The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the most popular models at Hyundai. For 2021, the manufacturer offers significant technical changes as well as a first hybrid version. Today I am reviewing the 2021 Santa Fe's new top-of-the-range Ultimate Calligraphy version that invites you into a sumptuous interior enhanced with quilted nappa leathers.
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This 4th generation Santa Fe now offers more space, comfort and convenience compared to the previous model. The Calligraphy trim benefits from all the equipment of the Preferred version with Trend package in addition to high-end materials and additional luxury and comfort features. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe's Calligraphy trim also benefits from a more powerful 2.5L turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, hill descent control, exclusive features inside and out as well as a long list of systems. driving assistance.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a five-passenger SUV available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy. On the SE, SEL and Limited trim, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The Calligraphy comes standard with all-wheel drive. The Calligraphy trim itself has two variants. The upper variant, the Calligraphy 2.5T AWD-19" Wheel builds upon the Santa Fe Limited model with the more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine.
So far I like it so much that I would say the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the best SUVs in the segment.
The equipment includes advanced technologies such as a color head-up display and a host of driver assistance systems. The exterior styling is particularly distinguished by 20-inch alloy wheels and a distinctive grille.
More Powerful Engine
The Calligraphy version is equipped with a more powerful engine, the 2.5L Turbocharged Smartstream 4-cylinder which replaces the old 2.0L turbocharged engine. Coupled with the new 8-speed oil-filled Dual Clutch (DCT) transmission, it produces 277 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Compared to the old engine, fuel economy should be 4% to 5% better.
The 2021 Santa Fe is equipped with the HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. HTRAC all-wheel drive is a multi-mode system with electronic variable torque distribution and active torque distribution control between the front and rear wheels. Depending on the driving conditions, the driver can choose the HTRAC Normal, Sport and Smart modes.
New for this year, the Terrain mode selector allows the driver to optimize vehicle performance depending on the type of surface. This feature includes Sand, Snow and Mud modes, as well as Eco, Sport, Comfort and Smart modes. Smart mode automatically recognizes the driving style and selects the appropriate mode, eliminating the need for the driver to do it himself.
What impresses me with the Hyundai Santa Fe is that it continues to be as popular as ever year after year, despite the Korean automaker having added many SUVs to its lineup recently. The Santa Fe 2021 offers one of the best value for money in its class and is also one of the most affordable models, which is a big advantage over the competition. Nevertheless, even if we ignore the monetary aspect, the SUV of the Korean manufacturer has everything it takes to please. It is a fun vehicle to drive, it is particularly spacious, roomy and comfortable, its technologies are intuitive and its ergonomics have been well studied.
Hyundai hasn't always been the reputable manufacturer we know today, but even the company's difficult days the Santa Fe has been the SUV that has always performed well. It's difficult to find a fault in this SUV. This fact, perhaps still explains why the Santa Fe is among the most refined products and the best string of the brand. In short, for my part, I think we can say that the Hyundai Santa 2021 is one of the flawless vehicles in its segment.
Price and Range
The SE trim of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe starts from $27,000. SEL is sold for $28,800 and the Limited is priced at $38,750. The higher end Santa Fe Calligraphy with 2.5T AWD is priced at 42,100. The sicker price of the Calligraphy 2.5T with all the options is $43,430.
In general, the range of the 2021 Santa FE is up to 25 city / 28 highway. The Calligraphy with 2.5T gets an average MPG of 24, with city/highway 21/28.
Engine and Performance
On the mechanical side, let me tell you, there is plenty of choice under the hood of the Hyundai Santa Fe this year. Of course, we start the ball rolling with the classic 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough for a vehicle the size of the Santa Fe. However, if if you like to have a sportier ride, the latter is also offered in a turbocharged version which brings the power up to 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, which is well above the average for similar powertrains in the category.
Design of The 2021 Santa Fe: Exterior and Interior
It can be said that Hyundai has done a great job in updating the aesthetics of the 2021 Santa Fe. In fact, the Korean manufacturer has done a lot more than just tweaking the looks. I think you can say that the Santa Fe is now one of the prettiest SUVs in its class. I really like the design of the headlights which extends downwards. Hyundai also took the same shape for the taillights by using a different angle and I have to say it's pretty nice. Add to that the good proportions of the rest of its bodywork and the pronounced shapes that go with it and you have a winning formula.
As for the interior, you will get your money's worth no matter which version you go for. Technologies, comfort, style, everything is up to date and as I mentioned earlier, the Ultimate Calligraphy version greatly surpasses what we find in the competition at the same level in terms of finish and quality of material.
This SUV has lots of strong points. What sets the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe apart from the competition is its incredible value for money combined with its eye-catching design. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a well-balanced, fun to drive, comfortable and above all well-equipped vehicle. It has an excellent safety rating and its hybrid version is particularly economical at the pump, especially for a vehicle of this size.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
Reference: Hyundai Media, GuideAuto, Diario Motor, Auto Aubaine.
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