2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel And Seven-Seat Models Cancelled From U.S. Lineup

BY Dan Mihalascu | Posted on

When Hyundai announced the all-new 2019 Santa Fe for the United States, the headlines were all about the SUV becoming the brand’s first model to feature a diesel engine.

The carmaker initially planned to offer a 2.2-liter diesel engine as an option for the 2020 model year. Fast forward to late 2018 and it appears that Hyundai’s strategy changed dramatically. Hyundai spokesman, Brandon Ramirez, told Green Car Reports that the diesel-powered Santa Fe won’t be coming to the U.S. after all.

According to the representative, Hyundai canceled the power plant as studies indicated the buyers’ reluctance to have a turbo diesel engine in a crossover. The current low gas prices and the advent of electrification probably didn’t help the Santa Fe Diesel’s case either.

The move follows a similar decision from Kia earlier this year to cancel the 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine for the Sorento. An indirect result of that decision is the Santa Fe won’t offer a three-row version either, Ramirez confirmed. That’s because the seven-seat Santa Fe was initially planned to be offered exclusively with the diesel engine.

In the future, customers will need to step up to the 2020 Palisade if they want a three-row SUV from Hyundai — the current 2019 Santa Fe XL is based on the previous-generation model and will be replaced by the Palisade for 2020.

With no diesel-powered Santa Fe on the horizon, Hyundai might offer a plug-in hybrid version in the future. The only major carmakers that currently offer diesel-powered SUVs and crossovers in the United States are Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, and Land Rover.

Note: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe pictured

Hyundai Promotes Albert Biermann To Head Of Development

The ex-BMW M exec will be chief of Research & Development in Hyundai Motor.
2019 Nissan Murano On Sale From $31,270

Nissan’s facelifted Murano goes on sale on December 20, in four trim levels and with extra gear.
Thinly-Disguised 2020 VW Jetta GLI Spotted Near The Nürburgring

VW is putting the finishing touches on America’s four-door GTI ahead of the Chicago Auto Show debut.
GM Trademarks Enspire Name; Is A New Buick SUV Coming?

The production version of the Buick Enspire Concept will allegedly use the same underpinnings as the Cadillac XT4.
Bold Claim: 2019 Mercedes G-Class Is Better Than The Range Rover

While reviewing the new G-Class, Doug DeMuro found that Mercedes have addressed pretty much everything that was wrong with the old model.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel And Seven-Seat Models Cancelled From U.S. Lineup

The third row had been planned as a diesel-only option on the 2020 Santa Fe.
Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition Arrives With Rear Suicide Doors

The model has a 6-inch stretched wheelbase and boasts electronic rear doors that open 90-degrees.
2020 Audi Q4 Spotted: New German SUV Coupe Makes Its Spy Debut

Audi’s upcoming coupe SUV will rival the Mercedes GLA and BMW X2 once it arrives in the market.
Some 2018 Porsche Panamera Hybrids Recalled Stateside Due To Braking Issue

The front brake lines in some Porsche Panamera Hybrid models may corrode over time, thus affecting the braking ability of the cars.
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA First Teaser Released Prior To CES Debut

The four-door coupe will debut on January 8, whereas the Shooting Brake might premiere in Geneva, two months later.