Ledes from the Land of Enchantment

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a segment contender that should be taken seriously

Two vertically aligned headlights are noticeable improvements for this model year. And they really add pizzazz to the Santa Fe. As attractive and lively as the front and the radiator grille are, the Santa Fe loses a little in the rear styling. It could use more exciting accents and maybe this is one area Hyundai can focus on next in keeping this SUV modern.

If you’ve rented a Santa Fe before and rated it accordingly, it’s likely not fair for many reasons. But mostly, if you haven’t experienced the new updated 2.5-liter turbo engine, you’re missing out. The base engine without turbo is indeed pedestrian-friendly and boring. Instead, the direct injection petrol engine (GDI) has 2.5 liters more power and is noticeably better.

There’s an improvement of almost 100hp from the base engine to the turbo engine. As such, my tester was peppy and easy to handle and offered 281 hp. Another addition to the performance is an optional 8-speed dual clutch transmission. This transmission is smooth with quick shifts.

My tester had optional all wheel drive (AWD) which improved the overall handling and performance of this SUV.

The interior of the entire Hyundai range, including the Santa Fe, is where they shake off any misnomer about cheapness. In fact, it is Hyundai, not the other Asian automakers, that have raised the bar in the segment with high-quality, comfortable interiors.

For 2021 this Santa Fe has soft-touch materials. The first-class calligraphy equipment offers even better points of contact and rockers on the edge of sophistication and luxury.

With nappa leather seats and a perforated leather steering wheel, the Santa Fe looks elegant. Heated and cooled seats contribute to the noble character. Due to the above height and length, the cab offers plenty of legroom as well as a great driving angle and view of the road. SUVs in this segment often have some nasty blind spots, but that’s not the case with the Santa Fe, despite being equipped with blind spot detectors.

There is 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet of total space with the seats folded down.

Too often the SUV in this segment is designed for five passengers, but is really only ideal for four passengers. This is not the case with the Santa Fe, because the second row of seats even offers plenty of shoulder room and comfortable leather-covered seats in the rear.

Hyundai’s infotainment system is easy to use and can be easily integrated into Apple and Android phones. It’s not the most technologically advanced system, but it does everything you could ask for while being intuitive at the same time. Others (with your Mazda in mind) could learn a thing or two from Hyundai in that regard.

The top-of-the-line calligraphy trim has a base price of $ 42,100. With a small fee for carpeting and a target fee, the final MSRP of the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy in 2021 was $ 43,440.

The five-passenger four-wheel drive Santa Fe has an EPA rating of 21 mpg / city and 28 mpg / highway.

I’m not here to convince anyone to buy or consider a vehicle. I am here to give my opinion. And believe me when I say the time has come to dismiss Hyundai not as a cheap throwaway brand, but as a legitimate automaker that makes vehicles that American consumers want. Case in point: the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Jimmy Dinsmore is a freelance automotive journalist. Email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @driversside

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe calligraphy

  • Price / verified price ………………………………………. …. … $ 42,100 / $ 43,440
  • Mileage …………………………………….. 21 mpg / city; 28 mpg / hwy
  • Engine…………………………………………. 2.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder
  • PS …………………………… 291 PS / 311 lbs./ft.
  • Transmission ………………………….. 8-speed double clutch automatic
  • Drive wheels ……………. all-wheel drive
  • Final assembly point ……………. Montgomery, Alabama

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