The current-gen Hyundai 2018 has been on sale since 2018 in the UAE. 2021 would have been a good time to give the SUV a midlife makeover. However, Hyundai chose to completely redo the popular model.
The new Santa Fe rides on a completely new platform, which Hyundai claims improve performance, handling, and safety. It is also able to accommodate electrified powertrains in the future.
The most apparent changes are in the design. The new SUV sports a wider, bolder front grille with different patterns according to trim level. What is common though, is the LED DRL signature that gives the SUV a very distinct identity. The rear end is designed to accentuate just how wide the vehicle is. A light bar extends across the entire width of the tailgate, while a new reflector underlines the Santa Fe's width.
The technical specifications of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe aren't released yet. However, what is clear is that the car is roomier than before. It now gets a new revised centre console with more storage in the lower section. A new Terrain Mode selector is also present on the console, allowing the driver to choose from sand, snow and mud, eco, comfort, sport, and smart modes.
Adopting a shift-by-wire system has helped Hyundai clean up the centre console. Gears are now changed through buttons as opposed to the current car's gear knob. The 2021 Santa Fe has a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch driver's instrument console, both digital. The car's cabin has also been revised to cover most surfaces in soft-touch materials.
From being a luxury family crossover to its upcoming menacing avatar, the Santa Fe has done rather well for itself. Evolving over its lifespan into the Storm Edge design, this SUV has also taken up the family split headlamp element signature.
Expect the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe to hit our shores sometime next year. It might command a slight premium over its current price range of between AED 95,000 and AED 150,000. Competition for the South Korean SUV includes cars like Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4.
