Hyundai’S Santa Fe seven-seater SUV has been upgraded and restyled for 2021 and comes complete with extra luxury touches, upgrades to standard technology, additional safety features, and significant powertrain improvements.

The four-variant line-up continues with a base model, Active and Elite variants, and the flagship Highlander.

Power choices are two SmartStream engines – a 3.5-litre petrol V6 and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel four, available for each variant.

The V6 consumes 10.5L/100km, while the common-rail direct-injection four-cylinder, which is is paired with a new eight-speed twin-clutch DCT automatic, uses 6.1L/100km.

The new Santa Fe features Hyundai’s HTRAC Advanced All-Wheel-Drive system which features an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The AWD system delivers drive based on wheel and vehicle-speed inputs.

Standard features include an 8.0-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a colour instrument cluster display, and wireless (Qi standard) smartphone charging.

Also standard are a rear view camera, a rear park distance warning system, tyre pressure monitoring system, LED headlights and daytime running lights.

Standard safety systems are strong. SmartSense technologies include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning (FCA-JT), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist (BCA) systems. There’s also Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) systems, and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go.

A Remote Smart Parking Assist System is available on Highlander variants.

The Santa Fe Active model includes leather appointed seats and dashboard, a front park distance warning system and dual-zone climate control.

The Elite introduces a 10.25-inch navigation unit featuring DAB+ digital radio, premium audio by Harman Kardon, a hands-free Smart Power Tailgate, and 20-inch alloys.
The flagship 2021 Highlander introduces a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, a Surround View Monitor, Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, heated steering wheel, body-coloured wheel arch cladding and 20-inch alloys.

In addition, Highlander features Head-Up Display, Blind-Spot View Monitor, panoramic glass sunroof, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist systems.

Eight mica and metallic paint colours are available.

The 2021 Santa Fe is on sale from $44,700 and leads Hyundai’s ‘18 models in 18 months’ campaign which will include seven SUVs by the end of 2021, encompassing EV, FCEV and Hybrid powertrains.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2021)

15 February 2021