2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Its interior was minimalist yet premium, featuring high-quality materials such as Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen seamlessly.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe surprised many with its value proposition, offering a luxurious feel that belied its price. The Santa Fe featured a redesigned front end with new running lights and grille, and each trim level had distinct wheel, grille, and headlight combinations. Inside, the Santa Fe moved upmarket with new colors and textures, a bridge-style center console, and a high-tech 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with premium leather and a panoramic sunroof, making it feel like a bargain for its price.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted 402 hp and 486 lb-ft from dual electric motors, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe introduced three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims featured a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant combined a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 226 hp. The Limited and Calligraphy trims housed a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbo engine providing impressive performance and fuel efficiency. The EPA rated both powertrains at 24 mpg combined, with the turbo slightly more efficient on the highway.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. It had less legroom and cargo space compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. However, features like a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox, and large door bins due to relocated speakers added practicality. The gasoline XC40 was more competitive in interior space against rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, but the segment's utility bar remained low.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample passenger room, making it a great choice for those not needing a third-row seat. It featured dual-zone climate control, stain-resistant fabric, and available leather upholstery. The Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. Comfort was a priority, with power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat offered generous legroom and amenities like air-conditioning vents and USB ports. The Santa Fe's cargo space was practical, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. Gasoline models retained the previous infotainment system. The Recharge lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for operation, and while a Digital Key feature was planned for the Polestar 2, it wasn't confirmed for the XC40.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was packed with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera, and an 8.5-inch HUD. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the basic 8-inch touchscreen, while the 10.25-inch system required wired connections but added enhanced voice recognition and Blue Link services. Blue Link provided a range of connected services, including remote engine start and climate control. The Santa Fe also featured Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing for remote operation of the vehicle.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received top safety ratings, including a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The electric Recharge model had not been rated, but Volvo expected strong performance due to its safety cage and redesigned crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, with optional features like traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an extensive list of safety features, with the Calligraphy trim including advanced systems like forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Santa Fe earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights, achieving high marks for crashworthiness and front crash-prevention technology.