and Santa Fe diesel are bold SUVs that build on previous generations with outstanding driving dynamics and features aimed at technology and comfort.  

Naming

The five-passenger Santa Fe Sport will now be called Santa Fe. The current long wheelbase three-row, seven-passenger model called Santa Fe will be renamed Santa Fe XL for the 2019 model year. An all-new three-row, eight-passenger SUV is currently under development with an all-new name. The diesel version of the 2019 Santa Fe will also get an occasional-use third-row seat with one-touch folding second-row seats for easy entry into the third-row by children. The third-row seat will only be available on the Santa Fe diesel. 

A Bold New Look  

The face of the new Santa Fe is highlighted by Hyundai’s signature Cascading Grille and a Composite Light design comprising LED Daytime Running Lights positioned on top of the LED headlights. The exterior design is characterized by a powerful wide stance and an athletic, bold look that makes a statement from 100 feet away, featuring refined lines that reinforce the car’s status in Hyundai’s SUV lineup.

In profile the Santa Fe’s dynamic character line goes all the way from the headlights to the taillights, while a larger daylight opening (DLO) with a satin surround provides better visibility and a sleek impression. Featured diamond-cut 19-inch wheels illustrate strength, as does the car’s rear appearance, now featuring a muscular high and taut shape.
 

 

Korean Domestic Model Shown

 

Interior Design: Graceful Surfaces Embrace Strong Structure

The Santa Fe interior design combines premium quality with a horizontal and roomy layout and enhanced visibility. The instrument panel has a three-dimensional appearance providing a feeling of openness and enhances the natural light created by the larger DLO. Stitching around the IP and color-contrasted seat piping ensures a high level of luxury within the cabin.

The driver will also see several improvements including:

• The audio/visual/navigation system screen has been tilted and positioned to reduce glare
• The window switches and grab handles have been moved forward for more elbow room
• The door map pockets have been reduced in size for more legroom.
• Cup holders in the center console have been repositioned for ease of use and the height and length of the center armrest has also been increased

Comfortable Ride, Steering Feel and Stable Handling  

Improved ride comfort, handling and stability are achieved through key developments in the suspension geometry of the 2019 Santa Fe. The biggest change sees the rear shock moved upright from an angled position, improving the ride and handling no matter the driving conditions.

An optional self-load-leveling suspension provides the Santa Fe with a continuous ride height regardless of cargo or trailer tongue weight. This allows Hyundai engineers to tune the rear suspension for comfort and avoid making it too firm for occasional trailer use.

Smart Sense Technologies

Hyundai Smart Sense technologies are now standard on Santa Fe SE trims and higher. Below are the key features:

Category	Acronym	Feature
Visibility	HBA	High Beam Assist
Collision	FCA	Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
	BCW	Blind-Spot Collision Warning
	SEA	Safe Exit Assist
	LKA	Lane Keeping Assist
Driver	DAW	Driver Attention Warning
Driving Convenience	SCC with Stop & Go	Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Parking Safety	RVM with PG	Rear View Monitor with Parking Guidance and tailgate safe-open guide and high definition camera
	AVM	Around View Monitor
	RCCA	Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
	PDW	Parking Distance Warning Reverse

Safety Features

Hyundai’s Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCW) puts eyes and legs in the back of drivers’ heads. Using the Blind Spot Detection system’s radar sensors when backing up the system not only can warn the driver if vehicles approach from the side – it also applies the brakes automatically.

Additional safety features include Rear Seat Occupant Alert, which Hyundai is debuting with the Santa Fe. The system monitors the rear seats using an ultrasonic sensor that helps to 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 instrument cluster display. If the system detects movement in the rear seats after the driver leaves the vehicle it will honk the horn, flash the lights and send a Blue Link alert to the driver’s smartphone via Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car system. In addition to being forgotten in the car, tragedies have also occurred in cases where children accidentally locked themselves in a car.

The 2019 Santa Fe also gets Hyundai’s first Safe Exit Assist. This feature temporarily prevents doors from being opened when a motorcycle, bicycle or vehicle approaches from behind even when the doors are unlocked. Safe Exit Assist works even if the driver has used the button to turn off the child lock feature. When the Safe Exit Assist detects an approaching object rearward it sounds an alert for passengers, a warning pops up on the driver’s center cluster and most importantly the doors remained locked.

Interior Space and Visibility

Interior cabin space has been enhanced on the 2019 Santa Fe. Inside, there is now more room behind the second-row seats, when second-row seats are folded and the leg room has been lengthened to be best-in-class. The H-point for the second-row seats has been moved back and the floor has been lowered for even more comfort. Engineers also have incorporated one-touch folding second-row seats.

