2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Gets Four New Engines In America, Including A Plug-In Hybrid

Hyundai introduced the facelifted Santa Fe this summer and now the company has unveiled the US-spec crossover.

Looking virtually identical to its European counterpart, the 2021 Santa Fe features a bold new design with a wider grille and restyled headlights. The crossover also has a sportier skid plate, a modified bumper and new T-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The sides largely carryover, but the model has been equipped with restyled wheels and newly optional power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps. The updates continue out back as designers installed a new bumper, updated taillights and a hidden exhaust.

Also Read: Hyundai Santa Fe Or Santa Nay? See How The Facelifted 2021 Model Stacks Up To Its Predecessor

Bigger changes occur inside as the Santa Fe adopts a new floating center console, a push-button shifter and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Other highlights include revised switchgear and a larger 8-inch infotainment system. Customers can also upgrade to a 10.25-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation.

Rounding out the highlights are digital key technology, a new Harman-Kardon premium audio system and a revised cargo area that has an additional 0.5 cubic feet (14 liters) of space thanks to improved packaging.

For drivers wanting the ultimate in luxury, there’s a new Calligraphy trim which features quilted Nappa leather seats, an eco-suede headliner, expanded ambient lighting themes and upgraded door panels. The range-topping variant also has a full-color head-up display, a unique grille and exclusive 20-inch wheels.

Under the hood, there’s a newly standard 2.5-liter Smartstream four-cylinder engine that replaces the previous 2.4-liter unit. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and has an estimated output of 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) and 182 lb-ft (247 Nm) of torque. The engine comes standard with a start/stop system and this helps to make it approximately eight percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

Customers seeking something more powerful can opt for a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops an estimated 277 hp (207 kW / 281 PS) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque.  The engine is paired to a dual-clutch transmission which promises improved shift response and greater efficiency through reduced parasitic losses. Speaking of the latter, Hyundai estimates a fuel economy improvement of between four and five percent.

Customers will also be able to opt for a new hybrid variant that features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The model comes standard with all-wheel drive system and is slated to have a combined output of 225 hp (168 kW / 228 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque.

Sticking with the performance theme, the Santa Fe features an upgraded structure that uses more high-tensile steel for greater rigidity as well as improved ride and handling characteristics. Engineers also developed a “significantly enhanced” braking system which has larger rotors, a high-capacity booster and refinements to the ABS/ESC systems..

On the safety front, there’s an upgraded Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist system with Cyclist and Junction-Turning Detection. It’s joined by other new features such as Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – Reverse, Highway Drive Assist, Lane Following Assist and a navigation-based Smart Cruise Control system with Road Curve Control. The model can also be equipped with Remote Smart Parking Assist which is better known as “Smaht Pahk” thanks to the company’s Super Bowl commercial.

The standard variants will be produced in Alabama and arrive at U.S. dealerships before the end of the year.  The hybrid will be imported from South Korea starting in the first quarter of 2021 and it will eventually be joined by a plug-in hybrid later that year.