The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe rolled out with some significant upgrades to change the game. However, we found that high trim options of the Hyundai Santa Fe lack one crucial feature for luxury and convenience.
What feature do higher 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe trims lack?
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | Hyundai
We’ll dive right into this one. According to Cars.com, higher trim levels of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe only have the option for wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But lower-trim models offer Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This is a head-scratcher for sure. Wireless Apple CarPlay makes a pretty significant difference in terms of convenience. It lets you access your navigation, music, messages, and more without having to plug your phone in. You can just get in and go.
But the Hyundai Santa Fe does have Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect to its system wirelessly. This issue is pretty subjective. But if you prefer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Hyundai infotainment system, then this could be frustrating. However, aside from this weird missing feature, there are plenty of great things to mention about the Santa Fe.
You can get started in the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe for about $27,000. This allows it to be a luxurious compact SUV option that won’t break the bank. Plus, it includes tons of value with its price.
The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder option with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque for more power. According to Edmunds, with the turbo engine, the Hyundai Santa Fe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.
There can be a bit of body roll-around curves, but the Santa Fe feels confident and relaxing for highway cruising. The suspension absorbs impacts well for a smooth ride, and the steering is well-tuned for agile maneuvering. Also, the dual-pane front windows and sound damping materials keep road and wind noise at bay.
How are the Hyundai Santa Fe features?
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe interior | Hyundai
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offers exceptionally comfortable seats with plenty of legroom in the rear seats. It can feel a little tight, but the panoramic sunroof provides extra light, and the large windows provide excellent visibility.
An 8.0-inch infotainment system comes standard, but you can upgrade to a larger 10.3-inch screen. Also, you can opt for the 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a wireless phone charger. Optional convenience features include heated exterior mirrors, passive keyless entry, push-button start, and blind-spot monitoring.
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes loaded with standard driver assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, stop-and-go technology, and lane-departure warning.
If you want a larger SUV, check out the Hyundai Palisade. Otherwise, the smaller Hyundai Santa Fe provides a refined and engaging ride with plenty of modern technology and comfort for road trips and daily commutes.
Hybrid car shoppers will be pleased to know that today’s car market offers no shortage of options to choose from. But when it comes to shopping for an affordablehybrid car? Kelley Blue Book reports that these popular models are among the best affordable hybrids under $40,000.
The 2021 Lexus UX 250h is the cheapest Lexus hybrid
Lexus isn’t exactly the cheapest car brand out there. But when it comes to the cheapest hybrid that Lexus offers? Well, that title goes to the 2021 Lexus UX 250h. According to Kelley Blue Book, its $35,200 base price is just one of the many reasons why it’s among the best affordable hybrids under $40,000 too.
Equipped with a 2.0-liter engine, this affordable hybrid offers up 181-hp and “brisk acceleration,” Kelley Blue Book reports. According to the EPA, this year’s model delivers an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway too.
The 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is one of the best affordable hybrid cars
For another affordable hybrid car, Kelley Blue Book recommends the 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. The hybrid Avalon starts at $37,100. However, opting for a range-topping model will have you spending upwards of $43,400.
Much like the Lexus UX 250h, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid is designed to make the most out of every gallon you put into it. In fact, the EPA reports that this year’s hybrid Avalon can achieve an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in both the city and on the highway. Choose the hybrid Avalon, and the EPA says you can expect to save $3,000 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Blue costs under $40,000
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid was introduced not too long ago. Its entry-level trim level, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Blue, costs under $40,000 and will only have you spending $33,650. According to Kelley Blue Book, that price gets you a long list of standard features and a more upscale interior than previous models.
A low price isn’t the only reason Kelley Blue Book tapped this model as one of the best affordable hybrids under $40,000 either. As a matter of fact, when it comes to shopping for a hybrid Santa Fe, the Hybrid Blue is the most fuel-efficient model and delivers an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid is an affordable hybrid SUV
When it comes to shopping for a three-row hybrid SUV, there aren’t a whole lot of options to pick from. But for those on the hunt for an affordable hybrid SUV that does have three rows of seating? Kelley Blue Book reports the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid is pretty hard to beat.
