Two years after unleashing the fourth-generation Santa Fe, Hyundai has given its standard midsize SUV a brand new face, a slew of latest engines, a modified chassis, and a number of consolation and luxurious options. In essence, we’re speaking a couple of new car for the reason that 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is barely larger in all elements than the outgoing mannequin.
The primary-generation Hyundai Santa Fe got here on the flip of the brand new millennium. It immediately received SUV consumers’ hearts with its inexpensive worth, roomy inside, and excellent guarantee – and the pattern continues at the moment. In 2020, we drove the Santa Fe with each the naturally-aspirated engine and the turbo engine. Our desire was for the turbo powertrain, however we loved driving each and consider the Santa Fe can be a strong choice for SUV consumers in 2021.
Right here’s what you may anticipate from new Santa Fe.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: If Seems to be Might Kill
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe’s aggressive new fascia makes it stand out amidst friendlier faces just like the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Honda CR-V. The brand new Santa Fe is brandishing a particular three-dimensional entrance grille, and new T-shaped LED working lights. In the meantime, the brand new rear bumper has a decrease and broader look with its rear diffuser and full-length reflector.
The brand new Santa Fe has the silhouette of Hyundai’s seven-seat Palisade, and that’s a superb factor. We notably like the brand new LED taillights linked through a middle reflector strip on the tailgate. Total, the brand new Santa Fe is a trendy commuter, though we predict the 2021 Kia Sorento – platform sibling of the Santa Fe – is healthier wanting with its Telluride DNA.
New 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder Engines
The outgoing mannequin made do with a base 2.4-liter four-banger and a smaller but extra highly effective 2.0-liter turbo four-pot mill. However within the 2021 Santa Fe, you get a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with each multi-port and direct-injection. It now has 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft. of torque, a slight improve over the outgoing base engine. Energy is shipped to the entrance wheels (Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system is non-obligatory throughout the vary) through an eight-speed automated transmission.
Larger trim fashions obtain a turbocharged model of the two.5-liter four-cylinder with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. of torque. This engine just isn’t solely larger than final 12 months’s 2.0-liter turbo variant, nevertheless it additionally has 42 extra horses and 51 extra lb-ft. of torque than earlier than. Harnessing the additional energy is a brand new eight-speed dual-clutch automated.
Gas Mileage by Mannequin
New Hybrid Powertrain
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe additionally has a hybrid choice. It combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four motor (178 horsepower, 195 lb-ft. of torque), a 59-horsepower electrical motor, and a 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery for a complete output of 225 horsepower. Hyundai has but to launch the official EPA numbers, however we reckon the Santa Fe hybrid could have no hassle attaining 35 mpg.
Additionally, Hyundai confirms a Santa Fe plug-in-hybrid is within the works. Naturally, the PHEV mannequin could have a bigger battery pack for an prolonged all-electric vary.
New Legs & Stronger Bones
The chassis of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has been improved versus prior fashions. The entrance and rear suspension have new sub-frames to enhance crash efficiency and trip consolation, whereas a brand new one-piece rear cross member and aluminum entrance bumper beam optimize the middle of gravity and cut back weight.
Moreover, Hyundai angled the entrance struts by seven levels to enhance the steering response whereas decreasing friction inside the bearing rotation shaft. The brand new Santa Fe additionally has new hydro sub-frame bushings, new engine mounts, and an acoustic windshield with thicker glass to supply higher noise isolation.
Cargo Area
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is on the market in 4 trim ranges, together with a brand new Calligraphy trim. No matter which trim stage you decide, the 2021 Santa Fe presents 36.4 cubic ft of cargo area behind the second row. Fold them down, and the accessible area improve to 72.1 cubic ft.
Trim Ranges & Options
The base Santa Fe SE is supplied with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, wi-fi Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It additionally will get ahead collision-avoidance help, lane-keeping help, and a driver consideration warning system.
Alternatively, the SEL mannequin has extra security options from Hyundai’s Good Sense portfolio. This consists of blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, a proximity key, and Blue Hyperlink linked automobile companies. The Santa Fe SEL is on the market with two non-obligatory packages. The Comfort bundle provides a digital key and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, whereas the Premium bundle provides extra options, together with leather-based upholstery, ventilated entrance seats, and up to date exterior accouterments.
The Santa Fe Restricted comes customary with the two.5-liter turbo engine. Extra customary options embody 19-inch alloy wheels, distant good parking help, ventilated entrance and heated rear seats, and a surround-view digital camera with blind-spot monitoring. The hybrid Santa Fe is on the market in SEL (with both the Premium or Comfort bundle) and Restricted trims.
New for 2021 is the Santa Fe Calligraphy with the bigger turbo engine, HTRAC all-wheel drive system, 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, and a heads-up show. The Calligraphy mannequin consists of premium Nappa leather-based upholstery, a suede headliner, and inside ambient lighting.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Guarantee
Each new Santa Fe is roofed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee, a five-year/60,000-mile restricted guarantee, and an anti-perforation guarantee for seven years. Complimentary upkeep, which incorporates oil modifications and tire rotations, goes for 3 years or 36,000 miles. In case you have questions on prolong your Hyundai guarantee, please see this complete information.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: Pricing & Availability
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is on the market for a beginning MSRP of $26,850 for the SE mannequin. The SEL begins at $28,650 whereas the Restricted begins at $38,600. The Calligraphy, on the high quality, begins at $42,300.
In case you are out there for a brand new Santa Fe, this free and useful search instrument* will present you supplier stock in your space. That instrument will even enable you safe the bill worth, which is helpful to have if you’re negotiating with the dealership.
The hybrid mannequin will arrive within the first quarter of 2021 and can be made in Ulsan, Korea, whereas gasoline fashions will come from the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing plant in Alabama.
Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog function columnist and an professional in sports activities and efficiency vehicles. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his youthful years and remains to be very a lot smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He additionally likes fried hen, music, and natural drugs.
Photographs & Supply: Hyundai Motor America.
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