The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is a big family mover with a sharper look and better safety features.
PROS Sharp looks Standard active safety features Comfortable ride Spacious interior Wireless smartphone software
CONS Outdated AWD system Middling fuel economy Just one engine available
Chevrolet has given its three-row Traverse a light refresh for the 2021 model year that includes revised exterior styling and a host of new standard driver-assistance features. Among them are automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlamps. An 8.0-inch display inside the gauge cluster is now an available tech option, and new upholstery designs dress up the interior.
PROS Spacious cabin, peppy acceleration, fuel efficient powertrain.
CONS Big blind spots toward the rear, plasticky interior parts, most appealing options cost extra.
The 2021 Traverse has no significant changes. Part of the second Traverse generation introduced for 2018.
PROS Passenger room is generous in all three rows Loads of space for any combination of passengers and cargo Feature-rich infotainment system comes with standard Wi-Fi hotspot
CONS Some safety features are only available on top trims Quality of some interior panels and controls seems low-rent for this class
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