This year’s model boasts a base price of $33,590, making it one of the most affordable hybrids under $40,000. It also offers up standard reclining second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row of seating that Consumer Reports says is perfect for small children.
The 2021 Toyota Venza is one of the best affordable hybrid SUVs
The Kia Sorento isn’t the only affordable hybrid SUV that Kelley Blue Book recognized. The 2021 Toyota Venza, which starts at $32,570, also received a mention. The Venza doesn’t just aim to please when it comes to price either.
As a matter of fact, all Venza models come equipped with a hybrid powertrain that the EPA says delivers 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. All Toyota Venza models also come standard with all-wheel drive.
The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid is practical and affordable
The Honda CR-V has consistently been recognized as an affordable SUV. But if you’re shopping for the best affordable hybrid under $40,000? Kelley Blue Book suggests checking out the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid.
This affordable hybrid SUV starts at $30,560. Consider the range-topping CR-V Hybrid, and that price bumps up to $36,350. Affordability isn’t all this SUV has going for it, either. In fact, according to Kelley Blue Book, “The CR-V is one of the roomiest and most practical SUVs in its class.”
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is as spacious as it is safe
For a safe hybrid SUV that costs less than $40,000, consider the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This model starts at $38,735 and costs just under $50,000 at its most expensive price. Don’t let its range-topping trim level scare you off, though.
According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is among the most comfortable three-row SUVs. And, while third-row accommodations may be tight for some, they are ideally suited for small children. Even better? Families on the hunt for a safe hybrid SUV will be pleased to know the IIHS tapped this year’s model as a Top Safety Pick+.
The 2021 Toyota Sienna is the cheapest hybrid under $40,000
When it comes to shopping for the best affordable hybrids under $40,000, don’t overlook the 2021 Toyota Sienna. This year’s Sienna starts at $34,460 and delivers an EPA-estimated 36 combined mpg. According to Kelley Blue Book, that’s not the only reason this hybrid minivan deserves a spot in your driveway either.
Not only is this affordable hybrid available with all-wheel drive, but it can also tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Further, consider that it offers over 100 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, and it’s hard to beat all that the 2021 Toyota Sienna has to offer
How to choose the best affordable hybrid for your driving needs
There are plenty of options when it comes to shopping for an affordable hybrid under $40,000. While Kelley Blue Book says these models are among some of the best affordable hybrids, you would be wise to take a few test drives before making any final decisions.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-LexusUXh_SilverLiningMetallic_017-1024x724-1.jpg7241024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-17 14:12:002021-05-17 15:05:13The Best Affordable Hybrids Under $40,000 According to KBB
There is just something about manual transmissions that makes the driving experience so much different. Of course, that is, in part, because the driving experience is very different, and many manual enthusiasts would argue that having a stick shift and clutch pedal is a better experience than allowing the car to shift for you. In the world of automatic enthusiasts, there is a steep divide between automatic and manual transmission drivers, but there are plenty of reasons why owning an automatic sports car is a reasonable choice.
Automatic transmissions have changed a lot
According to Edmunds, there are a lot of arguments that manual transmission fans can make against owning and driving an automatic sports car, but many of them are actually myths or have become untrue with time.
One argument many people make is that manual transmission sports cars offer better fuel economy than automatics, and while that may have been true when comparing certain cars many years ago, that isn’t necessarily the case now.
The example that Edmunds uses specifically directly compares the fuel economy of a manual transmission 2020 Chevrolet Camaro with that of the same vehicle with an automatic transmission. In this case, the automatic transmission offered 8.7% better fuel economy — though that can vary greatly with different cars and driving styles.
