With three new engines, a stunning exterior design, and a spacious interior, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a practical choice for budding families, busy professionals, or SUV enthusiasts. Hyundai has equipped this enticing crossover with many of the latest safety features, ensuring a secure driving experience for both driver and passengers. And the best part? Most of these safety features come as standard equipment! When it comes to SUVs, there are many sizes, styles, types, and everything in between.
However, despite the vast selection of crossovers available, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a leader within the mid-size SUV category. Originally launched in 2000, this model is Hyundai's first SUV. As such, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a classic that continues to redefine and reinvent itself even after 20+ years since its launch. But ‌you may ask yourself…
What's New for 2021?
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe received a complete revamp for 2021. Some of the latest advancements include a push-button shifter, a bigger 8" (standard) or 10.3" (discretionary) infotainment touchscreen, and a host of driver-assistance attributes. However, perhaps the most notable change for 2021 will be the addition of the upscale calligraphy trim. This model boasts plush leather upholstery, distinguished exterior accents, refined interior layout, and more.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
Upon entering the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, you are immediately greeted by its deliberately crafted interior. Luxurious materials envelop the cabin, highlighting Hyundai's attention to detail. For example, each door panel features soft-touch materials at the top, complemented by a sleek gun-metal finish and elegantly crafted armrests. The door panels stand out further with unique speaker grille covers, offering a striking contrast. Additional interior design elements include:
- Unique split-level design dashboard
- Beautiful stitching throughout
- 11.25" infotainment system
- Push-button transmission for the 8-speed DCT
- Heated steering wheel and ventilated seats
- Center control knob
- Nappa leather seating
- Full-power seat controls
The Hyundai Santa Fe's interior is littered with convenient storage spaces, such as the armrest console, door pockets, and underbelly compartments. Moreover, its upscale cabin is brimming with fine materials. You can enjoy the high-end ambiance created by the Alcantara microfiber suede head visor, classy panoramic sunroof, and elegant diamond seat stitching.
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 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe shines with its beautifully manufactured exterior design. With its expanded diamond-shaped front grille, striking headlights, and sophisticated composition, the Hyundai Santa Fe's exterior boasts a "Palisade-like" impression. As a result, it's a prominent model within its respective segment. The result? The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe stands as a genuine head-turner on whatever roadway it passes through. But it doesn't stop there. This sleek, stunning, state-of-the-art SUV boasts many other exterior features, including:
- Elegant chrome accents
- Functional side air curtains
- Black-chrome finish to the grille
- Simulated style skid plate
- LED daytime running lamps
- Bright, illuminative metalwork
Everything from the coloration to the chrome accents comes together to produce a cohesive exterior design. For this reason, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a shining example of best-in-class automotive excellence. But how does this first-rate crossover stack up when you get behind the wheel? Let's find out by reviewing it…
Performance and Powertrain
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine ( an 8-speed automatic transmission), which generates 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This multifaceted SUV includes four drive modes. Each mode offers its unique advantages to assist you in various road applications. The drive modes include:
- Comfort Mode: This setting is for your typical everyday roadway excursion. It offers regular power, steering wheel control, and overall comfort while you're on the road.
- Sport Mode: Sport Mode improves the engine and transmission dynamics to generate more power. It also increases steering input and throttle sensitivity to create a more explosive, energetic, and electric driving experience.
- Smart Mode: The Smart Mode adapts itself to your driving style. For example, if you're using a little more power, this mode will automatically increase your rpm's and deliver additional power to "meet you where you are."
- Snow Mode: The Snow drive mode increases your traction to strengthen your "grip" for compromised road conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, mud, etc.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is the cornerstone of Hyundai's manufacturing philosophy. As such, Hyundai built the 2021 Santa Fe with protection in mind. You and your loved ones can stay secure with the safety and driver-assistance features included in the vehicle. Some of these driver-assistance features include:
- Lane Keeping Assist: Lane Keeping Assist notifies you if your vehicle drifts out of the designated lane without using a turn signal.
- Blind-Spot Monitor: The Hyundai Santa Fe's 12.3-inch display projects essential information (like blind spot videos) in plain sight. This allows you to change lanes easily in congested traffic and avoid vehicles that may be hidden in your blind spot.
- Driver Attention Warning: This system helps to prevent collisions by delivering notifications if it picks up any roadway drowsiness. It tracks your driving patterns and uses the data to determine your mental state while driving. If the system detects inattentiveness, it alerts you with a warning sound and message via the instrument panel.
- Forward-Collision Warning: This system scans the road as you drive and warns you if a collision with a slower-moving or stationary vehicle is imminent. Some of FCW's features can even recognize objects other than cars.
Hyundai SmartSense
Hyundai's most progressive and pioneering safety and driver-assistance feature is, without a doubt, Hyundai SmartSense. This system comprises high-end software, cameras, alerts, and sensors to provide you with more peace of mind while on the road. Not only does it make driving safer, it also makes it easier with its suite of advanced tech bundles and driver-assistance features.
Infotainment and Connectivity
With its modern styling and impressive performance, the next box the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe needs to check is infotainment and connectivity. So, how does it stack up? The Santa Fe comes fully loaded with all the tech and connectivity features that keep you up to date on both technology and the world around you. Some of these tech features include:
- Intuitive 8" to 10.3" touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12-speaker audio system
- Push-button transmission
Regardless of where the road takes you, you can rest easy knowing that you can remain connected. As a result, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is an SUV that boasts performance as much as it does connectivity.
Fuel Economy and MPG
So, how does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe measure up regarding fuel economy? It delivers a mpg rating of 25 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. The Hyundai Santa Fe's Calligraphy and Limited trims boast a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces an impressive 0 to 60 time of 6 seconds.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Levels and Pricing
SE
The SE base trim costs $28,185. This modest price point includes a single stainless steel exhaust, strut front suspension with coil springs, an electric power-assist speed-sensing steering wheel, and more. The SE also offers 2 LCD monitors in the front and wireless connectivity capabilities for added convenience while on the road.
SEL
At only $29,985, the SEL trim offers space, connectivity, and safety to both you and your passengers. As a result, it is an affordable alternative to the higher trim levels. However, it still offers many of the same features. The SEL trim doesn't compromise on the essential attributes despite its modest price tag.
Limited
With nearly all the bells and whistles, the Limited trim is priced at $39,935. Its entire composition exudes a high-end appeal that attracts onlookers. The Limited trim comes equipped with a heated leather steering wheel, heated and ventilated front bucket seats, wireless audio streaming, voice recognition, cruise and phone controls, and much more.
Calligraphy
With a price of $41,935, the Calligraphy pulls out all the stops. Everything from its spacious interior to its premium exterior contribute to its upscale design. This trim (as well as the Limited) features powerful performance thanks to a robust 2.5 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.
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 Get Your Hyundai Santa Fe at Granite Hyundai
The Hyundai Santa Fe keeps its position as one of Hyundai's best-selling SUVs. The 2021 model year is an excellent vehicle that continues to reconfirm the Santa Fe's prominence and notability. For this reason, this stunning SUV is the ideal vehicle for budding families, busy professionals, or anyone in between. And we at Granite Hyundai want to help you find yours!
Our team of automotive specialists is here to assist you through the vehicle-buying process. So, if you're ready to test drive a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, contact us today to learn more.
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