2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Near on perfect! Written by DriveLife online
The Santa Fe is undoubtedly an icon car for Hyundai. It has a hugely loyal following, and has driving dynamics that are a match for other Japanese or Korean brands, and dare we say it – some euros as well. It’s a good-looking SUV too, so it’s hitting all the markers to sell in reasonable numbers. We last reviewed this car in 2019 with me behind the wheel, and I very much enjoyed the car. The chassis was superb and the overall refinement was a highlight. For 2021 and its fourth generation, Hyundai have freshened the look a little, and improved drivetrains that deliver what Hyundai says is the most powerful Santa Fe yet. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will arrive sometime this year. There’s also an increase in the diesel model’s tow rating (2,500Kg) as the car now sits on Hyundai’s latest SUV platform. It is also easier than ever to park the new Santa Fe as it comes available with a Surround View Monitor (SVM), Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) for selected models. We got sent a top-spec diesel Limited model for a week to see what we thought of it. Will it continue to do well for Hyundai, when this top-spec model retails near-on $90,000?
1 6 CAPRICORN IGNITION JUNE 2021
THE RANGE There’s three models in the Santa Fe range, two of them have diesel and petrol options. This means you can get the Entry, Elite and Limited models with either a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine or with a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel. You can still buy a 3.5-litre, V6-powered Santa Fe but only in Limited trim. The V6 Santa Fe is front-wheel drive only, while the other models are all-wheel drive as standard. Starting at $62,990 for the base petrol Entry model, features are still reasonable with dual-zone AC, keyless entry and start, an 8” central touchscreen display, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights (low-beam only), a reversing camera, 18” alloy wheels, hill start assist, blind spot monitoring, driver attention warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, automatic high beams, lane keep assist,
lane following assist, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go function, dual-zone AC, keyless entry and start, an electric park brake, an 8” central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED DRLs, and heated and electric folding mirrors. Moving up to the Elite, you will then get added a heated leather interior (including second row), push-button gear selector, a 10.24” central touchscreen display, Harmon Kardon sound system, electric front seats, 20” alloys, Bi-LED headlights and taillights, paddle shifters, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, deluxe interior trim, auto wipers, and privacy glass. Naturally the Limited model goes all out with a panoramic sunroof, an electric tailgate, Surround View Monitor (360-degree camera system), Remote
