This is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and
while the car manufacturer has yet to announce all specifications for the SUV,
it has showcased the new design in full. The new Santa Fe does look quite a lot different than the outgoing model, even
though this is not an entirely new-generation. The visual alterations start at
the front end where there is a new wide grille with two
different mesh designs. Not only does the grille look quite striking but it
integrates the main headlamps. Hyundai has also designed split, T-shaped LED
daytime running lights, which do remind of Volvo’s Thor DRLs even if from a
different angle.
The 2021 Santa Fe now sits on a set of new
20-inch wheels and will be offered with a handful of other wheel
designs in smaller sizes. Found at the rear are revised taillights with a
subtle light bar. There is also a large reflector running the width of the
tweaked rear bumper.
The Korean carmaker says the updated Santa
Fe is based on the third-generation Hyundai vehicle platform that promises
improvements in performance, handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. Among the
changes made include moving the fixed points for the steering arms closed to
the middle of the front wheels to provide more agile handling. The company adds
that new reinforced sound-absorbing systems in vibration-sensitive parts
improve the SUV’s noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance.
This new platform is also said to bring
with it “significant improvements in collision safety.” Hyundai says that
thanks to the use of a multi-load path structure, hot stamping, and the
integration of a super high-tensile steel plate, the platform allows the Santa
Fe to better absorb the impact of a collision while also minimizing the
deformation of the passenger cell.
The interior of the updated Santa Fe has
also been revised. Taking pride of place on the dashboard is a new 10.25-inch
touchscreen infotainment system while directly in front of the driver is a
12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The layout of the center console is
also vastly different than before and incorporates a more angled design with
large buttons to enable Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive, rather than a
traditional shifter.
All 2021 Santa Fe models also come with a
Terrain Mode selector allowing drivers to shift between drive modes to make the
most of the HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system. Among the modes available include
sand, snow and mud, eco, sport, comfort, and smart.
One thing the Koreans did not divulge are
the available engines for the refreshed model, though in Europe, they did
confirm that it will be offered for the first time with both hybrid and plug-in
hybrid powertrains. It will land on the Old Continent from September and
Australia in the second half of the year. It remains unclear when the U.S. will
receive the new SUV, but it’s also expected this year.
