2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review: Sustainability Meets Pragmatism
To adhere to the prevailing trends in the automotive industry, Hyundai introduces the first-ever semi-electric version of the ever-popular Santa Fe SUV to the USA this year. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is derived from the fourth-generation Santa Fe marque and offers all of the same fine qualities as the regular SUV but with the added benefit of frugality. Beneath the hood is a 1.6-liter hybridized 4-cylinder engine that churns out up to 226 horsepower and achieves reasonable gas mileage scores of 36/31/34 mpg. While its performance figures aren't the best in the HE-SUV classification, the Santa Fe Hybrid is still an enhanced version of the already superb midsize SUV. It's suave, compliant, comfortable, and pragmatic, and comes outfitted with an extensive selection of creature comforts, conveniences, and driver-assistance systems. There are many options within the classification, however, including the Toyota Venza, Kia Sorento Hybrid, and Ford Escape Hybrid, so does the all-new Santa Fe Hybrid have what it takes to earn a spot at the top?
Santa Fe Hybrid Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
188.4 in | 108.9 in | 67.3 in | 74.8 in | 65.0 in | 65.4 in | 4,204.0 lbs |
Santa Fe Hybrid Performance
Engine and Transmission
Providing the impetus for the 2021 Santa Fe Hybrid is a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, which has been hybridized with a single electric motor. This combined powertrain produces up to 226 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Outputs are directed by a 6-speed automatic transmission and are sent through to the Santa Fe Hybrid's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system as standard. While the powertrain does provide an adequate amount of power for easy and consistent daily commuting, it doesn't return the most frugal gas mileage figures. The SUV has a maximum towing capacity of just 2,000 lbs.
Santa Fe Hybrid Interior
Santa Fe Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 7 Years / Unlimited Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid A Good SUV?
Hyundai's Santa Fe SUV is a good vehicle, but only in that it's a pragmatic daily runabout that's also very dependable and safe. The new 1.6-liter engine and MHEV system provide plenty of thrust and have it perform fairly pleasantly in urban and suburban settings. Unfortunately, the SUV isn't the most frugal hybrid with the most efficient variant returning only 36/31/34 mpg city/highway/combined while the Toyota Venza Hybrid achieves 40/37/39 mpg, in comparison. We'd say there are more positives to the Santa Fe Hybrid than drawbacks, though. It has a commanding and contemporary design and an interior to match, with plenty of creature comforts and conveniences coming standard, along with a comprehensive infotainment system. However, the latter is a tad slow. Hyundai puts forward the all-new Santa Fe Hybrid with an extensive advanced driver-assist suite and plenty of safety features. It's exceptionally well-built, too, and both the NHTSA and the IIHS have subjected the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid to review for its crashworthiness and scored it superbly. The regular Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is and always has been an exceptional 5-door family car and the addition of the hybridized motor has only added to the SUVs list of qualities.
What Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Model Should I Buy?
With what the entry-spec Blue model comes outfitted with as standard, it's easily the one we'd recommend considering its attractive starting price. It comes standard with plenty of first-rate specifications including full LED frontal lighting and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Infotainment is presented in the form of an eight-inch display that's pre-installed with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system and 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system in the SEL Premium and Limited are really tempting, but it's a $4,000 increase from the Blue to the SEL Premium - the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid's price starts at $33,650. The driver-assist suite in the Blue is also quite comprehensive and includes forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse parking sensors.