2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Pros: Extensive list of safety and convenience features; quiet cabin; competitive pricing

Cons: So-so EPA fuel economy numbers for non-hybrids

CG Says: Hyundai’s Santa Fe two-row midsize crossover gets a major refresh for 2021 that includes updated styling, a revamped interior, a top-line Calligraphy trim level, and new engines—including a gas/electric hybrid powertrain. Hyundai says the ’21 Santa Fe’s body structure has been enhanced for better rigidity, which improves ride and handling. A 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous 185-hp 2.4-liter as the base engine. The previous 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder has been replaced by a 277-hp 2.5-liter turbo paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is available on all regular gas-engine models except the Calligraphy trim, where it’s standard. The hybrid powertrain combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor for a total of 225 hp, and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. A plug-in hybrid is slated to join the Santa Fe lineup for the 2022 model year. The SmartSense suite of safety features—which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go capability, and a driver-attention warning feature—is standard on all models. Standard on all except the base SE are a blind-spot monitor (with steering-assist functionality), rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist, a system that detects vehicles approaching from the rear, and either prevents the driver from deactivating the child-safety locks if the doors are closed or issues a warning if a rear door is already open. Another available safety feature is Rear Occupant Alert, which reminds the driver to check the rear seat and sounds the horn and sends a text message if motion is detected in the rear seat after the driver has left the vehicle. The Hyundai Santa Fe has long been a likeable SUV with pleasant ride and handling, a quiet cabin, and a broad range of available features. The broad range of updates and enhancements for 2021—particularly the new powertrains and the availability of a hybrid powertrain—makes the Santa Fe an even stronger contender.