Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
8.0
Overall Rating
"The Santa Fe receives a visual freshening for 2021 that includes bolder front-end styling and improvements to its interior." - Car And Driver
Hyundai seems to be doing no wrong, after the revamped Palisade, the refreshed 2021 Santa Fe features several meaningful updates over the previous generation. One of the most significant changes in the switch to the new SmartStream turbocharged 2.5-liter engine from the old 2.0T motor. The compact SUV will have around 277 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 2021 Santa Fe will also be available as a hybrid, and later a plug-in hybrid model will join the lineup. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive will be optional.
The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims get wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay functionality and a wireless charging pad are now standard. Hyundai has amped up its voice-based assistant which now allows the occupants to use voice command to change things like the temperature, the radio station, or even open the rear hatch. With all these updates, the Hyundai Santa Fe is all set to compete with the Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, and the Toyota RAV4. Are the updates enough for it to stand up in an ever populated market? Let’s find out.
8.5/10
Pricing and Features
7.5/10
Engine and Performance
6.5/10
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
Interior
7.8/10
Exterior
9.4/10
Safety
7.0/10
Competition
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Pricing and Features
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in four trim options: SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. As you move up the Santa Fe trim levels, there are more powertrain choices. You can opt for a 2.5-liter turbo-four which is backed by a new 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. The SEL and Limited are available with the 1.6T hybrid powertrain as well. All-wheel drive is optional on the SE, SEL, and Limited, but comes standard on the Calligraphy and the Hybrid. The new Santa Fe price starts at $26,850 for the SE trim level & goes all the way up to $42,300 for the top of line Calligraphy.
Hyundai also improved the standard safety package while the top-range Limited and Calligraphy adds a Remote smart parking assist. The interior upholstery goes from simple cloth to available quilted Nappa leather. Also, for $200 less, you can get the new Santa Fe Calligraphy with 19" wheels, which steps in at $42,100. The extensive options list for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is just below:
|
Trim |
SE |
SEL |
Limited |
Calligraphy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (FWD) |
$26,850 |
$28,650 |
$38,600 |
- |
|
MSRP (AWD) |
$28,550 |
$30,350 |
$40,300 |
$42,300 |
|
Key Features |
Automatic Headlights |
Adds/Upgrades to SE |
Adds/Upgrades to SEL |
Adds/Upgrades to Limited |
|
18-inch Alloy Wheels |
LED taillights | 19-inch Alloy Wheels | 20-inch Alloy Wheels | |
| 7-Pin Trailer Wire Connection | Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist | Power folding Side Mirrors |
Nappa Leather |
|
| 6-way adjustable driver’s seat | 8-way power driver’s seat | Rain-sensing windshield wipers |
6-passenger seating w/second-row Captain chairs |
|
| 8” Display Audio: AM/FM/MP3 Audio System | Hands-Free Smart Liftgate with auto open & adjustable height setting | Panoramic sunroof |
Chrome tipped dual-exhaust |
|
|
Automatic emergency braking |
Power-adjustable driver's seat |
Leg cushion extension |
Automatic high beams |
|
| Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay | 8” Display Audio: Adds SiriusXM/HD Radio/ VR | Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats | Head-up Display | |
| Smart cruise control with stop & go | Blue Link Connected Car System | Integrated memory system for driver seat | Perforated Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel | |
| Remote keyless entry system with alarm and panic | Proximity key entry with push-button start | 10.25” wide touchscreen with onboard Navigation & Traffic flow including incident data via HD Radio |
See full 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Specs and Features>>
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Buying Advice
Among the four trims of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, the SEL variant is very worthy and comes with plenty of features which makes it a complete package amongst all the trims for the price. For a price difference of approximately $2000, SEL adds significant comfort and driver-assistance features. It is also the lowest trim to be available with the turbocharged engine. The 2021 Santa Fe SEL will be available in a standard 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine with 8 automatic transmissions and FWD. Additionally, the Santa Fe will offer a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system display, and can be configured with two option packages that are not available with base SE.
