2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was a fine example of modern crossover design, yet it bore a certain sameness compared to other vehicles in its class. The daylight opening—the side window opening—had a shape ubiquitous among compact crossovers, making it challenging to distinguish a CR-V from its competitors based purely on exterior aesthetics. Contrary to this uniformity, the CR-V did sport a unique grille and a few chromed plastic accents, though these subtle details did little to make a striking visual statement.

Color selections for the CR-V were quite limited, especially at the lower trims. Out of the eight available colors, three were varied shades of gray, alongside black and white options. The higher trim levels offered slightly more vibrant hues such as Obsidian Blue Pearl, Aegean Blue Metallic, and Radiant Red Metallic. However, finding these options in stock proved difficult, as our survey of a local Honda dealer's inventory found 14 out of 37 CR-Vs in the same utilitarian white.

Interior-wise, the CR-V stepped up the game slightly with black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather options depending on the trim. Higher trims added wood panels and more chrome, enhancing the upscale feel. The seats, with their angular edges and modern headrests, provided a more contemporary look compared to some competitors' more conservative designs. Yet, when pitted against rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, the CR-V often fell short in terms of interior refinement and distinctiveness.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, managed to surprise in a positive way right from the start. Although new vehicles often seemed overpriced, the Santa Fe felt like a steal in comparison. The lineup offered two new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, with trims ranging from SE to the plush Calligraphy.

Externally, the Santa Fe received some notable updates, particularly with a redesigned front end featuring new running lights, a reworked grille, and a fresh bumper design. Wheel, grille, and headlight configurations varied by trim, giving each model a unique look. The Calligraphy trim, for instance, came with 19-inch wheels and a luxurious Black premium leather interior, all for an impressive $43,590.

Inside, the Santa Fe exuded quality. The Calligraphy trim’s interior, with its Nappa leather and suede-like headliner, delivered a sense of middle-class royalty. The panoramic sunroof only amplified this luxurious ambiance. Fit and finish were top-notch, far exceeding expectations considering its price point. Hyundai’s recent design philosophy, despite some asymmetrical quirks, provided the Santa Fe with a distinct and attractive presence both inside and out.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered reliable, albeit unexciting performance. Featuring a standardized 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across its nine trims, the CR-V provided smooth and predictable acceleration suited for daily driving needs. Acceleration tests indicated a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds, slightly slower than some older sports cars but quite average for its class.

Equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the CR-V excelled in fuel efficiency but lacked driver engagement. Though the drivetrain was reliable, rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more dynamic driving experiences with their conventional eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive being an available upgrade. The CR-V's suspension system, comprising a MacPherson strut setup in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, ensured decent handling and ride quality, aligning with what was typical in the compact crossover segment.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe upped the ante with three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Santa Fe Hybrids, boasting a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine combined with an electric motor, produced 226 horsepower and featured a six-speed automatic transmission.

Higher-level trims like the Limited and Calligraphy housed a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, managed by an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. This advanced drivetrain not only provided quick and crisp shifts but also enhanced driving pleasure.

Hyundai included multiple driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Smart—tailoring the driving experience to various preferences and conditions. Added structural rigidity and improved braking further elevated the Santa Fe’s driving dynamics, resulting in a solid, quick, and agile ride. Fuel efficiency remained competitive, with both powertrains achieving a combined rating of 24 mpg, ensured by EPA ratings.

Functionality remained a key strength for both vehicles, though key differences emerged, especially in cargo capacity and interior comfort.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized utility, with a passenger volume of 102.9 cubic feet—four cubic feet more than the Toyota RAV4. It also provided ample cargo space, offering 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, slightly edging out the RAV4. Depending on the trim, access to the cargo area varied from manual to power and hands-free options.

However, roof rails came standard only on the highest Touring trim. This limited functionality for those requiring additional cargo capacity on lower trims, a thoughtful feature other brands often included across various trims.

On the functional side, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled, particularly for families who didn’t need a third row but desired more space than what compact crossovers offered. Dual-zone automatic climate control and stain-resistant fabric or leather seating ensured comfort and durability. The top-tier Calligraphy trim featured Nappa leather upholstery and a padded interior, enhancing overall comfort.

Passenger comfort was a highlight, with standard eight-way power driver’s seats starting from SEL trim and added adjustability in higher trims. Heated and ventilated seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available, ensuring a comfortable ride regardless of weather conditions. Cargo-wise, the Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. While slightly less than the CR-V, the overall space was competitively practical.

In the 2021 Honda CR-V, the base LX featured a small 5-inch color screen with basic Bluetooth connectivity. Other trims upgraded to a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The CR-V’s Special Edition offered a 180-watt audio system, while the Touring trim featured a robust 300-watt system with additional speakers and a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, and the Touring trim also added a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, particularly in the Calligraphy trim, came loaded with advanced tech. A new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch head-up display provided comprehensive and clear data. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on the basic 8-inch touchscreen, while the larger 10.25-inch screen featured enhanced voice recognition and upgraded Blue Link services. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system elevated the listening experience.

Blue Link provided an extensive array of connected services free for three years, including remote start, climate control adjustments, and digital key technology. While lacking a WiFi hotspot, Hyundai’s smart features like Remote Smart Parking Assist compensated, offering high convenience for various driving scenarios.

Safety was a paramount aspect, with both vehicles showcasing impressive safety tech.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating due to varied headlight performance and updated side crash test results. Honda’s comprehensive Honda Sensing system included features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, all standard across trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe also impressed with unique safety features. Forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system showcased Hyundai’s dedication to innovative safety. Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist further enhanced safety, while the IIHS awarded the Santa Fe a Top Safety Pick when equipped with LED projector headlights.