I think it’s fair to say that Hyundai is absolutely on a roll right now. They have put out banger after banger with little to no misses. The new 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe got a pile of updates. After years of Hyundai working on making the change from economy class to higher-end, I think it might have done finalized its transformation here.

The great new look and new power train are clearly substantial updates, but the interior is really where the new midsized SUV really takes off into another, classier world. 

First, the other updates

The new motor in the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is the 2.5-liter engine making a rousing 277 hp paired with an actual 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s clear Hyundai came to play. I mean, a dual-clutch transmission in an SUV sounds more Urus than Santa Fe. It will also be available in hybrid and AWD as an option. Not bad, Hyundai. 

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe got new safety tech gadgets 

Outside of the beautiful style update, which we will get to, the cabin tech is new and improved as well. According to Kyle Hyatt at Roadshow, the 2021 Santa Fe has a newly updated adaptive cruise control system that uses the car’s GPS system to assist in speed regulation. 

There is some forward crash avoidance tech at work that has been updated to recognize cyclists better. Also included in the new 2021 Santa Fe refresh is updated lane assist and the Highway Driving Assistant system. 

“Oh this is nice. What is this, Italian?” – Someone’s Aunt

Though the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has a long list of killer updates, the interior is the one that stands out the most. The upholstery on the top-level Calligraphy trim is downright up-town. I’m taking various shades of brown Nappa leather and suede accents though out the cabin. It truly looks fantastic. 

The Infotainment, GPS, and digital gauge cluster got seen to, as well. Roadshow reports that the previously 7-inch infotainment screen has been bumped up to 8 inches. The GPS screen got a considerable mark up from 8 inches to 10.25 inches. Lastly, the instrument cluster is now 12.3 inches. 

Across all levels, the 2021 Santa Fe has a wireless charging pad for your devices, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. It will introduce the voice-operated assistant feature that can change things like the temperature, the radio station, or even open the rear hatch by merely speaking the command. 

When can we have one?

Hyundai says the standard combustion engine versions will likely be available in 2020, but the Hybrid models will probably not happen until early 2021. Hyundai still hasn’t said what they would charge for the 2021 Santa Fe, but based on these updates, you might have to have some Grey Poupon in the fridge to qualify.