Also Read:
- Read the Consumer Reviews of the Hyundai Santa Fe?
- Which is better Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe? Read our In-depth Review of 2021 Tucson.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine and Performance
"The Santa Fe is all-new under the hood. The slightly larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, a mild increase of 6 hp and 4 lb-ft compared to last year's 2.4-liter mill." - edmunds.com
The 2021 Santa Fe's standard engine is now a 2.5-liter four-cylinder putting out 191 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and AWD optional. An available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder which replaces the previous 2.0T produces 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque and this engine uses an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Standard on Limited and Calligraphy trim, Santa Fe's 2.5T is available with FWD while AWD is optional.
With the new powerplants, the 2021 Santa Fe feels quick and powerful. The 191 hp Santa Fe improves the 0-60 mph time of the 2020 model but by a small margin. The Santa Fe sprints from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds while with the 2.5T, the crossover does the same run in 7 seconds. Though the standard powertrain is not that quick the turbocharged option delivers much better acceleration and never feels underpowered.
|
Models |
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe |
2021 Honda CR-V |
2021 Jeep Compass |
2021 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$26,125 est. |
$25,050 |
$26,100 |
$25,950 |
|
Engine |
2.5L NA inline four-cylinder |
1.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder |
1.3L turbocharged inline four-cylinder |
2.5L NA inline four-cylinder |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
4WD |
FWD |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
CVT |
9-speed automatic |
8-speed shiftable automatic |
|
Power |
191 hp @ 6100 RPM |
190 hp @ 5600 RPM |
150 hp @ 6,400 RPM |
203 hp @ 6600 RPM |
|
Torque |
182 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM |
179 lb-ft @ 3,900 RPM |
200 lb-ft @ 3,900 RPM |
184 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM |
|
0-60 MPH |
7 sec |
9.3 sec |
9 sec |
9.1 sec |
|
Quarter-Mile |
N/A |
16 sec |
17 sec |
16.6 sec |
|
Top Speed |
127 MPH |
127 MPH |
130 MPH |
130 MPH |
Amongst the competitors, the Toyota RAV-4 and Hyundai Santa Fe share a similar standard engine -2.5L but RAV4 manages to beat it in terms of horsepower by a small margin. The Honda CR-V is one of the closest competitors and its 1.5T is time-tested. Jeep touts Compass as an off-road prowess but the lack of power in comparison to the rivals leaves it behind.
Also Read:
- See the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Technical Specifications and Dimensions
- Which is better 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe or 2021 GMC Terrain?
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy
The 2021 Santa Fe's standard 2.5L engine offers more power but Hyundai claims an improvement over 2020 Santa Fe's MPG figures. The EPA fuel economy ratings of the three new powertrains are not yet released but the Santa Fe will deliver up to 24 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the Highway. For the 2.5T, Hyundai is targeting a combined fuel economy rating of 25 mpg with FWD, and 24 mpg with AWD.
The 2021 Sante Fe hybrid's fuel economy should rate at about 37 mpg in mixed driving conditions. Like before, the updated Santa Fe has the largest fuel capacity of 18.8 gallons in its segment which can easily cover a range of 526 miles on a full tank. The Santa Fe trims with all-wheel drive are less efficient than their front-drive counterparts.
|
Models |
Hyundai Santa Fe |
Honda CR-V |
Jeep Compass |
Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
24 |
27 |
23 |
26 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
29 |
33 |
29 |
35 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
28 |
30 |
26 |
30 |
|
Tank Capacity |
18.8 gallons |
14.0 gallons |
13.5 gallons |
14.5 gallons |
|
Range in miles (City/Highway/Combined) |
414/545/413 Miles |
392/476/406 Miles |
311/400/351 Miles |
377/508/406 Miles |
Between Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav 4, both deliver 30MPG of fuel efficiency which is the maximum amongst the rivals although the Hyundai Santa Fe carries the largest fuel capacity and delivers a decent amount of MPG.
