Hyundai introduces the refreshed 2021 Santa Fe CUV with a new all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain, advanced front and rear lighting signatures and extensive new driver safety and convenience features.
Standard is a the Smartstream 2.5L direct-injected 4-cyl. with 8-speed automatic transmission that makes 191 hp at 6,100 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. (247 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine first appeared in the Hyundai Sonata last year.
Hyundai also offers an all-new powertrain: a turbocharged, direct-injected 2.5L 4-cyl. with 8-speed dual-clutch transmission making 277 hp and 311 lb.-ft. (422 Nm) of torque that is 18% more powerful than the turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl. it replaces.
Also available is a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cyl. hybrid-electric variant with 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive standard. The hybrid propulsion system is the first application of its kind in Hyundai’s CUV lineup.
The new face of the Santa Fe is enhanced with a wider, three-dimensional grille and a T-shaped LED illumination signature, including daytime running lights.
The new silhouette sports a horizontal cabin profile, scalloped lower door panels and a long, highly defined hood, with character lines extending from front to rear. Sharp shoulder crease lines connect front and rear LED lights, while rear reflector accents visually link the LED taillights.
The profile of the Santa Fe features a large daylight opening with a satin surround that provides a sleek appearance with excellent visibility. The alloy wheels receive all-new designs and add new 20-in. alloy rims. The roof side rails have a fresh design, and power-folding side mirrors with turn-signal indicators and puddle lamps now are available.
The refreshed Santa Fe interior (above) features a high-position, floating center console that adds a more spacious feel. Other enhancements include soft Nappa leather, soft-touch padding and new ambient lighting.
A multilayered, three-dimensional instrument panel and contrasting seat stitching convey premium touches throughout the cabin, Hyundai says. Rear cargo volume is increased by 0.5 cu.-ft. (14 L).
The ’21 Santa Fe receives a new 10.25-in. (26-cm) widescreen full-touch navigation system, an available 12.3-in. (31-cm) fully digital instrument-gauge cluster and wireless device charging. Dynamic Voice Recognition is an advanced voice-recognition system that utilizes simple voice commands to perform specific controls for the cabin such as temperature adjustment, radio, hatch opening/closing, heated steering wheel and heated/cooled seats.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on Santa Fe models not equipped with navigation, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions remain standard on navigation-equipped models.
Santa Fe features Hyundai’s latest SmartSense driver-assistance systems, including forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist and junction-turning detection; blindspot assist; rear cross-traffic assist; lane-keeping and lane-following assist; safe exit assist and rear occupant alert; and smart cruise control with stop-and-go.
The ’21 Santa Fe adds a new premium Calligraphy trim for buyers seeking styling differentiation, premium materials, exclusive features and advanced technologies.
Calligraphy builds upon the Santa Fe Limited model with the more powerful turbocharged 2.5L, adding all-wheel drive with downhill brake control, exclusive 20-in. alloys, quilted Nappa leather, full-color head-up display, premium-finish front grille, premium door and seat accent trim, eco-suede headliner, expanded ambient lighting themes and automatic up/down rear windows.
Santa Fe internal-combustion models will be produced at Hyundai Motor Mfg. Alabama and will arrive at dealerships by the end of the year, while the Santa Fe hybrid will be produced in Ulsan, Korea, arriving in first-quarter 2021. A Santa Fe plug-in hybrid will arrive later in 2021.
