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Sleek lines, powerful engines, and intuitive infotainment features are great, but consumers value safety, too. Bells and whistles won’t matter much if a vehicle is dangerous. But the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe midsize SUV recently racked up one of the most coveted safety awards. And the Santa Fe isn’t the only model in the automaker’s stable with this distinction.

Another Top Safety Pick award for Hyundai

Hyundai didn’t hesitate to brag about the good news. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

It’s not the only TSP win for the brand, either. The Elantra also earned the distinction. Both it and the Santa Fe make the eighth and ninth vehicles in the lineup to earn TSP and TSP+ awards.

Also impressive is that Hyundai is now tied for third place among automakers with the most TSP and TSP+ models.

Why the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe earned this distinction

The Hyundai Santa Fe performed well in various categories during its IIHS evaluation. It earned top-rated “Good” scores in crashworthiness simulations. Overlap front crash tests for the driver side, passenger side, and front also achieved “Good” ratings, as did roof strength.

The Hyundai Santa Fe also earned high marks for its roster of standard driver assists. Key features contributing to its IIHS endorsement include forward-collision warning and auto emergency braking. The SUV also has adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology. Lane-departure warning systems and lane-keeping assistance also come standard.

The difference between Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe‘s Top Safety Pick is impressive. But what kept it from landing the highest award, Top Safety Pick+? According to IIHS guidelines, both require “Good” ratings in all crash tests. Both awards mean a vehicle also achieved an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating in frontal crash preventions.

The difference between the two titles involves headlights and illumination capability. “Acceptable” or “Good” headlights that come standard across all trims translate to a TSP+ award. If these headlights are options and not standard equipment, the vehicle will receive the TPS. It’s a marginal difference. Earning either of these titles matters.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe at a glance

Car and Driver says the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is nicely equipped with enough options to satisfy both budget-conscious and deep-pocketed buyers. Choose from three new powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and a hybrid variation with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor.

Also new for 2021 are a semiautonomous driving mode, more extensive touchscreen options, a push-button shifter, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, too. And SUV buyers looking for a luxurious model can choose the plush Calligraphy trim. This Santa Fe model brings extras like leather seats, a head-up color display, all-wheel drive, and stylish exterior accents. 

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe’s latest recognition is another testament to the automaker’s mission to produce safe vehicles. It’s a win for Hyundai, but it’s also a win for consumers who drive them. And you’ll likely feel better owning one yourself, knowing it has earned an IIHS award. 

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Contributing Writer

Desiree Homer

Desiree Homer began contributing content to MotorBiscuit in 2018. She is a veteran in all things sales and marketing and at writing results-oriented sales copy. Her professional credentials include: 15+ years in direct Sales (local, regional and national industries), 5+ years in Television Advertising, 5+ years in Staffing and Business Development, and 3+ Years in Automotive Sales.

She began contributing to Endgame360 in 2018. She is a Jeep enthusiast at heart and spent more than three years selling cars for GM and Ford dealerships. Desiree has sold everything from high-end Cadillac models to farm-reliable pickups. She has also written for Bob Vila.