The redesigned 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is more luxurious and looks better than ever, easily the standout amongst crossover rivals like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. But Hyundai is also continuing to go upmarket, evidenced by the new Calligraphy trim that gives the Santa Fe luxury vehicle status. Not surprisingly, buyers are being asked to pay a premium for that luxury.

CarsDirect obtained an early dealer order guide with pricing for the 2021 Santa Fe lineup. The least expensive Santa Fe SE begins at $28,025 (a $575 increase over 2020) but it's fully-loaded Calligraphy trim that's raising some eyebrows because it can exceed $43,000. To compare, the 2021 BMW X3 has an MSRP of $43,000.

Packed with premium features like unique 20-inch wheels, quilted Nappa leather, special interior accents, a suede-like headliner, and standard all-wheel-drive, the total Santa Fe Calligraphy tally comes to $43,475. To compare, the outgoing 2020 Santa Fe Limited AWD, previously the most expensive version, topped off at $40,750. Is the new Calligraphy trim worth the premium? If something like a full-color head-up display is a must-have feature, then yes because the Calligraphy is the only Santa Fe trim to have this feature.

It's also worth noting the 2021 Santa Fe is not a complete redesign but rather an extensive facelift. The bold new exterior is complemented by a heavily updated interior that comes with a 10.25-inch wide navigation system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, advanced features most typically found in luxury vehicles like BMWs and Audis.

Pricing for the first-ever Santa Fe Hybrid, due later in 2021, is not yet available but reports indicate we can expect up to a $1,700 premium compared to the non-hybrid models. Assuming the Calligraphy trim will also be available with the hybrid powertrain, then we're looking at around $45,175 all in. X3 buyers typically load up on features but figure the average customer spends about $50,000.

Who would have thought that the Hyundai Santa Fe, when fully equipped, can cost the same if not, perhaps, slightly more, than a BMW X3. That day has finally happened.