Is the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid a Good SUV? 5 Professionals and 5 Cons | Information

An enormous promoting level of the updated-for-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe was its new 281-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and eight-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission, which straight addressed our dissatisfaction with the outgoing mannequin’s anemic 2.0-liter setup. The 2021 model additional improves powertrain choices by including a hybrid mannequin to the mid-size SUV’s lineup. Does much less (gas consumption) translate to extra for would-be patrons? Kind of.

Associated: 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Overview: Effectivity Over Every part

There’s an entire lot to understand concerning the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid — with spectacular gasoline mileage being only one apparent instance — however not at all is it good. For the complete rundown, you should definitely try Automobiles.com reviewer Brian Normile’s complete critique through the associated hyperlink above. However for a rapid-fire roundup of the professionals and cons, hold studying.

Listed here are 5 issues we like, and 5 issues we don’t, concerning the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid:

Issues We Like

1. Good Fuel Mileage

The Santa Fe Hybrid’s EPA-rated gas economic system ranges from 33/30/32 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed as much as 36/31/34 mpg relying on trim and tools. At its finest, it compares favorably with smaller, a lot lighter rivals. At its worst, it compares favorably with its personal gas-only model, rated at 25/28/26 mpg.

2. Keen Acceleration

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | Automobiles.com picture by Christian Lantry

Pedal energy is modest however serviceable, with its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 59-hp electrical motor and 1.49-kilowatt-hour battery pack combining for a complete of 226 hp channeled via its six-speed computerized transmission. You’re not going to win many suburban stop-light sprints, however acceleration is peppy sufficient to let the automobile behind you understand you’ve gotten someplace to be, too.

3. Make It Cease

Uncommunicative braking in hybrids isn’t unusual, and whereas the Santa Fe Hybrid’s brake really feel could also be barely imprecise, the motive force received’t be left questioning whether or not it truly intends to cease. In actual fact, the Hybrid’s regenerative brakes don’t really feel all that completely different from the gas-only Santa Fe’s common brakes.

4. All-Wheel Drive for All

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | Automobiles.com picture by Christian Lantry

One in every of Automobiles.com’s home guidelines for contemplating a automobile to be an SUV is obtainable all-wheel drive. The Santa Fe Hybrid comes normal with AWD, so we might argue it’s technically extra of an SUV than the standard-front-wheel-drive gasoline model.

5. Palatable Worth

The Santa Fe Hybrid we examined had a sticker value of $41,640, together with a vacation spot cost. That’s a bit cheaper than a comparable gas-only Santa Fe in second-highest Restricted trim with AWD, in addition to the range-topping Calligraphy mannequin we beforehand examined for our evaluation of the common Santa Fe.

Extra From Automobiles.com:

Issues We Don’t

1. Cabin Qualms

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | Automobiles.com picture by Christian Lantry

The Hybrid’s highest trim, the Restricted, is one stage under the gas-only mannequin’s swankiest, the Calligraphy. Meaning no faux-suede prospers nor Nappa leather-based for hybrid patrons, which solely serves to intensify the cabin’s unlucky abundance of hard-plastic surfaces. In the meantime, the extra-wide heart console might field in greater drivers.

2. Exit Pulling

The Hybrid loses some 43% of its towing capability, which drops to 2,000 kilos versus the common Santa Fe’s 3,500 kilos. Truthful commerce for effectivity? Positive, however that doesn’t imply we’ve got to love it.

3. What’re You within the Mode For?

You in all probability received’t miss the absent electric-only mode, however you’ll be hard-pressed to make a significant distinction between the driving modes it does supply, together with Eco and Sport.

4. Wi-fi Weirdness

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | Automobiles.com picture by Christian Lantry

Just like the common Santa Fe, the Hybrid affords a slick-looking new 10.25-inch touchscreen — and, just like the common Santa Fe, you possibly can solely get wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the usual 8-inch touchscreen. Guess what? It makes about as a lot sense right here. Oh, and by the way in which, fashions with wi-fi smartphone connectivity don’t have wi-fi charging, however these with out wi-fi connectivity do. And … scene.

5. No Wayback

With out even an elective third row of seats, the Santa Fe Hybrid’s (and common Santa Fe’s) fewer rows imply fewer seating choices. That lack of versatility is a professional concern for even fuel-conscious households. These on the lookout for a 3rd row might want to step up into the Hyundai Palisade.

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