2021 will see the arrival of a dual-clutch transmission with luxurious Calligraphy models.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe will get a comprehensive set of improvements that sets it apart from its predecessor, which was introduced just two years ago. The Santa Fe facelift will bring two new powertrains, modernized styling and a luxurious Calligraphy trim, making it more competitive against its predecessor, which was introduced just two years ago. The 2021 Santa Fe was already revealed worldwide.
Two new engines were added to the Santa Fe’s engine lineup. This should improve its performance. The 2021 Santa Fe is powered by two 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, one naturally aspirated and the other turbocharged. It has more power and better efficiency than its predecessor. Hyundai claims that a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine and an unspecified plug in hybrid powertrain will be available soon.
Full steam ahead
Under the new sleek skin, Santa Fe’s most important changes for 2021 are visible. The old 2.4-liter Inline-four base engine, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged option mill are gone. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor that powers the entry-level motor produces 191 horsepower (142 Kilowatts) as well as 182 pound-feet (247 Newton-meters). This is an incremental increase from the 2.4’s 185 horsepower and 178 lbft (138kW and 241Nm). The base engine of the 2020 Santa Fe is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can be front- or all-wheel driven.
The 2.5-liter Smartstream powerplant has both direct and multi-port fuel injection. This allows for lower low-load emissions and more power production. These improvements should improve the fuel economy of 2021 Santa Fe. Hyundai estimates that the combined fuel economy rating will be 26 mpg with front-wheel drive and 24 mpg with all-wheel. The Santa Fe’s 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder inline-four is an option on certain trims. It produces 277 horsepower and 311 lbft (207kW and 422Nm), which are vast improvements on the previous turbo 2.0’s 235hp, 260lb-ft (175kW and 352Nm), and 235hp. The new engine also comes with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. This offers a lower parasitic loss and better shift response than the old eight-speed auto. The outgoing turbo engine was sometimes a bit slow in sporty driving. However, the new engine should feel more fun.
Hyundai’s 2021 Santa Fe will be the first hybrid SUV. The Santa Fe Hybrid will be powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 13kW starter-generator and a 44kW electric motor. It is charged via a small 1.5-kilowatt hour battery. The combined power output of the Santa Fe Hybrid will be 225 horsepower (168 kW) with 195 lb/ft (264Nm). It is connected to a standard all-wheel drive via an hybrid-optimized six speed automatic. Based on 2020 Sonata hybrid numbers, we don’t think it will be surprising to get 35 mpg.
Blazing New Ground
Hyundai is comfortable with the fact that their distinct models don’t always look the same. This is why the Santa Fe, and the recently introduced 2022 Tucson have distinctive styling. Hyundai appears to be abandoning the bold, shield-like front styling of the Palisade and Santa Fe. Instead, the SUV’s new front grille integrates the headlights into its texture. The grille opening is highlighted by a wing-shaped piece made of chrome trim. Daytime running lights are mounted high up near the hood. Combining the LED lighting accents with the headlights, they create a unique T-shaped styling element.
The styling changes to the rear are less apparent. The taillights look sharper with sleek LED accents and an LED light bar that is full-width replacing the chrome trim at the tailgate. Separate turn signals for the Santa Fe have been moved to the taillights. A wide red reflector runs the length of the bumper. The revised shape also allows for a satin silver faux skid plate. The Calligraphy trim features a new 20-inch wheel design. It is designed to be similar to the rollers of the flagship Palisade model.
Tech To Spare
There are many improvements to the interior of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, including larger infotainment screens and an optional one. A touchscreen of 8.0 inches is now the standard display. An optional 10.3 inch screen (upped from 7.0 inches) is also available. A 12.3-inch cluster of digital instruments is also available. The Santa Fe also features Hyundai Digital Key, Highway Drive Assist semiautonomous technology and wireless charging.
The 2021 Santa Fe’s console is higher than the Palisade, which gives it a premium look. It also allows for more storage space under the floating center stack. The switch to shift-by wire controls opens up more space than the conventional shifter. Thanks to clever packaging, the Santa Fe adds another 0.5 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Writing in Cursive
The Santa Fe also features the Calligraphy trim that was first seen on the 2021 Palisade. The Santa Fe Calligraphy has the same features as the larger SUV. It includes a higher-grade Nappa quilted Leather, a revised front grille and premium door accent trims, an eco-suede headliner and additional feature content. This includes a full-color head up display, expanded ambient lighting and 20-inch wheels. Calligraphy uses the Santa Fe’s highest configuration which includes the 2.5-liter turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
Stronger, Stouter, Sleeker
Hyundai’s 2021 Santa Fe uses more high-tensile steels to build its body. This, according to the company, reduces weight and improves ride and handling. The brake boosters are larger and the brake rotors are larger, but this is not confirmed. New insulation in the instrument panel reduces engine noise and the coefficient of drag has been reduced from 0.34 to 0.33 by using new subframes, engine compartment and cabin floors. The already pleasant Santa Fe should be smoother and more stable if they are as important as Hyundai claims.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe non-hybrid will be again built at the company’s Alabama manufacturing plant. It should arrive at dealers by the end the year. Delivery of the Santa Fe Hybrid will begin in the first quarter 2021. The plug-in hybrid model of the Santa Fe Hybrid will be available sometime in the future. Pricing is not yet known, but you can expect an incremental price increase to the 2020 Santa Fe’s starting price of $26,275. In the meantime, a fully loaded 2021 Santa Fe Calligraphy package should cost at least $42,000 all in.