by Bennett Oghifo
Hyundai has announced the introduction of its 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV with a freshened design motif, advanced front and rear lighting signatures, new hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive and extensive new driver safety and convenience features.
A statement by the automaker said the hybrid propulsion system is the first application of its kind in the Hyundai SUV line-up. In addition, a new, upscale Calligraphy trim will be offered for the first time. Santa Fe internal combustion models will be produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and will arrive at dealerships by the end of the year, while the Santa Fe Hybrid model will be produced in Ulsan, Korea and will arrive in the first quarter 2021. In addition, a Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid model will arrive later in 2021.
2021 Santa Fe Highlights Exterior
New, range-topping Calligraphy trim adds even more content and differentiation New front and rear bumper fascia, grille, headlamp, tail lamp and LED lighting signatures
New power-folding side mirrors and puddle lamps New front and rear skid plates and muffler design New alloy wheel designs
Mechanical
New, standard Smartstream 2.5-liter direct-injected and multi-point injected four-cylinder engine (with idle, stop and go) with eight-speed automatic transmission replaces former 2.4-liter direct-injected engine
New, available Smartstream 2.5-liter turbocharged, direct-injected powertrain with eight-speed wet, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) replaces former 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an 18 percent increase in power
New, available Smartstream 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid electric powertrain variant with six-speed automatic HEV-tuned transmission and HTRAC® all-wheel drive standard
New shift-by-wire transmission mode selector frees up center console switchgear space
New 7-pin trailer wire connection replaces former 4-pin design on 2.5T models
New trailer sway control function for towing
Safety
Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrian Detection
New, additional Cyclist and Junction-Turning Detection
New Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – Reverse Function.
New Highway Drive Assist (new, next-generation convenience functions)
New Lane Following Assist
New, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Road Curve Control
Interior
New quilted premium Nappa leather seating surfaces and soft-touch padding
New premium door panel accents and eco-suede headliner
New center stack and console design with new lower instrument panel design
New driver profile settings (Integrated Memory System, HVAC Control, Radio)
New ambient lighting selections
Rear cargo area volume increased by one-half cubic foot
Technology and Multi-media
New, larger eight-inch audio display (formerly seven-inch), new, larger 10.25-inch widescreen navigation display (formerly eight-inch)
New, segment-leading 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display
New Digital Key functions, a segment-exclusive feature
Remote Start cabin temperature, heated and ventilated seat settings control
New Harman-Kardon premium audio system
New Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), a segment-exclusive feature
New Dynamic Voice Recognition system (voice commands for temperature, radio, trunk)
New wireless charging pad for devices
New wireless Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay® (SE, SEL and SEL Convenience trim)
Bold New Look
The bold new face of the Santa Fe is enhanced with a wider, three-dimensional grille and a striking T-shaped LED illumination signature, including daytime running lights. The new silhouette sports a horizontal cabin profile, scalloped lower door panels and a long, highly-defined hood, with character lines extending from front to rear. Sharp shoulder crease lines connect front and rear LED lights, while rear reflector accents visually link the LED rear taillights.
The profile of the Santa Fe features a large daylight opening (DLO) with a satin surround that provides a sleek appearance with excellent visibility. The alloy wheels receive all new designs and add a new 20-inch alloy wheel. The roof side rails have a fresh design, and power-folding side mirrors with turn-signal indicators and puddle lamps are now available.
