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
New Special Edition trim level.Nine-speed automatic now standard on all Pilot trim levels.Base LX trim gets dual-zone climate control.
Pros A versatile, roomy interior with spacious rear seats Smooth and compliant ride in most conditions Better fuel economy than rivals Many clever storage compartments
Cons Collision warning and adaptive cruise control are overly sensitive Third-row access is narrow
The 2021 Honda Pilot's #12 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Honda Pilot has a score of 7.8 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 48 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Smooth ride Adult-friendly seating Respectable cargo room
Cons Poor predicted reliability rating Limited standard infotainment tech
The 2021 Honda Pilot does a solid impression of a minivan, minus the cultural baggage..
Pros Seats up to eight adults—really Strong V-6 power Active safety tech comes standard Infotainment’s good (except for LX)
Cons Skimpy 5.0-inch base touchscreen Loses the panache wars to Hyundai/Kia 9-speed bobbles the occasional shift Top trims are pricey
