2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Coming Soon With Two Hybrid Variants
Unveiled in the spring, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe will land in Canada by the end of the year with a host of notable changes. We’ve already covered the new platform along with the refreshed exterior and interior, but now we finally have equipment details and powertrain specs.
The highlight, of course, is the addition of a hybrid system—a first for a Hyundai SUV.
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The 2021 Santa Fe will be available with a new turbocharged 1.6-litre Smartstream engine mated to an electric motor with a 1.5-kW lithium-ion-polymer battery and a specially tuned six-speed automatic transmission. Total output is rated at 225 horsepower. An HTRAC active all-wheel drive system with Normal, Sport and Smart modes is included.
Customers will need to be a bit more patient as the Santa Fe Hybrid will arrive in the first quarter of 2021. It will be followed later in the year by a plug-in hybrid variant. Unfortunately, details about that one for the North American market have yet to be announced.
The conventional engines available with the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe are new, as well. We’re talking about direct-injected 2.5-litre Smartstream units—one is naturally aspirated and delivers 191 hp/182 lb.-ft. of torque, while the other is turbocharged and cranks out 277 hp/311 lb.-ft. Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is said to be improved by 4-8 percent compared to 2020 models.
By the way, a new seven-pin trailer wire connection replaces the former four-pin design on 2.5T models. Towing is also made easier by a new trailer sway control function.
On the road, expect a quieter, more stable ride, improved braking performance, plus increased protection and peace of mind. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe gets many new advanced safety features such as Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist and Junction-Turning Detection, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist in Reverse and Highway Drive Assist. Let’s not forget the segment-exclusive Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows owners to park and retrieve their Santa Fe from the tightest of parking spaces from outside the vehicle.
As mentioned in a previous story, the centre console is dramatically changed (witness the cascade of buttons including those that replace the gear shifter), while a new eight- or 10.25-inch touchscreen sits at the top (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility). Customers will also have the option to add a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Last but not least, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe adds a top-line Calligraphy model—similar to the larger Palisade—for extra distinction and luxury. It features exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, quilted Nappa leather, full-colour heads-up display, premium-finish front grille, premium door and seat accent trim, eco-suede headliner, expanded ambient lighting themes and auto up/down rear windows.
Pricing will be revealed closer to launch.