By Veeno Dewan

For the 2021 model year, the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV gets a comprehensive overhaul, and the  availability of a hybrid model. New exterior changes include new front and rear fascia’s, wheel designs, and other details. There is now a vertical  headlight treatment  and a more refined look.

Interior changes include updates such as: a new eight-inch infotainment screen, a  12.3-inch digital screen on the Luxury model and the shift to push- buttons for the  transmission and a new floating center console with more storage. The cabin remains very roomy with two seat rows, and a generous cargo area at  1030-2042 litres.

The Santa Fe hybrid model features a turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine with a new HEV-tuned 6-speed automatic transmission.  The HEV starter-generator and the electric drive motor produce a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system is standard with the Hybrid powertrain. Hyundai rates  the  Santa Fe Hybrid   at a combined fuel economy figure at  7.4L/100km which is very good in this sector.  Note the hybrid Santa Fe is not a plug in model and self-charges using the regenerative brakes. A Plug in Hybrid model will be introduced at some point.

As for equipment, the Luxury Hybrid is a no-option model with  features such as: leather-wrapped, heated/cooled front seats with eight-way adjustment and memory, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, wireless phone charging, 19-inch wheels, and a power panoramic moonroof. There is also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hyundai Digital Key allows compatible smartphones to unlock doors and start the engine of the Santa Fe.

Safety is high, with a plethora of features and driver-assist technology. You will find forward collision and turning detection, blind spot collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear occupant alert. There is also safe exit assist that  warns of  oncoming traffic when opening a door.  Meanwhile, Hyundai’s blind-spot view monitor, offers multiple video angles of the Santa Fe’s blind spots for that little extra security.

To sum up, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid along with its non-hybrid  siblings is very good. A stellar interior, good  occupant and cargo space is much in evidence. As standard features and available technology is high and there is Hyundai’s excellent reliability, warrantee and build quality. Highly recommended.

2021 Hyundai Sant Fe Hybrid priced from: $43,799

Website: Hyundai Canada