Hyundai 2021 Santa Fe Features New Powertrains, Includes a Hybrid Variant

Hyundai announced the 2021 Santa Fe mid-size SUV will feature three new powertrains, including a hybrid variant, as well as a variety of new advanced driver convenience and safety features and a refreshed exterior.

The base engine is a 2.5L injected four-cylinder engine with eight-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the former 2.4-liter direct-injected engine. It’s standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional, and achieves 191 hp and 181 lb.-ft. of torque.

Also available is the turbo 2.5L, direct-injected powertrain with eight-speed wet, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) replacing the former 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. It features 277 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque.

Finally, the new Santa Fe hybrid pairs a 178-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four with a six-speed automatic. It has a 17 hp starter-generator motor and a 59 hp drive motor, with total output at 225 hp and 195 lb.-ft of torque.

The gasoline engines are scheduled to arrive by the end of this year, and the hybrid version will arrive early in 2021 and will eventually be followed by a plug-in-hybrid Santa Fe as well. In addition, a Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid model will arrive later in 2021.  

New safety features for the 2021 Santa Fe include Parking Collision Avoidance Assist; Highway Drive Assist; Lane Following Assist; navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Road Curve Control; and updated Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrian Detection via additional Cyclist and Junction-Turning Detection.

Other new technological features include a new, eight-inch audio display and a larger 10.25-inch widescreen navigation display. As well as a new12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and new digital key functions.

Additionally, a new Calligraphy trim was revealed for the 2021-MY, which comes standard with the turbo engine and all-wheel drive, as well as several additional aesthetic flourishes.