Santa Fe

Make
Hyundai
Segment
SUV

We already knew the facelifted 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe was going to feature daring front end styling based on recent spy photos, but today is the official reveal. Introducing the updated Santa Fe and it's more than just a standard midlife facelift. In fact, it now rides on a new platform and has a redesigned interior as well. The exterior, however, is what catches the eyes first.

The midsize crossover is wider than before and features a bold grille that extends the entire width of the front. Depending on trim level, the grille also has unique trim patterns but all Santa Fes receive integrated T-shaped daytime running lights. The already narrow headlights have also been restyled.

Out back, the taillights have been tweaked as well, and a new light bar stretches the entire width of the tailgate. Hyundai also wanted to emphasize the width theme by way of a new rear reflector and skid plate, resulting in a three-layer look. There are also new 20-inch alloy wheels.

Moving inside, the interior is more spacious and luxurious than before with soft-touch materials used throughout. Drivers will benefit from a center console that's been placed higher for greater comfort. Thanks to a new shift-by-wire system, the gear shift buttons have now been integrated into that raised center console which not only frees up space but also streamlines the overall look. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is paired with a fully digital 12.3-inch driver's gauge display.

For the first time ever in the Santa Fe, there's a Terrain Mode selector located in the center console allowing drivers to select from Sand, Snow and Mud, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. The latter is interesting because it's capable of automatically recognizing the driving style and chooses an appropriate mode for the driver.

Under the hood, however, remains a mystery but we expect the currently optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque to be carried over. The base 2.4-liter inline-four with 185 hp and 179 lb-ft will also probably remain, but there's a good chance Hyundai will also offer the same 261-hp PHEV powertrain just revealed in the Santa Fe's corporate cousin, the 2021 Kia Sorento. The HTRAC AWD system remains optional. Hyundai has not provided an official on sale date or pricing information, but chances are the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe will arrive in dealerships sometime this fall.