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2021 Hyundai Santa Fe review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Hyundai Santa Fe highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Impressive acceleration from the available turbo engine
  • Luxuriously appointed higher trims
  • Spacious cabin and a smooth ride

Cons

  • Overly soft suspension tuning
  • The touchscreen can be slow to respond
  • Base engine power delivery is unrefined

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 25 highway, 24 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

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A stylish yet practical crossover SUV.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a five-passenger midsize SUV that offers a great mix of comfort and convenience to suit your needs. Freshly redesigned for 2021, the well-equipped Santa Fe boasts a wide variety of standard and available features. If you're looking for an impressive crossover SUV, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a great choice. While we currently do not have many 2021 Hyundai Santa Fes on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the Santa Fe with similar features.

All Hyundai Santa Fe years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Hyundai Santa Fe generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe?

  • New trim option added to the model lineup, enhancing customization.
  • All models now feature upgraded infotainment system with larger touchscreen.
  • Standard safety equipment now includes advanced driver-assistance features.
  • Enhanced fuel efficiency across all trims due to engine improvements.
  • Optional premium audio system available for select trims.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe trims

Curious how Hyundai Santa Fe trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE:

  • 191-hp, 181-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Mirrors
  • Side Airbags
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Overhead Airbags
  • View our Hyundai Santa Fe SE inventory

SEL:

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the SEL
  • 277-hp, 311-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Sunroofs
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Memory Seats
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • A/C Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • View our Hyundai Santa Fe Limited inventory

Calligraphy:

Hyundai Santa Fe photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

1. Tons of tech features

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Dashboard | CarMax

To say that the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is a tech showcase is an understatement. You'll get a standard eight-inch touchscreen (or an available 10.3-inch touchscreen) as part of the infotainment system, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. This means easy access to your favorite music and navigation apps. Add in a host of available driver-assistance features and you'll find that the Santa Fe is an impressive, tech-packed SUV.

2. Upscale trims

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Front seats | CarMax

Even though the base Santa Fe is very well equipped, you can ramp up the luxury with the Limited and Calligraphy trims. The Limited trim features leather seating, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The trim-topping Calligraphy boasts exclusive features such as 20-inch wheels, quilted leather seating, and more.

3. Plenty of cargo room

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Trunk | CarMax

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offers room for five passengers as well as impressive cargo space. Expect 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row with all seats in place. The Santa Fe also features a generous 72.1 cubic feet with the second row folded — so it's more than ready to tackle your next road trip or family outing.

4. Midsize flexibility

Though the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is big on the inside, it's not massive on the outside. Instead, this crossover SUV boasts a great mix of form and flexibility. So if you're looking for a practical SUV to carry your family, friends, and their stuff — but don't want something that's difficult to park — look no further than the Santa Fe.

5. Good looks

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Review: Exterior | CarMax

The Hyundai Santa Fe got a facelift for 2021, with a completely redesigned exterior. The SUV now features a dramatic "cascading" grille design in the front and an LED bar across the back. With such eye-catching design, your 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe won't get lost in the crowd.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is ready for adventure—and not just in Arizona, as the name implies. Winter-capable AWD is available on any Tucson trim. The third-generation Tucson (2016-2021) has three four-cylinder engine options available and an unusual-for-crossovers seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 2018 Hyundai Tucson has driver-assistance features standard on all trims, along with a revised suspension that glides over bumps, and a stylish interior filled with high-quality materials.

The 2018 Hyundai Tuscon Limited offers:

  • Panoramic sunroof

  • Hands-free liftgate

  • Heated steering wheel

  • Optional ventilated front seats and heated rear seats

Show more similar vehicles

Shop with your budget in mind

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is highly rated for its smooth performance, spacious interior, and advanced tech features, though some feel fuel economy and ride comfort could be better. Customers appreciate its reliability and quiet cabin but note minor concerns with cargo space and certain tech functionalities.
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Above Average

RepairPal gave the Hyundai Santa Fe an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Hyundai Santa Fe 17th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe features and specs

SEL 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

  • Smart Key
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Locks
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Air Conditioning
  • Traction Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Side Airbags
  • Power Windows
  • ABS Brakes
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Rear Defroster
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Remote Start
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Running Boards
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Tow Hitch
  • Navigation System
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Infinity Sound System
  • Harman Kardon Sound

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

191

Torque (ft-lbs)

181

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18.8

Wheelbase

108.9"

Overall length

188.4"

Width

74.8"

Height

67.3"

Leg room

F 44.1"/R 41.7"

Head room

F 41.2"/R 39"

Front tires

P235/60TR18

Rear tires

P235/60TR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe FAQ

More about the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Calypso Red

  • Hampton Gray

  • Portofino Gray

  • Quartz White

  • Shimmering Silver

  • Stormy Sea

  • Twilight Black

Interior details

  • 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place (72.1 cubic feet with the second row folded)

  • Eight-inch infotainment touchscreen (available 10.3-inch touchscreen)

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability

  • Heated and cooled seats (SEL and above)

  • Leather seating (Limited and Calligraphy)

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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