2021 Hyundai SantaFe Review

Is SantaFe all the better for updates? You bet it is.

SantaFe is sister to KIA’s Sorento and shares much DNA. Until now, I’ve always thought the Hyundai versions lacked the confidence and youth of the KIA’s daring lines. Hyundai has thrown their hat into the ring by making their range a much less frumpy. There, I’ve said it. Hyundai was frumpy compared to KIA.

More GayCarBoys Stories:

SantaFe comes in 4 trim levels, with a V6 Petrol FWD and an 8-speed automatic, or a 2.2L turbo diesel AWD with an 8-speed DCT (dual clutch automatic). Models are: SantaFe, Active, Elite, and Highlander.

Above: This Week’s VIDEO Car Review -2021 Hyundai SantaFe Review

GayCarboys Subscribe to our channel

Help Support Gay Car Boys Subscribe to our Youtube Channel 

ABOVE: 2021 Hyundai SantaFe

Outside:

SantaFe is strongly masculine. The front end is dominated by LED arrays that look like someone roped down the sun, and an equally forceful rump. The tailgate has an automated power function, and passenger doors can be unlocked via rubber buttons on the front handles.

SantaFe Is a big lassie, at 4785mm long, 1900mm wide, and 1710mm high. She sits on a generous 2765mm wheelbase with a ground clearance of 176mm. The latter prohibits the serious off-roading committed campers might want, but a small price to pay for the 99% of the time you’ll be comfortable.

Top 2 models have 20” wheels with 255/45R20 105V XL tyres, and best of all, there is a full-size alloy spare wheel in the boot.

The Cabin:

Interior design is a triumph.

The driver-centric cockpit has a full width 12.3” LCD screen in Highlander, and conventional dials either side of a 4.2” screen in other trims. That’s terribly disappointing. The full screen has loads of nifty features like the side view monitor when changing lanes. That’s one cut too many especially when the Elite tops out at $57,800.

Middle trims have quilted leather, and Highlander gets Nappa. Base models have fabric. The driver has powered adjustment, but heating and cooling is limited to the posh version.

Tri Zone Climate Control goes from bone-chilling to Sahara, and an “Auto” mode with 3 fan settings. Best of all, all zones can be synced to the driver’s whims. While a Heads-Up display is limited to the range topper, the big fat centre console is common throughout.

Controls lay in 3 zones: drive, climate, and audio. The 2-level console has a lower bin with power and USB, and the upper level has a covered cup holder and Qi charger. Unusually, the wireless phone charger is vertical, so make sure to push the phone right down into the inner sanctum if you don’t want to run our of puff.

Topping the centre stack is a 10.25” touch screen, with inbuilt navigation. The pov models make do with an 8incher. It will be the first time in history anyone has complained about 8”.

The 2nd row gives easy (ish) access to the 3rd row of seats, and all can be folded flat but the use of some cleverly placed buttons.

There is a stadium of room with 5 up, but 7 would feel more bijou.

Get your Full Specification sheet HERE:Hyundai_Santa-Fe_MY21_Specifications_Sheet_2021

What a peach!

This is where those with shallower pockets will notice the biggest difference. If all you want to do is ferry people about, the base mode FWD 200kw/331Nm V6 will do. My choice is the 2.2 148kw/440Nm diesel AWD. I prefer the 8-speed automatic of the V6, but the 8speed DCT in the AWD models is still mighty smooth. The gear changes are faster too, so, there’s that.

I gathered the usual suspects for a weekend away, and reports of comfort was backed up by the amount of sleeping done by the non-drivers.

Highway travel is where the driver aids come in handy. Radar cruise and self-steering keep the car centred and at a safe distance from traffic. AEB works as most speeds, and the blind spot monitor also works with the steering to keep you from mowing down unsuspecting cyclists.

It will also warn you if someone is coming up on your 6, while you’re parked.

There is ambience in abundance, and all of the nasty plakky trim is gone. Only the top model has the mood lighting, which is divine at night.

Acceleration is brisk, even in the torquey diesel, and handling is quite decent for an SUV of 1820kg. Just as the boys drifted off to sleep, I regaled them with tales of childhood exuberance via the driver-to-passenger intercom. It allows the bloke behind the wheel to keep his passengers awake via the Harmon Karon speakers, and serves them right.

As they began to drift off again, I switched to some out-of-tune Kylie. That all came back to haunt me once someone else was driving.

We covered about 400km of easy driving, and even with the boot piled full, the atmosphere was relaxed.

For those wanting to camp in the rocky outcrops of the Granite Belt, may I suggest not doing that. If you do, have the auto club on speed dial.

Once again, we turned in the drive at Drover’s Rest quite latish. Despite the hour, we were all as fresh as daisies.

What the boys thought:

Me:

Hyundai has long past the cheap and cheerful moniker of old. It is classy and elegant, even for those tight-fisted bastards not shelling out for the highlander.

Gadgets and safety are up to date, and the diesel is stupidly frugal on the highway. We didn’t go far off road. The muddy track to Aunty Millie’s Hill was as far as we went. The property is huge, so we stuck to the better graded tracks.

Ethan:

It made me feel butch-ish. There is a ton of room, and I love the Apple CarPlay teamed with Harmon Kardon sound. I want to break the driver commentary thingie. What a croc!

Casper:

Hyundai is gunning for the Euro-snobs, and good for them if they take the crowns. Getting gongs is no good if it isn’t a nice drive, and SantaFe is tops.

I’d like more power, and maybe a hot model.

Max:

I could see this being used around the winery. Drover’s rest is no stranger to high-set transport and I can’t see any reason why anyone in their right mind would buy an X5 over a SantaFe. I’d rather use the change to take a road trip to the Red Centre.

Conclusion:

The boys loved it, and I loved it. SantaFe did what it said on the box.

Hyundai cheaped out on the driver’s screen in the Elite, and I’d rather the 8-speed auto. Other than that, our time in was serene.

Price: Elite 2.2L – $57,800

Engine: 2.2L turbo diesel

Power: 148kw/440Nm

Econ: 6.1L/100k

CO2: 160g/km

Tank: 67L

Discover more from Gay Car Boys

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.