Read more about the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe's MPG>>
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
The five-seater 2021 Santa Fe offers slightly more interior capacity than the 2020 model but the revamped Santa Fe's new interior design comes wrapped in high-quality materials, loaded convinience features, and stronger build quality. Indicative of a premium SUV interior, Hyundai gives Santa Fe an attractive and modern cabin.
Starting from SE and moving to Calligraphy, Hyundai offers ample options inside including Soft-touch material, ambient lighting, digital gauge cluster, new materials, colors, and the addition of available Nappa leather. Luxurious interiors of Santa Fe don't even shy away from tech as the automaker added more convenience features, such as power-folding rear seats and 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
The dashboard is redesigned and gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The Santa Fe for the first time is launched with a "Terrain mode" selector through a control knob which is placed in the center console. The rear seats of the car do not go through many changes over its previous models and provide the same comfort.
|
Models |
Hyundai Santa Fe |
Honda CR-V |
Jeep Compass |
Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom) (in) |
41.2/59.1/44.1 |
40.1/57.9/41.3 |
39.2/56.7/41.8 |
39.5/57.8/41.0 |
|
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom) (in) |
39.0/58.3/41.7 |
39.2/55.6/40.4 |
38.5/55.1/38.3 |
39.5/56.4/37.8 |
|
Cargo Capacity |
36.4 cubic-feet |
39.2 cubic-feet |
27.2 cubic-feet |
37.6 cubic-feet |
The daily driving attribute of Santa Fe will be more than pleasing and comfortable, that's not it, as generous space and comfortable seats in both rows are a boon for long trips as well. Santa Fe’s large DLO enhances the feeling of openness for occupants with generous amounts of natural light. In addition, rear cargo area volume has increased by one-half cubic foot through optimization of the interior packaging. The infotainment receives a significant upgrade too (detailed below).
Compared to its competitors, Honda CR-V has the most spacious trunk capacity of 39.2 cubic feet in the SUV segment with a decent amount of legroom in the front and rear rows. Still, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe's decent cargo space can accommodate 15 carry-on bags behind the rear-seats, that's competitive and does not qualify as the reason to not buy this premium SUV.
Notable new creature comfort features of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe are:
- The new push-button shifter in the center console
- Rotary knob for choosing Drive modes and Terrain Modes
- New quilted Nappa Leather upholstery
- Ambient lighting selections
- Redesigned dashboard with a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment screen
How’s the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe infotainment system?
For entertainment needs, Hyundai equips the 2021 Santa Fe with an 8.0-inch or 10.25 inches touchscreen display that combines with user-friendly controls to deliver a pleasent infotainment experience. Both Android Auto and Apple Carplay get wireless functionality on the SE, and SEL trims. Advanced infotainment features like wireless charging pad, 12-speaker Harman-Kardon premium audio system, and new digital voice assistant comes standard.
While the higher, more expensive trim features preloaded maps, satellite-based voice-guided navigation, rear camera display, and complete connectivity features. For passengers, connectivity options include dual front and rear USB outlets. Even more, Santa Fe offers a rear seat quiet mode which allows the driver and passenger to enjoy their own music or media while reducing disturbance to the rear passengers.
Read more about the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe's Interior >>
Also Read:
- What are the luxury features in the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited?
- Compare the cargo capacity of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe with other 2-row SUVs?
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior
With a new exterior based on Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness" design language, the 2021 Santa Fe boasts a high-head turning quotient. Starting with the most significant change, the new grille expands the entire length of the vehicle's front end, giving the mid-size crossover an aggressive look. Accented in chrome, the new grille is bound by the new headlights which are placed in such a way of creating a ‘T’ effect. The LED daytime running lights to pass through the headlights vertically. This particular design cue has an uncanny inspiration from the "Thor Hammer" LED DRLs from the current line-up of Volvos.
