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2021 Hyundai Santa Fe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe’s biggest change is a major mid-cycle refresh that updates nearly every part of the SUV. It is a big-change year, with the first U.S. Santa Fe Hybrid as a key addition.
About the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
4th generation (2019-2023), major 2021 mid-cycle refresh
Hyundai positions the Santa Fe as the sweet spot between the smaller Tucson and the larger Palisade: a roomy two-row family SUV with more space and a more upscale cabin than many compact crossovers, but without the size and bulk of a three-row SUV. The core appeal is comfort, easy everyday drivability, lots of safety and convenience tech for the money, and a wide spread of personalities from basic gas trim to turbo, hybrid, and luxury-focused Calligraphy.
The lineup runs from the value-focused SE and everyday-comfort SEL to the efficiency-focused Hybrid Blue and luxury-focused Calligraphy. Hybrid Blue pairs its turbo hybrid system with standard AWD, heated front seats, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Calligraphy adds the stronger turbo gas engine, quilted Nappa leather, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The old base engine is replaced by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic, while upper gas trims move to a stronger turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. The first U.S. Santa Fe Hybrid joins the range with a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid system and standard AWD. The SE’s output rises from 185 to 191 horsepower; its city rating changes from 22 to 25 mpg and its highway rating from 29 to 28 mpg.
Styling
The exterior gets a redesigned front end and new lighting. Inside, a raised center console and a more upscale dashboard layout give the cabin a noticeably different look.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking expands to detect cyclists and help during turns across traffic at junctions. Lane Following Assist adds more active help keeping the Santa Fe centered in its lane.
Tech
The SE and SEL move to an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims add richer display technology, including a 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen, while Hybrid Blue has a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.
Structural
The SE’s cargo volume changes from 35.9 to 36.4 cubic feet, and rear legroom changes from 40.9 to 41.7 inches.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/Shiftronic / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD / AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 36 mpg | 22–33 mpg | 22 mpg | 33 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 31 mpg | 28–30 mpg | 28 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191 hp | 226 hp | 226–277 hp | 277 hp | 226 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195–311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 3500 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 36.4 cu-ft | 36.4 cu-ft | 36.4 cu-ft | 36.4 cu-ft | 36.4 cu-ft | 36.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 41.7 in | 41.7 in | 40.8 in | 40.8–41.7 in | 41.7 in | 40.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2021 and 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The biggest difference is the 2021 Santa Fe’s broad mid-cycle refresh. It brings redesigned front styling, a reworked cabin, new gas engines, the first U.S. Santa Fe Hybrid, updated screens, and expanded driver-assistance features.
Is 2021 the first year of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid?
Yes. The 2021 model year introduces the first U.S. Santa Fe Hybrid, using a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid powertrain with standard AWD. Hybrid versions include the efficiency-focused Blue, the more upscale SEL Premium, and Limited.
What engines does the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
The 2021 Santa Fe has three main powertrain setups. SE and SEL use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, upper gas trims use a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, and hybrid trims use a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid system with AWD.
Did the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe get new safety features?
Yes. For 2021, the automatic emergency braking system expands to recognize cyclists and help during turns across traffic at junctions. Lane Following Assist also provides more help keeping the SUV centered in its lane.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe a major update over the 2020 model?
Yes. The 2021 Santa Fe is a substantial update rather than a carryover, with fresh exterior styling, a redesigned cabin, different engines, a new hybrid lineup, upgraded displays, and broader driver-assistance technology.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe.
4.2
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
(282 reviews)
“If you are looking to buy a hybrid and want the best bang for your buck with all the bell and whistles this, is it, Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. The most impressive part is the awesome safety features and to add though it is NOT autodrive, but it's super-close.”
“Hyundai Sante Fe is a very reliable vehicle at a fair price. Comfortable and fun to drive.”