2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: The Family Boredom-Buster

With Hyundai's strategy of applying hyper-regular enhancements and alterations to its newest cars, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe promises to be better than ever before and quite different to what it was in 2018 when Hyundai debuted it in its fourth-generational phase. With two new engine options, a 191 horsepower 4-cylinder unit and 277 hp turbo-four-cylinder unit, both displacing 2.5-liters, a refreshed exterior and interior, and a flurry of new standard and optional features, the Santa Fe mid-size SUV really is ameliorated. Extra power and oodles of modern creature comforts and conveniences meet the Santa Fe's immense level of value, consummate safety ratings, and proven reliability expectations, making it a very fine choice in the highly competitive segment. There are, however, more enjoyable or engaging SUVs out there, more fuel-efficient one's, and perhaps more appealing ones in general depending on who you are. Just look at the all-popular Kia Sorento, the versatile and practical Honda CR-V, and the sensational Toyota Highlander, just to name a few.

2021 Santa Fe Exterior

Dimensions

LengthWheelbaseHeightMax WidthFront WidthRear WidthCurb Weight
188.4 in108.9 in66.3 in74.8 in64.8 in65.2 in3,649.0 lbs


2021 Santa Fe Performance

2021 Santa Fe Interior

2021 Santa Fe Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

BasicDrivetrainCorrosionRoadside AssistanceMaintenance
5 Years / 60,000 Miles10 Years / 100,000 Miles7 Years / Unlimited Miles5 Years / Unlimited Miles3 Years / 36,000 Miles


US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Overall RatingFrontal Barrier Crash RatingSide Crash RatingRollover Rating
5/55/55/54/5


Verdict: Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe A Good SUV?

The starting price of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in at just $27,000, which, considering just how much the Santa Fe offers even at the base level, is exceptional value for the money. The Santa Fe is also a rather premium looking 5-door sport-utility vehicle with its high-end specs such as LED lighting and chrome constituents that support its sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic. Its cabin is just as contemporary and laden with advanced creature comforts and conveniences, including a good selection of advanced driver-assist technology and active safety systems. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has undergone review by both the NHTSA and the IIHS and achieved top safety scores.

Both of the two new engines perform admirably, delivering oodles of power and smooth responses, though they could be more economical. Hyundai's revised interior packaging has resulted in not just a more spacious cabin, but a larger trunk space than prior year models, too, meaning it's more practical than ever before. And if you need to take more than just luggage on your vacations, simply opt in the pre-wired harness hooks for a 3,500-pound towing capacity. There are a lot of SUVs and crossovers in the USA, but the Santa Fe is certainly one of the best. If these qualities aren't enough to convince you, then Hyundai's industry-leading warranty coverage just might seal the deal.

What Hyundai Santa Fe Model Should I Buy?

If you want to find the 2021 Santa Fe SUV that offers an optimal balance between overall performance, standard features, and pricing, the mid-range SEL is definitely the choice pick. The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor is significantly better than the prior year's standard motor and, though not as peppy as the turbo-four, it is slightly more economical. Over the SE trim, the SEL comes standard with a fancier chrome accent grille, heated side mirrors with LED indicators, LED tail lights, and roof rails. It also gets modern and desirable features such as proximity entry with push-button start, BSM with RCTA, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seat adjustability with two-way lumbar support, HD radio connectivity, and wireless charging. All of this without breaking the $30,000 mark.