Hyundai unveiled the 2021 Santa Fe this week and claimed the updates were so extensive that the model “goes beyond a mere facelift.”
With that in mind, let’s look at the changes in a side-by-side in a visual comparison.
The biggest updates occur in front as the 2021 Santa Fe adopts an octagonal grille that flows into new headlights. The crossover also features distinctive daytime running lights, triangular intakes and a redesigned front bumper.
The latter changes look pretty good, but the grille and headlight treatment has been greeted by controversy. We’ll let you be the judge, but the front does seem a bit (cat)fish-like.
The rest of the model is far less controversial as the changes are relatively minor. The sides largely carryover with the exception of restyled wheels which now measure up to 20-inches.
Bigger updates occur out back as there are new taillights which are now connected by a thin illuminated bar. The model also has a new rear bumper which adopts a wide reflector, a streamlined skid plate and a hidden exhaust system.
The interior doesn’t look too different at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals an assortment of changes. The biggest is a new ‘floating’ center stack which connects to the dashboard at an angle.
That isn’t the only change as drivers will find new switchgear and a push-button shifter. There’s also a new Terrain Mode selector which provides easy access to crossover’s various drive modes such as sand, snow and mud.
Elsewhere, there are more soft-touch materials and new metallic accents. The 2021 Santa Fe also sports a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a new 10.25-inch infotainment system.
Hyundai has been coy on technical specifications, but the company’s European arm confirmed the Santa Fe will be offered with “state-of-the-art hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.” They also claimed the model is the “first Hyundai SUV globally based on the all-new third-generation Hyundai vehicle platform, which allows for “significant improvements in performance, handling, fuel efficiency and safety.”
That might be stretching the truth a bit as an updated architecture seems far more likely. It’s also worth mentioning neither Hyundai Motors America nor Hyundai Global made similar claims about an all-new platform – at least not yet.
Regardless, we should learn more about the Santa Fe in the coming months.