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
The 2020 GMC Terrain seats five people and is available in four trim levels: the base SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. Optional diesel engine is no longer available.Updated suspension for Denali models intended to improve ride quality.Changes to standard and optional safety equipment.At the top of the Terrain range is the Denali, which receives unique styling cues and interior trim as well as most of the optional features from the above trim levels. A new optional Denali Premium package tops it all off with features such as ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking camera system.
Pros Comfortable and upscale interior Optional 2.0-liter engine is efficient and powerful Touchscreen interfaces are intuitive and easy to use
Cons Price with options runs higher than average for the class Disappointing base engine Less cargo space behind the back seat than most competitors
The 2020 GMC Terrain is a stylish crossover SUV that we wish had more standard safety gear.
Pros Arresting style Rides well Denali feels almost luxurious Good infotainment system
Cons Annoying all-wheel-drive system Thirsty engines Active safety should be standard Price escalates fast
The 2020 GMC Terrain features an impressive set of standard safety features and a handsome cabin, but neither area is best in class. Add in moderate performance and a small cargo area, and the Terrain's spot in the bottom half of our compact SUV rankings is understandable.
Pros Lots of standard advanced safety features Considerable rear-seat legroom Upscale, comfortable cabin Good city mpg rating with base engine
Cons Small cargo area behind back seat Sleepy base engine Above-average price for the class
