By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 27, 2021) For 2021 the popular Hyundai Santa Fe that fits above the smaller Tucson and below the larger, three-row Palisade SUV receives an update that’s less than a full-on redesign but more than your average refreshing that includes a new look, new technology, the first-ever Santa Fe hybrid and a new range-topping Calligraphy trim level tested here.
           
The original Santa Fe was first introduced for the 2001 model year and since that time has grown in size and now competes in size with vehicles like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Honda Passport and others in this class of two-row utility vehicles. If you need three-rows of seats, you’ll need to step up to the larger Palisade.

The Calligraphy is the luxury trim level Santa Fe that’s powered by a 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission and is a vastly improved engine from the previous Santa Fe with quicker acceleration. However, we thought the transmission lacked refinement with rough shifts from a stop and at city driving speeds. Oddly the word Calligraphy doesn’t appear anywhere on the vehicle.

The Calligraphy comes with quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a color head-up display, standard all-wheel drive, upgraded exterior accents and more upscale interior embellishments like suede microfiber headliner, head-up display, accented lighting, heated and cooled ventilated seats, Harman Kardon Premium Audio system, and a 12.8-inch LCD digital instrument cluster. All this in addition the well-equipped Limited trim level with surround-view parking camera system, a blind-view monitor, hands free liftgate and more.

The cabin is surprisingly roomy both up front and in the rear. The cargo area behind the rear seat is extra-large and could accommodate a third-row seat if Hyundai so chooses.

On the road our Calligraphy drives reasonably well, it’s quiet with comfortable seats and looks and feels upscale. Not luxurious, but definitely upscale. Engine performance is well matched, it isn’t a massively powered SUV that car enthusiasts would clamor for rather just a good performing vehicle.



Overall, the Calligraphy is a nicely quipped two-row SUV that looks good with an upscale vibe and plenty of curb appeal. It’s packed with a host of modern and standard driver-assist technologies including a semi-autonomous driving mode, automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning, smart cruise control, ultrasonic rear seat occupant alert and lane-keeping assist. Finally, if you want an SUV that has more room, more standard equipment and to spend less than a similarly equipped Ford Edge, Honda Passport or Nissan Murano you might want to check out the Hyundai Santa Fe that’s a relative bargain by comparison.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $42,100
Price as Tested: $43,440
Engine – Transmission: 2.5-liter turbocharged 281-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 21/28/24 – mpg - City/Highway/Combined
Seating: Five

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Highest possible 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2021 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Where Built: Montgomery, Alabama

Competes With:
Chevrolet Blazer
Ford Edge
GMC Acadia
Honda Passport
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Nissan Murano
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Fab Features:
Nicely equipped, upscale vibe inside and out
Roomy, premium looking interior
User-friendly driving assist technologies