Hyundai has unveiled the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. The new Hyundai Santa Fe will arrive at dealerships by the end of the year. Santa Fe internal combustion models will be produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and will arrive at dealerships by the end of the year, while the Santa Fe Hybrid model will be produced in Ulsan, Korea and will arrive in the first quarter 2021. In addition, a Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid model will arrive later in 2021. Here are the top things you need to know about the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe.
1. New design language
The new Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a freshened design language, advanced front and rear lighting signatures. The profile of the Santa Fe features a large daylight opening (DLO) with a satin surround that provides a sleek appearance with excellent visibility. The alloy wheels receive all new designs and adds a new 20-inch alloy wheel. The roof side rails have a fresh design, and power-folding side mirrors with turn-signal indicators and puddle lamps are now available.
2. New floating centre console
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe interior now features a high-position console design indicative of a premium SUV interior. A new floating center console design adds a more spacious feel throughout the cabin. Available premium materials, including soft Nappa leather, soft-touch padding, new ambient lighting and a new 10.25-inch touchscreen display further enhance the luxurious character of the interior. A multi-layered, three-dimensional instrument panel and contrasting seat stitching convey premium touches throughout the cabin. new Hyundai Santa Fe’s large daylight opening (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.
3. Santa Fe Calligraphy trim
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe adds a new premium Calligraphy trim for buyers seeking the ultimate in styling differentiation, premium materials, exclusive features and advanced technologies. Calligraphy builds upon the Santa Fe Limited model with the more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, adding HTRAC AWD with downhill brake control, exclusive-design 20-inch alloy wheels, quilted Nappa leather, full-color heads-up display, premium-finish front grille, premium door and seat accent trim, eco-suede headliner, expanded ambient lighting themes and auto up/down rear windows.
4. New powertrains
2021 Santa Fe now offers three new and improved powertrain options. The standard powertrain is a Smartstream 2.5-liter direct-injected (DI) and multi-point injected (MPI) four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the former 2.4-liter engine. This standard four-cylinder engine churns out 191 hp at 6,100 rpm and an estimated 247 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm for effortless driving in a wide variety of conditions. The powertrain also features Idle, Stop and Go (ISG) capability to maximize efficiency in various heavy traffic conditions. The new 2.5-liter engine fuel economy is targeted to increase approximately eight percent over the 2020 powertrain from these improvements.
| Â | 2021 Combined Fuel Economy(internal estimates) | 2020 Engine Combined Fuel Economy | 2021% Improvement(internal estimates) |
| 2.5L I4 FWD | 26 | 25 | 4.0% |
| 2.5L I4 AWD | 24 | 24 | – |
| 2.5L Turbo FWD | 25 | 23 | 8.7% |
| 2.5L Turbo AWD | 24 | 22 | 9.1% |
Santa Fe also offers a high-output Smartstream 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder turbocharged engine coupled with an all-new eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), replacing the former 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and improving peak hp by 18 percent. This all-new powerplant churns out 277 hp at 6,000 rpm and an estimated 422 Nm of peak torque at 3,500 rpm. The new 2.5-liter turbo engine fuel economy is targeted to increase approximately four to five percent over the 2020 powertrain from these improvements.
5. Combined engine injection systems
These all-new engines of the new Hyundai Santa Fe utilise both direct-injection and multi-point injection technology to leverage the wider range of benefits from each injection technology. Direct injection benefits from greater oxygen density in the combustion chamber combined with increased atomization of the intake charge for maximum power and efficiency, especially at mid- to high engine speeds. Conversely, multi-point injection helps to reduce emissions at lower rpm and lower engine torque loads. Together, these two injection systems are synchronized to yield ideal power, efficiency and low emissions throughout the full range of engine speeds and operating conditions.
6. Eight-speed automatic transmission
The eight-speed transmission for the standard 2.5-liter engine provides quick and crisp shifts for an engaging and efficient driving experience. The automatic transmission adds ratio range at both the top and bottom of output speeds allowing for extra thrust off-the-line and a quieter, more fuel-efficient trip on the interstate. A multi-disc and individually controlled hydraulic channel torque converter improves responsiveness by expanding the direct connection band, while a downsized oil pump and double ball bearings minimize frictional losses.
