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 Chevrolet Trax ranked #10 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Chevrolet Trax has a score of 6.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 41 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Easy maneuverability User-friendly infotainment system is standard
Cons Interior quality is a mixed bag Lackluster engine Stiff ride
The 2020 Chevrolet Trax comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. Midnight Edition package no longer available.
Pros Appealing passenger space for its size Plenty of features for the price
Cons Ride quality is choppy on the freeway Slow acceleration from the underpowered engine Less cargo space than some rivals Fuel economy falls short for the class
There's no shortage of small SUVs in the subcompact class and, among them, the 2020 Chevrolet Trax is one of the least compelling. Yes, it's comfortable and spacious, especially in regard to headroom. It stops, goes, and turns. And it comes standard with a healthy load of features, including touchscreen navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. But its weak turbocharged engine delivers painfully slow acceleration and its chintzy cabin materials and uninspired design, both inside and out, make for rental-car ambience.
Pros Excellent outward visibility, plentiful standard infotainment features, capable enough handling.
Cons Anemic engine, rental-car interior trappings, minimal active-safety tech.