In the rear, Santa Fe dons new taillights that are connected via a thin illuminated bar. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe also has a chrome window beltline, fresh roof rails design, a shark-fin antenna, a bar-style reflector on the rear bumper, silver skid plate, and tailgate integrated spoiler. The alloy wheels receive all new designs and add a new 20-inch alloy wheel.
|
Models |
Hyundai Santa Fe |
Honda CR-V |
Jeep Compass |
Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight |
N/A |
3455 lbs |
3633 lbs |
3370 lbs |
|
Length |
188.4" |
180.6" |
173.14" |
180.9" |
|
Width |
74.8" |
73.0" |
73.8" |
73.0" |
|
Height |
66.3" |
66.5" |
64.8" |
67.0" |
|
Ground Clearance |
8.2" |
8.2" |
8.5" |
8.4" |
|
Wheelbase |
108.9" |
104.7" |
103.8" |
105.9" |
Compare the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe's dimensions with other top-rated two-row SUVs>>
Compared to the outgoing model, the 2021 Santa Fe benefits from increased dimensions. In this segment, the Santa Fe is the longest and the widest SUV amongst its rivals whereas Jeep compass needs to up its game in this segment to give competition. The Calligraphy trim adds differentiating content including the premium-finish front grille, and premium door accent trim.
The available color options for 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, check the exterior colors list below:
- Rainforest Colors
- Twilight Black Colors
- Stormy Sea Colors
- Quartz White Colors
- Earthy Bronze Colors
- Lava Orange Colors
- Shimmering Silver Pearl Colors
- Portofino Gray Colors
- Calypso Red Colors
Also Read:
- In Pictures, Hyundai brings 2021 Santa Fe with bold exterior styling and sleek new lighting signature.
- Is Hyundai Palisade bigger than the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety
The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the safest cars since its inception and keeps the safety of your family as the top-most priority. Building on that promise, Hyundai adds more advanced driver-assistance tech and safety features in the 2021 Santa Fe. Though none of the federal safety rating agencies have crash-tested the new Santa Fe, it received the highest 5-star ratings from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS for the 2020 model year.
Santa Fe features Hyundai’s latest SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The mid-size crossover is very popular with families with children for good reason - its Hyundai Smart Sense safety feature suite is extensive, including the following impressive list:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist and Junction-Turning Detection
- Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
- Highway Driving Assist
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Safe Exit Assist and Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert
- Driver Attention Warning
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Parking Distance Warning (Forward and Reverse)
- Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (Reverse)
Read more about the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe's Safety Features>>
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Competition
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Vs 2021 Jeep Compass
The 2021 Santa Fe offers the best technology, safety features, and more power than the Jeep Compass. The price range of the Santa Fe is less and has a more powerful engine with 8-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the amount of luxury inside the Santa Fe puts the Jeep's interior asking for an upgrade. Where the Compass's ride feels jittery, the Santa Fe ignores the rough pavements for a more supple and comfortable ride.
In addition to it, Santa Fe has more rear-seat room and cargo space whereas Jeep provides a 1.3L turbocharged inline- 4 that produces 150 hp which is less in this segment and it is $100 expensive than the Santa Fe base price. For those looking for off-road prowess in the mid-size segment, Jeep Compass qualifies to be one of the best. As an overall SUV, the 2021 Santa Fe is a more rounded package than the 2021 Jeep Compass.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Vs 2021 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V gives a tough competition to Santa Fe as it is less expensive and has a more powerful engine with a better fuel efficiency of 30MPG (combined). Although CR-V has the maximum amount of cargo space which makes it a better option than the Santa Fe, Hyundai has the exclusive tech and features. The safety is top-notch for Santa Fe, while it only lacks the driving dynamics of Honda.
The 2021 CRV is a relatively better driving SUV but the new Santa Fe offers a more premium and all-rounded approach for a family SUV. Also, Hyundai's warranty package and complimentary maintenance are way better than any of its rivals in the mid-size SUV segment.
