2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe initially seemed like it might be overpriced, but once you experienced its materials, controls, and driving dynamics, the price tag felt surprisingly low. The five-passenger midsize SUV offered a choice of two new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, with trim levels ranging from SE to Calligraphy. Pricing started at $26,850 and went up to $39,950 MSRP, with AWD available for an additional $1,700 on gas models and standard on hybrids. The exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, while the interior boasted new colors, patterns, and a bridge-style center console. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with its premium leather and panoramic sunroof, though the exterior design was somewhat polarizing.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe introduced the XRT trim, which included visual enhancements but lacked substantial off-road capabilities. Priced between the SE/SEL and the Limited/Calligraphy trims, the XRT started at $34,095. The test vehicle featured Portofino Gray paint and a black cloth interior, which offered little visual contrast. Despite this, the interior patterns and brightwork made the cabin a pleasant place to be. The XRT trim demonstrated thoughtful design and high quality for its price point, though it didn't feel as upscale as the Limited or Calligraphy trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered 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. The hybrid model combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The SUV offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing impressive performance and fuel efficiency, averaging 22.4 mpg in testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine found in lower-level trims, producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for everyday driving, the engine struggled with more demanding tasks like climbing hills. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the SUV offered Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes. The XRT averaged 22.3 mpg in testing, with the official EPA rating at 24 mpg. For more power, consumers could opt for the Limited or Calligraphy trims, which featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The XRT's ride and handling were composed and refined, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample passenger room and comfort, with dual-zone automatic climate control and stain-resistant fabric in lower trims. The Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner, offering a luxurious experience. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available in higher trims. The rear seat was spacious and comfortable, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The SUV offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT also featured dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning vents. The XRT's eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats provided good comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seat offered generous legroom and foot room, with rear side-window shades and USB charging ports. The XRT had Hyundai’s hands-free power-opening “Smart Tailgate,” which could be both convenient and occasionally problematic. The cargo space remained the same as the 2021 model, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display. The basic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch system required wired connections but included upgraded voice recognition and Blue Link connected services. The Harman Kardon surround-sound system was available with the larger screen. Blue Link provided a range of connected services, including remote engine start and climate control adjustments. The Santa Fe also featured Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist technologies.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clean graphics. The XRT did not include the upgraded infotainment system available in higher trims, but it did feature Hyundai’s digital key technology for Android devices. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a useful addition, alerting drivers when traffic ahead started moving.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. Safe Exit Assist used blind-spot monitoring sensors to warn occupants of approaching vehicles or cyclists. The rear-occupant alert system was standard, with an ultrasonic version available in higher trims. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video views within the digital instrument cluster, and Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and high ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT also came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist were standard, as was the ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. Bluelink provided additional safety features, such as automatic emergency assistance and vehicle speed alerts. The Santa Fe XRT earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.