THE 2021 HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID IS A ROOMY, ALL-WEATHER ELECTRIFIED FAMILY SUV

EV Channels Review

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid presents a compelling package for families seeking an electrified, all-weather SUV. The reviewer highlights its spacious interior, significantly larger than competitors like the RAV4 and CR-V, and praises its comfortable, well-equipped cabin with premium features like heated/cooled seats and a panoramic sunroof. The standard AWD system is a key advantage over its Kia Sorento Hybrid counterpart. While the hybrid powertrain delivers a respectable 226 horsepower and offers a substantial 500-mile range, its 0-60 time of 7.4 seconds is slower than the 2.5T gas model. The reviewer notes the conventional 6-speed automatic transmission, preferring it over CVTs found in some rivals, though suggesting it might slightly compromise fuel economy and performance. The real-world fuel economy achieved was around 29-31 mpg, a notable improvement over the gas-only model. The Limited trim, while more expensive than the standard Santa Fe, is considered a good value compared to the fully loaded 2.5T, especially given the fuel savings. The reviewer recommends it over the Venza Hybrid due to its larger size and better tech, despite slightly lower range. The upcoming plug-in hybrid is also noted as a potentially even more attractive option.