The Santa Fe receives a visual freshening for 2021 that includes bolder front-end styling and improvements to its interior. Three new powertrains are offered: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaces the standard 2.4-liter unit, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaces the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter, and a hybrid variant powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor joins the lineup. The Santa Fe gains a push-button shifter, several new optional driver-assistance features including a semi-autonomous driving mode, larger 8.0-inch and optional 10.3-inch infotainment displays, an optional 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Following in the larger Palisade's footsteps, the Santa Fe also gains a fancy Calligraphy trim level with quilted leather upholstery, a color head-up display, standard all-wheel drive, unique exterior accents, and more upscale interior embellishments.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe pushes efficiency with a new hybrid model.
PROS Larger standard and available touchscreens Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models More efficient, potent powertrains Revised transmission
CONS Expected price increase Calligraphy edges into Genesis turf Unknown standard features Unknown value
Pros Comfy, spacious, clever tech
Cons Not very interesting, not as cheap as it was, lack of choice RE engines
Available on the mid- and upper-level EX and SX Telluride trims, the Nightfall Edition package gives the SUV altogether darker vibe in keeping with the industry's various blacked-out "night edition" models. The Telluride's roof rails, skid plates, front bumper air ducts, and logos have all been painted black. A black-painted grille features an eye-catching pattern unique to the Nightfall Edition, and Kia tops it all off with unique 20-inch black wheels and LED headlamps and fog lamps with black inner bezels. Even though every Nightfall Edition wears the darkened exterior trim, customers can order it with paint in shades of white, silver, gray, dark red, or dark green.
The 2021 Kia Telluride earns our Best Car To Buy nod with its excellent features, warranty, space, and style.
Pros Spacious, airy interior Chic looks Standard safety gear Comfortable
Cons So-so mpg Turbo rivals are quicker May be too big for some
Pros Attractive styling Cavernous interior Comfort in all three rows Plenty of power Quiet ride Solid value
Cons Head-up display disappears with polarized sunglasses No automatic parking feature No power third-row seats Unimpressive audio systems No rear entertainment option Over-aggressive lane keep assist