Volume Comparisons

(Cubic Feet)	2018 Santa Fe Sport	2019 Santa Fe	2018 Tucson
Passenger Volume	108.0	110.7 (2-row) 139.1 (3-row, 2019 diesel only)	102.2
Total Interior Volume	143.4	147.3 (2-row) 150.7 (3-row)	133.2
Cargo – Behind FR seats	71.5	71.3 (2-row) 70.7  (3-row, 2019 diesel only)	61.9
Cargo – Behind 2nd row	35.4	36.6 (2-row) 35.9  (3-row, 2019 diesel only)	31.0
Cargo – Behind 3rd row	-	11.6 (2019 diesel only)	-
Head Room	39.6 / 39.1 / -	40.0 / 39.2 / 36.1	39.6 / 39.2
Leg Room (7P)	41.3 / 39.4 / -	44.1 / 40.4 (39.4) / 29.4	41.5 / 38.2
Shoulder Room	59.4 / 58.3 / -	59.1 / 58.3 / 52.9	57.1 / 55.5
Hip Room	56.7 / 55.4 / -	57.5 / 56.3 / 61.7	55.6 / 54.5

Exterior Dimensions

Its exterior dimensions make the new Santa Fe appear even more prominent. With a length of 187 inches, a width of 74 inches and a longer wheelbase, it also provides more comfort for passengers than the outgoing 2018 Santa Fe Sport.
 

(Inches)	2018 Santa Fe Sport	2019 Santa Fe	2018 Tucson
Length	185.0	187.8	176.2
Width	74.0	74.4	72.8
Height (w/ side rails)	66.1 (66.5)	66.1 (67.1)	64.8 (65.0)
Wheelbase	106.3	108.9	105.1

Visibility was also emphasized with the next generation Santa Fe. To help the driver, the outside mirrors are mounted lower and further rearward and the A-pillars have been reduced in size. For the driver and rear seat passengers alike, the rear quarter glass has been increased by more than 40 percent.

Powertrains

The 2019 Santa Fe line-up offers a choice of three proven powertrains. There is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder GDI engine with an estimated 185 horsepower or a more powerful, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 232 horsepower (estimated). And the 2.2-liter CRDi turbodiesel engine is the 2019 Santa Fe’s biggest surprise, with around 200 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 320 lb. ft. of torque at 1,750 rpm (estimated). All engines are mated to a brand new eight-speed automatic transmission. 

New Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

The newly developed transmission provides quick and crisp shifts for a more engaging and efficient driving experience via the available column-mounted paddles. Despite having two extra gears, the eight-speed transmission, which was designed in-house, is lighter than the outgoing six-speed model. The automatic transmission adds ratio range at both the top and bottom of output speeds allowing for extra thrust off-the-line and a quieter, more fuel-efficient dash down the interstate. A direct control valve body and a multi-plate torque converter improve responsiveness while a double ball bearing minimizes friction loss. All the changes added up means that Santa Fe’s new transmission will improve economy by more than three percent.

HTRAC Advanced AWD System

The 2019 Santa Fe has Hyundai’s HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system. The HTRAC AWD system was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The driver-selectable HTRAC Normal, Sport and Smart modes help provide confident control in all-weather conditions. The Sport setting gives a more agile feel by sending more available torque to the rear wheels, for a sporty dynamic feel when desired. This system has a wider range of torque distribution variability than many competitive systems and has been tuned to variable conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- and high-speed cornering, and hill starts.

Infotainment and Sound Systems

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is loaded with technology, including Hyundai’s latest AVN 5.0 navigation system with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ offered with higher level trims. The base level trim gets a standard 7-inch user interface, also equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. And to eliminate the need for a charging cord, there’s an available Qi wireless charging pad for compatible Android devices, as well as Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X.

When it comes to audio technology, the available premium sound system is well-suited to the Santa Fe’s upscale interior. The 630-watt, 12-speaker new Infinity branded stereo system with an 11-channel amplifier features Clari-Fi technology and QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound technology. Clari–Fi works in real-time to rebuild audio details lost in digitally compressed music, while QuantumLogic™ extracts signals from the original recording and redistributes them into an authentic, multidimensional soundstage for playback that is clear, refined and full of detail. The result is a more robust and enjoyable on-road listening experience.

Smart Speed-Dependent Volume Control provides the capability to control the gain of individual channels based upon the vehicle’s speed and the system’s volume setting. The gain will change proportionally to the vehicle’s speed to overcome associated noise masking effects of the vehicle and thereby reducing the need to adjust the volume while driving. Additionally, the volume setting will taper the gain applied as the volume setting increases. This avoids the unnatural condition of having additional gain applied when the volume output of the system is so high that it exceeds any of the vehicle generated road noise.

BLUE LINK® Connected Car System

Santa Fe Blue Link-equipped models include three years of complimentary Blue Link services, with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and voice guidance services. Blue Link brings connectivity directly into the car with technologies like Remote Start with Climate Control, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Blue Link features can be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror, the MyHyundai.com web portal, the MyHyundai with Blue Link smartphone app, the Amazon® Alexa Blue Link skill and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features can also be controlled via Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatch apps. The latest release of the Blue Link smartphone app includes:

• Widgets for easy access to remote features
• Ability to send Point-of-Interest data to vehicle navigation system (if so equipped)
• Access to Blue Link notification settings

More details on specific Blue Link-equipped vehicles available at www.hyundaibluelink.com.

Heads-Up Display (HUD)    

Taking inspiration from aircraft technology, an available Heads-Up Display (HUD) projects an 8.5-inch virtual image onto the windshield, enabling the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road using a system of mirrors combined with a TFT LCD display. The system features adjustable brightness to ensure both excellent daytime and nighttime visibility. Driving information such as speed, Smart Cruise Control status, navigation, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, speed limit, Lane Departure Warning and audio system data is projected at a perceived virtual distance approximately seven feet ahead of the driver for maximum legibility while driving.