Hyundai’s Santa Fe crossover is getting an early interior and exterior freshening for the 2021 model year, with a distinctive front fascia, new taillights and a redesigned interior with a 10.25-inch infotainment display.
The Korean automaker is calling the revisions a “redesign,” although the fourth-generation midsize crossover debuted for the 2019 model year with new styling and an updated drivetrain.
The Santa Fe is a cornerstone of Hyundai’s crossover lineup, with U.S. sales of 127,373 in 2019, making it the brand’s No. 3 seller after the Elantra compact car and the Tucson compact crossover. The midsize crossover segment, led by the Subaru Outback, Ford Edge and Honda Pilot, is becoming a true battlefield, with new entries from Chevrolet (Blazer) and Honda (Passport), as well as Toyota’s plans to resurrect the Venza.
The latest Santa Fe is equipped with a wider grille, T-shaped daytime running lights, a rear horizontal bar that connects the taillights, and wider wheel arches that accommodate 20-inch wheels.
On the inside, the automaker said it is aiming for a more upscale experience.
“It takes the car to a new level of luxury with every component finished in premium, soft-touch materials,” Hyundai said.
The Santa Fe also comes with a “terrain mode selector” for the first time, offering all-wheel-drive settings such as sand, snow and mud in addition to traditional settings such as eco, sport and comfort.
Hyundai didn’t give any details on pricing, launch date or whether there were any mechanical changes coming for the new model year.