Ace of Base: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SE

In all the years we’ve been presenting this series, Ace of Base has never focused on what was Hyundai’s first stepping stone into the world of crossovers and SUVs: the Santa Fe. Let’s correct that oversight with this new-for-2019 model.

To be clear, this is the two-row model, not the three-row which currently has an “XL” suffix appended to its name. That machine will vanish when the new Palisade appears later this year. Whatever it’s called, Hyundai sells a lot of ‘em; there must be a reason for that, right?

There is indeed. As is the Koreans’ wont, value-for-money is high on the Santa Fe’s checklist, even in this fourth-gen model that’s been pushed upscale ever so slightly. Hyundai has ladled on the trim levels lately, to which the new Santa Fe is no exception. The base model is called the SE and starts at a reasonable $25,750.

Under the hood is a 185 horsepower 2.4-liter four banger hooked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s front-drive at this price; sending power to all four wheels will cost an extra $1,700. Its capable of hauling 2,000 lbs, enough to allow a small utility trailer laden with a lightweight ATV. Those 17-inch alloys riding on 235/65R17 tires aren’t the smallest things in the world, so be sure to budget for rubber replacement or winter tire fittings.

Driving nannies? There’s a full load of them, even on this base model. Lane keeping is kind of expected these days, but the big H goes ahead and bakes in the likes of collision avoidance assists and pedestrian detection systems for good measure. This was S-Class stuff not too long ago, let alone something to be found on a $25,000 Hyundai.

LED lights pepper the exterior, though the base SE announces your tightwad ways by omitting fog lights from the equation. At least the side mirrors are body color, and there’s all manner of chrome accents on the front grille. No fewer than nine shades of paint are on offer, each causing various interior colors to vanish and reappear. My choice is the craftily-named Stormy Sea paired with black chairs.

Speaking of seats, they’re of the unheated manual variety in this base trim. There is power lumbar support. You’ll also have to dig a key out of your pocket and twist it in the ignition to set the 2.4L alight. Beyond those oversights, however, the SE treats its occupants to a raft of USB ports, A/C, smart cruise control, and Apple CarPlay.

The small items missing from the SE are found in the SEL, costing an extra two grand. I’d choose the cheap seats and pocket the difference.

[Images: Hyundai]

Not every base model has aced it. The ones which have? They help make the automotive landscape a lot better. Any others you can think of, B&B? Let us know in the comments and feel free to eviscerate our selections.

The model above is shown with American options and priced in American Dollars. Your dealer may sell for less.