Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel: Honest Review

by Alex Braham 44 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel. If you're considering this SUV, you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything you need to know, from performance and fuel economy to interior comfort and tech features. Buckle up, because this is going to be a detailed ride!

Overview of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel

The Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel is a mid-size SUV that offers a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and efficiency. It's designed to cater to families and individuals who need a versatile vehicle for daily commutes, road trips, and everything in between. The diesel engine option provides a unique selling point, delivering strong torque and improved fuel economy compared to its gasoline counterparts. This model year brought some notable updates to the Santa Fe, enhancing its appeal in a competitive market segment.

Key Features

  • Engine: A 2.2-liter CRDI diesel engine, known for its reliability and power.
  • Transmission: Typically paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifting.
  • Fuel Economy: Impressive figures for an SUV, making it ideal for long journeys.
  • Interior: A spacious and well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating and ample cargo space.
  • Technology: Modern infotainment system, advanced safety features, and driver-assistance technologies.

Why Consider the Diesel Variant?

The diesel variant of the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, the diesel engine delivers superior torque, which translates to better acceleration and towing capability. This is particularly useful if you frequently haul heavy loads or navigate challenging terrains. Secondly, diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, especially on long highway drives. This can save you a significant amount of money on fuel costs over the lifespan of the vehicle. Finally, the robust nature of diesel engines often means they have a longer lifespan and require less frequent maintenance compared to their gasoline counterparts.

Performance and Handling

Let's get into how the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel actually performs on the road. The heart of this SUV is its 2.2-liter CRDI diesel engine. This engine is engineered to deliver a robust 190-200 horsepower and around 325-340 lb-ft of torque, depending on the specific trim and market. The key here is the torque – that's what gives you the oomph you feel when accelerating or climbing hills. The 8-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, ensuring that the engine's power is efficiently transferred to the wheels.

On the Road

When you hit the road, the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel feels confident and composed. The steering is well-weighted, providing a good sense of control and feedback. The suspension does a decent job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, making for a comfortable ride, even on less-than-perfect surfaces. Whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets, the Santa Fe Diesel offers a refined driving experience.

Acceleration and Towing

Thanks to the diesel engine's strong torque output, the Santa Fe Diesel accelerates with ease. It's not a sports car by any means, but it has plenty of power for merging onto highways and overtaking other vehicles. The towing capacity is also respectable, typically ranging from 3,500 to 4,500 pounds, depending on the model and equipment. This makes it a viable option for those who need to tow small boats, trailers, or campers.

Fuel Economy

One of the biggest advantages of the diesel variant is its impressive fuel economy. You can expect to see figures in the range of 25-30 mpg on the highway and 22-27 mpg in the city. These numbers are significantly better than what you'd get with a comparable gasoline engine, which can save you a lot of money at the pump over time. The fuel efficiency makes the Santa Fe Diesel a great choice for long commutes and road trips.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel, you'll find a cabin that's both spacious and well-appointed. The interior design is modern and stylish, with a focus on creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. High-quality materials are used throughout the cabin, and the fit and finish are generally very good. Let's take a closer look at the key aspects of the interior.

Seating and Space

The seats in the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel are designed for comfort, with ample cushioning and support. The front seats are particularly well-suited for long drives, and many trims offer features like power adjustability and lumbar support. The rear seats are also spacious, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The Santa Fe comfortably seats five people, making it a great choice for families.

Cargo Space

Cargo space is another strong point of the Santa Fe. Behind the rear seats, you'll find around 36 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is more than enough for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. When you fold down the rear seats, the cargo volume expands to over 72 cubic feet, providing ample space for larger items. The cargo area is also well-designed, with a low load floor and a wide opening, making it easy to load and unload items.

Features and Technology

The Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel comes loaded with a variety of features and technologies designed to enhance your driving experience. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, with a large touchscreen display that's easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. Other notable features include a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

Technology and Safety

Hyundai has packed the Santa Fe 2021 Diesel with a ton of tech and safety features. It's not just about looking good; it's about keeping you and your passengers safe and connected. The infotainment system is a standout, with a responsive touchscreen that's easy to use while you're on the move. Let's break down the specifics:

Infotainment System

The Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel boasts an intuitive infotainment system that includes:

  • Touchscreen Display: Usually an 8-inch or 10.25-inch screen, depending on the trim.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and calls.
  • Navigation System: Available on higher trims, providing accurate and up-to-date directions.
  • Premium Sound System: Options include Harman Kardon, offering a high-quality audio experience.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety is a top priority, and the Santa Fe Diesel comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Detects potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes.
  • Lane Keeping Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Warns you of vehicles in your blind spots and can even steer you back into your lane.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: Alerts you to approaching vehicles when you're backing up.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed.

Driver-Assistance Technologies

In addition to the standard safety features, the Santa Fe Diesel offers a range of driver-assistance technologies, such as:

  • Surround View Monitor: Provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering easier.
  • Blind View Monitor: Displays a live video feed of your blind spots in the instrument cluster when you activate the turn signal.
  • Parking Distance Warning: Alerts you to obstacles when you're parking.

Potential Drawbacks

Of course, no vehicle is perfect, and the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel has a few potential drawbacks that you should be aware of. While the diesel engine offers many advantages, it can also be a bit noisier than a gasoline engine, especially at idle. Some people may find the engine noise to be intrusive, although it's generally well-isolated from the cabin. Additionally, diesel fuel can sometimes be more expensive than gasoline, depending on market conditions. Finally, diesel engines require specific maintenance procedures, such as regular DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) refills, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel Right for You?

So, is the Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel the right choice for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value fuel economy, strong torque, and a comfortable interior, the Santa Fe Diesel is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for families, commuters, and anyone who frequently tows or hauls cargo. However, if you're sensitive to engine noise or prefer the lower upfront cost of a gasoline engine, you may want to explore other options.

Who Should Consider This Car?

  • Frequent Drivers: If you spend a lot of time on the road, the diesel's superior fuel economy can save you money.
  • Towing Needs: The strong torque makes it suitable for light to medium towing tasks.
  • Families: Spacious interior and ample cargo space make it practical for family use.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

  • Noise Sensitivity: Diesel engines can be louder than gasoline engines.
  • Budget Conscious: Diesel models often have a higher initial price.
  • Short Commutes: The fuel efficiency benefits are more noticeable on longer drives.

Final Verdict

The Hyundai Santa Fe 2021 Diesel is a solid SUV with a lot to offer. It combines practicality, comfort, and efficiency in a stylish package. While it may not be perfect for everyone, it's definitely worth a look if you're in the market for a mid-size SUV. Thanks for joining me on this review, and I hope this has helped you make a more informed decision!