History/Overview
The Hyundai Santa Fe mid-size SUV has now been around for more than 20 years and four generations, during which time it has become one of Canada’s most popular family vehicles.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, Hyundai gives the Santa Fe a significant mid-cycle update that brings new engines, refreshed styling, and more safety equipment.
Available Trims
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in Essential, Preferred and Ultimate Calligraphy trims. In the first two, power is from a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Ultimate Calligraphy gets a turbocharged 2.5L and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Later in the model year, Hyundai will add the Santa Fe’s first-ever hybrid models (covered in a separate buyer's guide entry) pairing electric power with a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder.
AWD is optional in Essential and standard elsewhere.
Standard Features
Santa Fe Essential exterior cues are 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic on/off LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, power/heated side mirrors, and driver’s seat lumbar.
Inside, you get heated front seats, cloth upholstery, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, air conditioning, power windows, and power locks.
Safety kit includes tire pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision detection, lane keeping assist, and rear occupant alert.
Preferred trim adds an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone A/C, passive keyless entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, safe exit assist, and rear parking sensors.
Finally, Ultimate Calligraphy models gain 19-inch wheels, LED taillights, power-folding side mirrors, rear door sun shades, rain-sensing wipers, Nappa leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, four-way driver lumbar, ventilated front seats with cushion extension, heated rear seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, head-up driver display, surround-view cameras, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a panoramic sunroof, hands-free tailgate, LED interior ambient lighting, front parking sensors, blind view monitor, remote parking assist, and highway driving assist.
Fuel Economy
Hyundai’s fuel consumption estimates for the Santa Fe are 9.6/8.5 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 2.5L non-turbo engine and FWD, and 10.6/9.3 with AWD. The turbo engine is rated at 11.0/8.5 L/100 km.
Competition
The Santa Fe competes primarily with the Subaru Outback, the Honda Passport, Ford’s Edge, and the Chevrolet Blazer. Other competitors include smaller seven-seat mid-size models, like the Mazda CX-9, and the GMC Acadia.