Also Read:
- Which is better 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe or Chevrolet Equinox?
- Which is better 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe or Subaru Outback?
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Final Verdict
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a dream car, with classy looks inside-out. The midsize SUV offers extreme comfort and enough cabin space while enhancing the interiors of the car is the modern technology-filled upto the brim. Hyundai has always maintained its reputation and offers plenty of safety features in this SUV and 2021MY is no different. To say the least, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a value for money car which has a fairly equipped base model.
We cannot wait for the luxurious and comfortable Santa Fe to hit the markets around the fall of this year. The 2021 Santa Fe will go on sale starting in December 2020. Gasoline-engine Santa Fe models will arrive at dealer lots first while the hybrid model goes on sale next, in early 2021. The much-anticipated plug-in hybrid arrives later in 2021.
Also Read:
- Check out all the latest updates and news related to the 2021 Hyundai lineup
- Is the 2021 Hyundai Palisade a good car?
Also Read:
- Compare the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim level and Configurations
- How much does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Cost?
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe have a remote start?
Yes, Hyundai offers the 2021 Santa Fe with Remote start with heated and ventilated seats. The Remote Start uses a cellular data connection via the Blue Link app. You can warm-up or cool down a Santa Fe remotely, including access to its heated or ventilated seats which is a segment-exclusive feature. Hyundai added Remote Start to the 2021 Santa Fe’s key fob for models with Push Button Start.
What are the different models of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?
There are a total of four 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe model options. The first two trims SE and SEL are very-well equipped with the required specs and features but the top-two trims including Limited and new Calligraphy trim add even more content and differentiation.
How big is the trunk of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2021 Santa Fe's rear cargo area volume has increased by one-half cubic foot through optimization of the interior packaging. The updated Santa Fe has 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the 2nd row which expands to 72.1 cu-ft on folding the second-row bench.
Is there a Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
The 2021 Santa Fe SUV now offers a new hybrid powertrain that features a Smartstream 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled with a new HEV-tuned six-speed automatic transmission. The combined engine and motor system produce 225 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. A Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid model will arrive later in 2021.
What is the towing capacity of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The towing capacity of the 2021 Santa Fe 2.5T is rated at 3500 pounds while the SUV with 2.5L naturally-aspirated engine can tow upto 2000 pounds. The 1.6T Santa Fe hybrid is rated at 2000 lbs.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Consumer Reviews and Ratings
based on 124 ratings
POPULAR TAGS
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Overall Reviews
User Overall Rating
Posted On: May 28, 2021
Comfortable and driveable
Pros - Comfortable, lots of space
Cons - Transmission is confused
Sluggish acceleration I have owned my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited now for a little over 6 months and I love it!! The only bad thing I have to say is, I don't like the lag from a stop to get going especially if you need to get going quickly. I also had a display problem, about 4 months ago, where the touchscreen didn't come on when I was leaving work, and the next day it came on and has worked perfectly since I originally came to the dealership looking to buy a less expensive car, then I saw this car at a great price and decided to take it for a test drive. I fell in love with it instantly and they gave me a really great time getting me out the door in this car.
User Overall Rating
Posted On: April 29, 2021
Amazing
Pros - Trunk capacity, easy controls, Efficient and reliable engine
Cons - Design could have had lot more changes to give better appeal
2021 Hyundai SantaFe It is more than what it looks like, some reviews were negative about this great car. I can tell them, they are wrong clearly!. Its spacious, comfortable, drives smooth, highly practical features, very subtle ambience. Love it every bit.
User Overall Rating
Posted On: April 1, 2021
The turbo santa fe
Pros - Very comfotable, Loaded with saftey features.
Cons - None
The hands free power tail gate is the best feature in it along with the digital display cluster. The plush beige seats looks gorgeous inside my santa fe. The drive becomes very comfotable due to soft seats. The chrome finishes just asentuates the design. Loaded with saftey features. Lots of warranty offers.
