2021 Hyundai Santa Fe [US]

Hyundai announced the introduction of its 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV with a freshened design motif, advanced front and rear lighting signatures, new hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive and extensive new driver safety and convenience features. The hybrid propulsion system is the first application of its kind in the Hyundai SUV line-up. In addition, a new, upscale Calligraphy trim will be offered for the first time. Santa Fe internal combustion models will be produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and will arrive at dealerships by the end of the year, while the Santa Fe Hybrid model will be produced in Ulsan, Korea and will arrive in the first quarter 2021. In addition, a Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid model will arrive later in 2021.

Bold New Look

The bold new face of the Santa Fe is enhanced with a wider, three-dimensional grille and a striking T-shaped LED illumination signature, including daytime running lights. The new silhouette sports a horizontal cabin profile, scalloped lower door panels and a long, highly-defined hood, with character lines extending from front to rear. Sharp shoulder crease lines connect front and rear LED lights, while rear reflector accents visually link the LED rear taillights.

The profile of the Santa Fe features a large daylight opening (DLO) with a satin surround that provides a sleek appearance with excellent visibility. The alloy wheels receive all new designs and add a new 20-inch alloy wheel. The roof side rails have a fresh design, and power-folding side mirrors with turn-signal indicators and puddle lamps are now available.

Powertrains

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe now offers three new and improved powertrain options. The standard powertrain is a Smartstream 2.5-liter direct-injected (DI) and multi-point injected (MPI) four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the former 2.4-liter engine. This standard four-cylinder engine produces an estimated 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and an estimated 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm for effortless driving in a wide variety of conditions. The powertrain also features Idle, Stop and Go (ISG) capability to maximize efficiency in various heavy traffic conditions. The new 2.5-liter engine fuel economy is targeted to increase approximately eight percent over the 2020 powertrain from these improvements.

Santa Fe also offers a high-output Smartstream 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder turbocharged engine coupled with an all-new eight-speed wet Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), replacing the former 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and improving peak horsepower by 18 percent. This all-new powerplant produces an estimated 277 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and an estimated 311 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm for brisk acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The wet dual-clutch transmission offers numerous benefits when mated to the turbocharged engine, including high-precision shift response, greater efficiency through reduced parasitic losses and increased torque capacity via the enhanced lubrication of the oil-based wet clutch design. The new 2.5-liter turbo engine fuel economy is targeted to increase approximately four to five percent over the 2020 powertrain from these improvements.

Combined Engine Injection Systems

These all-new engines utilize both direct-injection and multi-point injection technology to leverage the wider range of benefits from each injection technology. Direct injection benefits from greater oxygen density in the combustion chamber combined with increased atomization of the intake charge for maximum power and efficiency, especially at mid- to high engine speeds. Conversely, multi-point injection helps to reduce emissions at lower rpm and lower engine torque loads. Together, these two injection systems are synchronized to yield ideal power, efficiency and low emissions throughout the full range of engine speeds and operating conditions.

Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

The eight-speed transmission for the standard 2.5-liter engine provides quick and crisp shifts for an engaging and efficient driving experience. The automatic transmission adds ratio range at both the top and bottom of output speeds allowing for extra thrust off-the-line and a quieter, more fuel-efficient trip on the interstate. A multi-disc and individually controlled hydraulic channel torque converter improves responsiveness by expanding the direct connection band, while a downsized oil pump and double ball bearings minimize frictional losses.

All-New Hybrid Propulsion System with HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive

In the first-ever application for the Hyundai SUV family, 2021 Santa Fe now offers a hybrid propulsion system for eco-focused buyers. SUV buyers expect all-weather capability and the Santa Fe Hybrid includes standard HTRAC® all-wheel drive. The hybrid powertrain features a Smartstream 1.6-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled with a new HEV-tuned six-speed automatic transmission. This new six-speed transmission is specially tuned for optimal efficiency, economy and driving performance in a turbocharged HEV application. The turbo engine yields an estimated output of 178 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, with an estimated 225 horsepower from the combined engine and motor system, and peak torque estimated at 195 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm.

The HEV starter-generator and the electric drive motor are both permanent-magnet type systems, with the hybrid starter-generator rated at 13kW and the electric drive motor rated at 44kW (59 horsepower). The system utilizes a lithium-ion polymer battery rated at 1.5 kWh and 270V/5.5 Ah, with a maximum battery output of 64kW, efficiently storing the hybrid's electric energy efficiently in a compact and lightweight package.

HTRAC® Advanced AWD System

Santa Fe offers Hyundai's HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system. The HTRAC AWD system was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The driver-selectable HTRAC Normal, Sport and Smart modes help provide confident control in all weather conditions. The Sport setting gives a more agile feel by sending more available torque to the rear wheels, for a sporty dynamic feel when desired. This system has a wider range of torque distribution variability than many competitive systems and has been tuned to conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- and high-speed cornering, and hill starts. The new Santa Fe Hybrid model includes HTRAC all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

Ride Comfort and Driving Confidence

Ride comfort, handling and driving confidence are enhanced through key developments in the body structure, braking system and rigidity of the 2021 Santa Fe. The braking system was significantly enhanced with a high-capacity booster, increased rotor size and refinements to the ABS/ESC system for smooth and confident function in a wider variety of adverse driving conditions.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe body structure includes increased high-tensile steel for greater body rigidity, improving ride and handling while reducing weight. Noise from acceleration is reduced from a redesigned isolation pad in the instrument panel structure. In addition, the aerodynamic coefficient of drag (Cd) for Santa Fe has improved from 0.34 to 0.33 Cd through redesigned undercovers for the subframe, engine compartment, and center/rear floor areas.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Santa Fe features Hyundai's latest SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). A series of sensors and systems often restricted to luxury SUVs combines to potentially warn the driver and help take action in the event of a potential collision. Meanwhile, other ADAS systems can help the driver perform certain tasks using the SUV's multiple radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors and cameras.