7. New hybrid propulsion system
The 2021 Santa Fe offers a hybrid propulsion system for eco-focused buyers. The hybrid propulsion system is the first application of its kind in the Hyundai SUV line-up. The Santa Fe Hybrid comes with HTRAC all-wheel drive as standard. The hybrid powertrain features a Smartstream 1.6-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled with a new HEV-tuned six-speed automatic transmission. This new six-speed transmission is specially tuned for optimal efficiency, economy and driving performance in a turbocharged HEV application. The turbo engine yields an estimated output of 178 hp at 6,000 rpm, with an estimated 225 hp from the combined engine and motor system, and peak torque estimated at 264 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
The HEV starter-generator and the electric drive motor are both permanent-magnet type systems, with the hybrid starter-generator rated at 13kW and the electric drive motor rated at 59 hp (44kW). The system utilizes a lithium-ion polymer battery rated at 1.5 kWh and 270V/5.5 Ah, with a maximum battery output of 64kW, efficiently storing the hybrid’s electric energy efficiently in a compact and lightweight package.
8. HTRAC advanced AWD system
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with the Hyundai’s new HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system. The HTRAC AWD system was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The driver-selectable HTRAC Normal, Sport and Smart modes help provide confident control in all weather conditions. The Sport setting gives a more agile feel by sending more available torque to the rear wheels, for a sporty dynamic feel when desired. This system has a wider range of torque distribution variability and has been tuned to conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- and high-speed cornering, and hill starts.
9. Improved aerodynamics
The 2021 Santa Fe body structure includes increased high-tensile steel for greater body rigidity, improving ride and handling while reducing weight. Noise from acceleration is reduced from a redesigned isolation pad in the instrument panel structure. In addition, the aerodynamic coefficient of drag (Cd) for Santa Fe has improved from 0.34 to 0.33 Cd through redesigned undercovers for the subframe, engine compartment, and center/rear floor areas.
10. Advanced driver assistance systems
The new Hyundai Santa Fe features Hyundai’s latest SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The Hyundai Smart Sense safety feature includes; 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) and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist.
11. Advanced voice recognition
2021 Santa Fe also receives a new 10.25-inch widescreen full-touch navigation system, 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument gauge cluster. Wireless device charging, Dynamic Voice Recognition is an advanced voice recognition system that utilizes simple voice commands to conveniently perform specific controls for the cabin such as: temperature adjustment, radio, hatch opening/closing, heated steering wheel, heated/cooled seats, and others. The system can also assist with various points of interest (POI), weather status and stock market data.
12. Digital key
ALSO READ | Lamborghini Urraco turns 50: Top 5 things to know
The new Hyundai Santa Fe’s Digital Key is supported via a dedicated smartphone app. The Hyundai Digital Key app also allows smartphones to control selected vehicle systems remotely. Users can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate the panic alert and start the engine. Digital Key can also work via a Near Field Communication (NFC) card. Digital Key is currently compatible only with phones using the Android operating system.
13. Remote parking system
Remote Smart Park Assist, a segment-exclusive vehicle technology, allows owners to park and retrieve their Santa Fe from the tightest of parking spaces from outside the vehicle, a very convenient feature. Before a driver attempts to load passengers or luggage, the remote parking function can prove particularly useful, bringing the vehicle out of a tight space. The driver simply uses the smart key to drive the SUV forward or backward, into or out of a parking space, garage or any tight parking situation.
14. Premium sound systems
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a premium sound system which includes;Â a 630-watt, 12-speaker, Harman-Kardon premium audio system with an 11-channel amplifier features Clari-Fi music restoration technology and Quantum Logic Surround Sound technology.
15. New infotainment system
The Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available on Santa Fe models not equipped with navigation, while standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions remain standard on navigation-equipped models. For passengers, dual front and rear USB outlets are available (one for power/data and three for power). 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.
16. Blue Link connected car
The 2021 Santa Fe receives many Blue Link® Connected Car System enhancements. As with most Hyundai models, Blue Link is complimentary on the 2021 Santa Fe for three years and includes Remote Start with Climate Control, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Destination Search by Voice. Blue Link features can be accessed via interior controls or through the MyHyundai.com web portal, the MyHyundai with Blue Link smartphone app, the Amazon Alexa Blue Link skill and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features can also be controlled via Android Wear and Apple Watch smartwatch apps.