HYUNDAI

Company just gave the 2021 Santa Fe one helluva makeover

It has only been two years since Hyundai debuted the current generation Santa Fe, but it seems the South Korean automaker has already given the big crossover an update for the 2021 model year. And it's not your typical mid-cycle refresh either where they just make a few design tweaks here and there as Hyundai actually changed the platform.
Design-wise, we already got a glimpse of the facelifted Santa Fe from the teaser photo revealed by Hyundai last month. Similar to what was shown from before, the Santa Fe gets a more aggressive-looking front end. The seven-seat crossover now features a new wide grille that runs the width of the bumper. The grille design is similar to that found in other Hyundai models of late. The grille tapers towards the ends which houses the headlights. The headlights are then split by LED daytime running lights that form a T-shape.



The side of the Santa Fe remains largely unchanged except for the new 20-inch wheels. At the rear, the changes are as not as drastic as the front end. The crossover has new taillight graphics paired and a new light bar that runs the width of the tailgate. There is also a new reflector that runs the length of the bumper which further emphasizes the vehicle’s width. A new diffuser and skid plate round up the exterior changes for the 2021 Santa Fe.



Inside, Hyundai has been busy refreshing the cabin. Front and center is a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Meanwhile, in front of the driver sits an even larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The center console layout has been revised featuring gear shifter buttons instead of a shift knob, freeing up space.
A Terrain Mode selector has also been added, allowing the driver to pick different drive modes and optimizing the performance of the all-wheel-drive system. The automaker adds that most of the cabin is now lined in soft-touch materials, giving it a more premium feel.
At the moment, Hyundai has not revealed any technical or powertrain specifications about the 2021 Santa Fe just yet. Instead, they only mentioned that the facelifted model rides on the company’s all-new third-generation vehicle platform which results in “improved performance, efficiency, and safety”.



Furthermore, Hyundai has confirmed that hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains will be available. As such, we will have to wait for more information regarding the engines and other powertrain related details of the 2021 Santa Fe.



With no word yet as to when other markets will get the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, it might take quite a while before the 7-seater crossover arrives in the Philippines. Here's the interesting bit: if Hyundai does decide to offer the hybrid Santa Fe, it means it will qualify for the 50% discount on excise tax.

by Jose Altoveros