History/Overview
The Hyundai Santa Fe has served as the brand’s mid-size crossover model since the turn of the millennium and is now one of the segment’s best-known models. Hyundai introduced the current, fourth-generation model in 2019.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, the Santa Fe is refreshed with updated styling and the new gas-electric hybrid powertrain you’re reading about here. The standard gasoline model is covered in a separate buyer’s guide entry.
Available Trims
Hyundai sells the Santa Fe Hybrid in Preferred and Luxury trims. The new gas-electric powertrain consists of a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
Standard Features
Outside, the Santa Fe Hybrid Preferred has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, heated side mirrors, chrome trim, and passive keyless entry.
Inside, there’s an auto-dimming mirror, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar, an 8.0-inch infotainment display with wireless smartphone integration, dual-zone automatic A/C, a heated steering wheel, a 4.2-inch driver info display, and rear side window sun shades.
Preferred trim also gets automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, driver attention warning, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping/follow assist.
Luxury Hybrid trim’s exterior additions are 19-inch wheels, LED taillights, satin chrome door handles, and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, Luxury trim gains leather seating, a power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats with four-way lumbar, heated rear seats, wireless smartphone charging, a leather console cover, upgraded headliner and door scuff plates, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, panoramic sunroof, hands-free tailgate, and LED interior lighting.
Fuel Economy
Hyundai’s fuel consumption estimates for the Santa Fe Hybrid are 7.1/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
The Santa Fe Hybrid’s direct competition is limited: Toyota makes hybrid versions of its RAV4 and Highlander, which bracket the Santa Fe, size-wise; there’s also a plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime. The only other gas-electric crossover of a similar size and price is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Kia has announced that its Sorento (which is completely redesigned for 2021) will offer hybrid options that share the Santa Fe’s drivetrain.
