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 Bronze Edition trim joins the lineup.
Pros High fuel economy for a three-row SUV Sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander Comfortable ride Plenty of standard and available safety features
Cons Third-row seats are cramped Not a whole lot of cargo space behind the third row Engine sounds unrefined at full throttle
A new Hybrid Bronze Edition model joins the lineup and wears Cement or Wind Chill Pearl exterior paint with a set of cool 18-inch bronze-colored wheels. The cabin also receives some unique design elements in the form of geometric-patterned upholstery with bronze-colored detailing and illuminated bronze-colored doorsill protectors. Elsewhere, XLE and higher trims now come with a height-adjustable power-seat feature for the front passenger. The Highlander otherwise carries over to 2022 with no other changes.
Pros Handsome styling, available as a fuel-saving hybrid, driver-assistance features come standard.
Cons Lazy driving characteristics, snug third row, busy dashboard design.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's #4 ranking is based on its score within the Hybrid SUVs category. It is the winner of our 2022 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for Families award. Currently the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a score of 8.1 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Cushioned ride Quick acceleration from a stop Lots of standard features Refined cabin
Cons Above-average starting price Cramped third row
