The family SUV segment is hotter than ever at the moment, as nearly every manufacturer now has at least one SUV offering in their lineup. That leads to a healthy dose of competition and means that old favorites like the Hyundai Santa Fe have to constantly evolve and improve to keep up. For the 2021 model year, it seems like Hyundai has done more than just keep up, in fact, they've produced a car that's ahead of its competition in many ways.
The newly-overhauled car manages to be versatile, premium, and good-looking while keeping the affordable price tag that Hyundai has become known for. It's so good in fact that it's won a slew of awards already despite being only available for a few months. It's a masterclass in a manufacturer knowing its audience and designing a car that's exactly to their tastes. Let's take a look at ten of the Santa Fe's best features and see what makes it stand out among its hordes of competitors.
10 A New 277 HP Engine
Arguably the single most important element of any car is its engine, and the new Santa Fe's doesn't disappoint. The best engine option is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes a healthy 277 hp, more than enough for hauling a whole family and a trailer too.
There's also an option for a non-turbo version of the same engine, but most buyers will likely want the more powerful unit. The turbo'd powertrain is also significantly more efficient than the equivalent unit in the 2020 model year car, which should reduce how often the driver has to visit the gas station.
9 Hybrid And Non-Hybrid Options
Anyone looking for an even more eco-friendly option will be pleased to know that there's also a hybrid version of the Santa Fe available as well as the traditional gasoline options. The hybrid features a 1.6-liter engine combined with an electric motor that makes for a combined 225 hp.
Having both a hybrid and a non-hybrid gives buyers the choice of either more power or more green credentials, and it's a way for the brand to future-proof its lineup against ever-tightening emissions regulations too.
8 All-New Design
The first time buyers saw Hyundai's current design language for the Santa Fe was the 2019 model year, but for 2021 the car's exterior has been refined and tweaked again. It's a sleeker-looking design than previous model years, with a new front and rear bumper among other, smaller changes.
The new front and rear end bring the car's appearance more in line with the rest of the Hyundai SUV range, with the distinctive large grille and split headlights that are now hallmarks of the brand. It's certainly a more striking look than a lot of its competition, and it injects some much-needed pizzazz into what's generally a very boring segment for design.
7 Full AWD System
One of the key things buyers like about Hyundai's SUVs is that they're versatile, and the new Santa Fe keeps that trend going. It employs a full AWD system with multiple modes for different weather conditions. There's also a Sport mode for when a driver wants more fun and engaging handling feel.
AWD comes as standard on the hybrid model and it's optional on both of the gasoline models. It's definitely worth adding as an option as it gives drivers extra peace of mind in all weathers, whether it's raining, snowing, or muddy.
6 Award-Winning Safety Features
Safety is always a priority for anyone with children in their car, but Hyundai buyers can rest easy. The Santa Fe has been awarded the title of "Top Safety Pick" by the IIHS, which means it's one of the most protective cars on the market. Hyundai has achieved this in a number of ways, both by increasing the physical strength of the car and also adding extra driver assists.
There's an enhanced version of the brand's avoidance assist technology included as standard, and a highway driving and lane detection function too. The car's autonomous driving aids also now link up to the navigation system so the car can read the road ahead even better than before.
5 Upscale Interior
Despite their attractively low prices, Hyundai's interiors have been getting consistently more upscale with every new model they release. The new Santa Fe is no different, with Nappa leather seats and interior accents made from eco-suede.
It's an inviting and ergonomic cabin, one that wouldn't look out of place in a car ten thousand dollars more expensive. The center console and connectivity features of the car have also been updated to match the car's premium looks and feel.
4 Premium "Calligraphy" Edition
The new model year also saw the release of a new, top-tier option specifically targeted at the entry-level luxury market. The Calligraphy edition builds on the standard car by adding quilted leather seats, expanded ambient lighting, and premium accents.
There are changes on the exterior too, with 20" alloy wheels that are specific to this trim. Calligraphy trim cars also come with the best mechanical options as standard. There's the turbo 2.5L engine, AWD, and a revised grille thrown in for good measure.
3 8.5" Heads-Up Display
They're convenient, they're futuristic and they look good, but despite all that heads-up displays still haven't become the industry standard feature that many expected they would. Luckily for Santa Fe buyers, an 8.5" HUD is included as standard on all trims.
It gives drivers a quick overview of their speed, navigation, and cruise control status without having to look down to the dash and potentially take their eyes off the road. The display projects at a simulated seven feet in front of the car for maximum legibility.
2 Remote Temperature Control
It's always annoying walking back to the car on a hot day and knowing that opening the door is going to feel like stepping into an oven. Well, with the new remote temperature control feature on the Santa Fe, those days are gone.
The car links to a driver's phone and it can now be cooled or warmed up to a specific temperature before the driver arrives, so they're ready to go as soon as they get in. It's a great feature that's previously only been found on premium and luxury cars, and it's another example of the Santa Fe's amazing value for money.
1 Harmon-Kardon Audio System
Rounding up the selection of premium features in the 2021 car is a full audio system by leading experts Harman-Kardon. There are 12 speakers placed strategically throughout the car that can pump out a maximum of 630 watts.
Also included is Harman-Kardon's surround sound technology, so no matter which seat of the car someone is sat in, they'll be able to enjoy an optimized music experience. That system, along with all these other features, just goes to show how far Hyundai has come in recent years. It's safe to say that Hyundai's SUVs are better than ever, and the Santa Fe is among the best in its class.