While we already loved the previous Hyundai Santa Fe, making it our highest-rated midsize SUV, the 2021 Santa Fe is even better. Hyundai considers the 2021 model a refresh, but there are style changes throughout, new engines, and even new trim levels. All in all, everything we liked before has been improved in the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe.
The base 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder available in the SE and SEL trims provides plenty of power to get this 5-passenger midsize SUV moving, but if you want even more there’s a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder in the upper-level Limited and Calligraphy trims. There’s also a hybrid that earns up to 36 mpg in city driving, and a plug-in hybrid coming later this year.
Most trims come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. The exceptions are the top Calligraphy and the hybrid, which are all-wheel drive only. Driving manners are respectable, and all-wheel-drive models come with a mode selector that can send more power to the rear wheels in Sport mode.
Inside, the 2021 Santa Fe is very pleasant, with comfortable seats and ample space for passengers in both rows and plenty of soft-touch areas. While more manufacturers are putting everything on touchscreens, we appreciate that Hyundai still uses buttons for such things as climate control and drive modes.
The standard equipment set is laudable and includes several driver-assist and active safety features. Among them are forward-collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a driver attention monitor. Available options range from a surround-view monitor, Nappa leather, and a larger touchscreen. As with all Hyundai models, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Four Trim Levels
One could never accuse the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe of not providing options. With two gas engines and two hybrids as well as all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, there are also four trims from which to choose.
The base SE trim starts at $26,850 with front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for $1,700. The highest Calligraphy trim (with AWD standard) starts at $42,100. Pricing for the Hybrid starts at $33,650 for a base model, $37,600 for the SEL, and $39,950 for the Hybrid Limited. All prices add $1,175 for destination fees.
The base 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SE is well-equipped, with the above-mentioned driver assists as well as cloth seats, air-conditioning, and an infotainment system that includes an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. We’re perfectly happy with the base SE, although the next up SEL trim not only adds a few more safety features but is the first trim available with the hybrid powertrain. Beyond that, the Limited adds the more powerful turbocharged engine, but starts more than $10,000 higher, at which point you might as well opt for the top Calligraphy, which includes standard all-wheel drive.
Here’s the Complete Rundown on 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims and Prices:
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SE: $26,850-$28,850
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Adaptive cruise control
- 18-inch wheels
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL: $28,650-$30,350
- Push-button start
- Blind-spot collision avoidance assist
- Optional hybrid powertrain
- Rear cross-traffic avoidance assist
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited: $38,600-$40,300
- 2.5-liter turbocharged engine
- Heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats
- 19-inch wheels
- Surround-view monitor
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy: $42,300
- Nappa leather
- Color head-up display
- Turbocharged engine and standard AWD
- 20-inch wheels
Ready to buy a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe? Shop for one on sale now near you.
