2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | Review & Road Test
Kelley Blue Book Kelley Blue Book
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 Published On Jan 18, 2021

For the latest Hyundai Santa Fe pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/santa-fe/

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe gets more than what we’d normally call mere mid-cycle updates.


Starting with the obvious, the front end of the Santa Fe looks different. Check out that face with its wider grille and new T-shaped headlights. Those lights in the rear, yeah, they’re new, too. There are some new character lines chiseled into the hood and the profile as well. For my money, they’ve added a bit more panache to a decent-looking SUV.

So far we’re off to a pretty good start.

The interior gets a bit more of a gggguzh starting with this floating center console.

The mechanical shifter is gone replaced by a shift-by-wire push-button set up. More space for storage upfront now.

There are still button controls for HVAC, drive modes, and other much-used necessities so you don’t have to dig through digital layers with the touchscreen.

The switchgear feels pretty solid and it’s intuitively placed. I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to abandon plastic buttons altogether just yet.


An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but buyers can upgrade to a 10.25-inch one as well as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Whoa.

Other materials don’t feel chintzy and with upgrades including Nappa leather seats with heaters and soft touchpoints, and ambient lighting, it’s looking pretty stylin’ in here.

There’s even more cargo room in the back.


One of the biggest changes is in engine options. The base models get a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. Its estimated 191 hp feels substantial. I like the giddyup it’s got.

A turbocharged version of that 2.5L is also available. (277 hp/311 lb-ft torque). Hybrid (est. combined 225 hp) and plug-in hybrid versions of the Santa Fe are also coming fast on the gas engine’s heels.

Both of those new gas engine’s are quicker and more efficient at the gas pump (2.5L I4: FWD 26 mpg combined/AWD 24 mpg combined | 2.5L turbocharged I4: FWD 25 mpg combined/AWD 24 mpg combined).

Those fuel numbers are still estimated but improved over the previous model.

You also have an 8-speed transmission on the naturally aspirated engine and an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission for the turbocharged version to thank for those improved numbers.


Since the Santa Fe sits on a new platform the ride feels improved. It’s lighter and more rigid which makes for better stability and balance. I had no issues with the ride before, but now it feels even more sure-footed at speed, especially around turns.

I’ve always enjoyed the overall driving experience in the Santa Fe.

The steering doesn’t feel overly mechanical, and Hyundai’s put in a new braking system with larger rotors that give it extra stopping power.

It’s also quieter in the cabin, which only enhances that drive.

Once again, Hyundai’s upped the ante in the mid-priced segment. Check your rearview mirror two-row midsize SUV makers. They’re coming for you.

Yes, that means the Honda Passport, Chevrolet Blazer, and Ford Edge to name a few.


The Santa Fe gets upgraded driver assistance features as well with this refresh. Forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control all come standard. For stuff like blind-spot monitoring and collision aversion assist and surround view monitoring, you’ll have to upgrade to a the SEL trim level.


The Calligraphy model is also new to the Santa Fe. It’s a top of the line edition with the turbo engine that includes AWD, quilted inserts on the doors, leather seats, and other upgrades from the option sheet.


Pricing hasn’t been announced as of the making of this video but we expect it to be close to about $28,000 for the base model.


The Sante Fe now looks better, drives better, connects to and protects its driver better. And we at KBB thought it was pretty good last year, making it our 2-row midsize Best Buy. Not too shabby.

00:00 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
0:25 Exterior
0:50 Interior
2:13 Engine
3:05 Driving Impressions
4:00 Competitors
4:10 Tech and Safety Features

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