The 2021 Santa Fe is powered by either one of two available engines, both of which are mated to a new 8-speed automatic. The standard engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder making 191 horsepower. The second engine is a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 277 horsepower. With power equivalent to or better than many of the V6 engines in its class, the Santa Fe returns great fuel economy while also offering plenty of torque for highway onramps and passing situations.
The Santa Fe has plenty of standard equipment. Even the base SE model comes with features such as air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual front USB ports, an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, LED daytime running lights and a body-colored rear spoiler.
Plenty of options can be added and the Santa Fe comes in a multitude of trim levels. Beyond the SE, the SEL comes with a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, drive mode select, a proximity key, heated side mirrors, fog lights, heated front seats and SiriusXM satellite radio. Limited models come with parking sensors, 19-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free liftgate and a 12-speaker Infinity sound system. Calligraphy models add a panoramic sunroof and LED lighting, a surround view monitor, a bigger 10.25-inch screen with a navigation system, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. All-wheel drive is offered on the Limited and Calligraphy trims.
The Santa Fe HEV is all-new for 2021 and is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.49 kWh battery increases the horsepower from 178HP to 225HP. The Santa Fe HEV is available in three trim levels, Blue, SEL Premium and Limited. All three trims come standard with heated front seats, cruise control with stop and go, climate control, an HD radio with satellite and Bluetooth connectivity. The Blue trim comes with an 8-inch touchscreen and 6 speakers while the SEL Premium and Limited trims have a 10.25-inch screen and 12 speakers. All HEV models also come loaded with safety equipment including an active lane departure system, forward and rear collision mitigation, pedestrian impact prevention and a driver attention alert.
Spacious
Powerful
Fuel-efficient
Available All-wheel Drive
2 Or 3-row Seating
Attractive Styling
Great Warranty
For 2021 the Santa Fe gets a refreshed exterior as well as a hybrid version and a new Calligraphy trim.
Starting at around $25,000, the Santa Fe competes with other small SUVs such as the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. Meanwhile, the long-wheelbase Santa Fe XL starts at just under $31,000 and is more competitive with mid-sized SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. Both Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL boast new, updated styling that makes them look modern and cutting edge, without overdoing it. Fuel economy is competitive, besting many other vehicles in their class. The Santa Fe is capable of up to 29 mpg on the highway, while the larger Santa Fe XL still manages 25 mpg. Few other SUVs offer such a strong combination of luxury, space, fuel economy and price.
