The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe rolled out with some significant upgrades to change the game. However, we found that high trim options of the Hyundai Santa Fe lack one crucial feature for luxury and convenience. 

What feature do higher 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe trims lack? 

We’ll dive right into this one. According to Cars.com, higher trim levels of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe only have the option for wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But lower-trim models offer Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

This is a head-scratcher for sure. Wireless Apple CarPlay makes a pretty significant difference in terms of convenience. It lets you access your navigation, music, messages, and more without having to plug your phone in. You can just get in and go. 

But the Hyundai Santa Fe does have Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect to its system wirelessly. This issue is pretty subjective. But if you prefer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Hyundai infotainment system, then this could be frustrating. However, aside from this weird missing feature, there are plenty of great things to mention about the Santa Fe. 

What do critics like about the Hyundai Santa Fe? 

You can get started in the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe for about $27,000. This allows it to be a luxurious compact SUV option that won’t break the bank. Plus, it includes tons of value with its price. 

The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder option with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque for more power. According to Edmunds, with the turbo engine, the Hyundai Santa Fe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. 

There can be a bit of body roll-around curves, but the Santa Fe feels confident and relaxing for highway cruising. The suspension absorbs impacts well for a smooth ride, and the steering is well-tuned for agile maneuvering. Also, the dual-pane front windows and sound damping materials keep road and wind noise at bay. 

How are the Hyundai Santa Fe features? 

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offers exceptionally comfortable seats with plenty of legroom in the rear seats. It can feel a little tight, but the panoramic sunroof provides extra light, and the large windows provide excellent visibility. 

An 8.0-inch infotainment system comes standard, but you can upgrade to a larger 10.3-inch screen. Also, you can opt for the 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a wireless phone charger. Optional convenience features include heated exterior mirrors, passive keyless entry, push-button start, and blind-spot monitoring. 

The Hyundai Santa Fe comes loaded with standard driver assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, stop-and-go technology, and lane-departure warning. 

If you want a larger SUV, check out the Hyundai Palisade. Otherwise, the smaller Hyundai Santa Fe provides a refined and engaging ride with plenty of modern technology and comfort for road trips and daily commutes.