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
An all-new Yukon bows for 2021 and it rides on a new platform shared with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, but wearing distinct styling. As with the Chevys, the 2021 GMC Yukon will come with an independent rear suspension, a first for the large GM SUVs.While both the rough-and-tumble AT4 and its butch looks and off-road equipment and the luxurious Denali and its hand-stitched leather interior seem the most compelling, the one to go for it actually the well-equipped and more affordable SLT. This mid-range model comes packed with features that most buyers are looking for, including leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch wheels, a power rear liftgate, and a suite of driver-assistance features.
Coming to an upper-middle-class neighborhood near you: The 2021 GMC Yukon is richer and bigger, with details and a price tag to match.
Pros Bolder looks Upscale Denali trim Tougher AT4 trim Available turbodiesel And it’s bigger…
Cons …but does it really need to be? Lots of options Denali goes heavy on chrome look How much will it tow?
The GMC Yukon has been fully redesigned for 2021.
Pros New independent rear suspension benefits ride and cargo capacity Longer wheelbase increases passenger comfort Redesigned interior is substantial improvement over the outgoing model Newly available diesel-powered engine
Cons Lacks maneuverability in parking lots and city streets Not much different than the less expensive Chevrolet Tahoe