A Ferrari interior | John Keeble, Getty Images
True sports cars come with options
Manual transmission enthusiasts might frown upon sports car drivers who own automatics, but not all sports cars come available with manual transmissions anymore. There are a lot of reasons why different manufacturers might choose to skip out on having a manual transmission option in their vehicles.
Many will even offer their cars with paddle shifters or a sports shifting option to help bridge the gap for owners who are looking for a more engaging driving experience.
Manual transmission cars offer a better driving experience
While everyone has a different opinion of what makes a car fun to drive, there are plenty of reasons why driving an automatic is better for some people. In heavy traffic, or when driving with younger kids who can require more attention, having an automatic can be more convenient, and if you live in an area with a lot of steep hills it can also offer a degree of convenience.
Some modern-day sports cars, supercars, and even hypercars don’t come with the option for a manual transmission, as their computers are designed to offer peak performance when shifted at just the right moments, and the loss of the manual doesn’t necessarily make them bad vehicles.
At the end of the day, the seemingly endless debate between manual transmission cars and automatics isn’t going anywhere, but some of the arguments made have become outdated, or even uninformed, making it less about personal preference and more about car enthusiasts desire to keep the manual transmission alive for as long as possible.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ferrari-stick-shift-1024x714-1.jpg7141024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-17 13:24:072021-05-17 13:28:06Manual Transmission Myths Car Enthusiasts Are Still Fighting About
Melissa Liddle parked her Toyota Prius in front of their apartment building like she did every day. But this day was different. The next day she walked behind the car and saw the rear end of her Prius was wavy and distorted. It looked like it had melted in the Texas sun.
Energy-efficient windows are what is melting the Prius
Melted Prius | KSAT TV12
The heat from the sun or extraterrestrial ray gun wasn’t the cause of her melted rear. It was because of the apartment’s energy-efficient windows. Yes, the same windows that keep homes cool were reflecting the sun’s rays directly at Liddle’s Prius.
The apartment windows have a tendency to distort from pressure and other causes. With the sun’s rays hitting the windows at a certain angle it creates powerful reflections. The concentration of the sun’s reflection can act as a magnifying glass, focussing light in one area.
Fortunately, these special conditions are not common. The right location of the car at the right time of the day makes for the perfect surroundings for this to happen. Otherwise, it is an extremely rare occurrence.
Solar convergence is not covered by the Prius manufacturer’s warranty
Toyota Prius | Toyota
For Liddle, the perfect circumstances are of no interest to the manufacturer. According to KFI Los Angles, Toyota won’t cover the damage. “I’ve gone through the warranty and can’t find anything that says ‘Don’t park your car in the sun,’” she said. “Toyota thinks we should pay for it. They said it’s a phenomenon — solar convergence.”
Ah, yes, solar convergence. Basically, the energy-efficient apartment windows reflect glare. The solar reflection converges onto a specific area, and if it happens to be of a material that can melt under that intense heat, it melts. It is like a magnifying glass.
The good news is that they keep the house or apartment cooler. That doesn’t have anything to do with the melting Prius, but it is something positive. Cars are not the only vulnerable subjects. Vinyl siding is also prone to melting from solar convergence. It can be so concentrated it can even start a fire.
So what about Melissa Liddle and her melting Prius? Because the issue is from “environmental influence” it is not a warrantable repair. And think about it. If Liddle kept parking in the same parking area it would happen again.
With so many energy-efficient windows in the wild, melting cars is rare
So how random is melting a car from solar convergence? Pretty rare, but it does happen. Millions of energy-efficient windows are in the wild. Yet, fires and melting incidences are rare.
The Concert Hall Exterior at the Walt Disney Concert Hall opening gala | Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for LAPA
Then there is the polished stainless steel Disney Hall in downtown Los Angeles. The Frank Gehry building had a polished stainless steel surface when first completed in 2003. People driving by it were blinded at certain times of the day from the glare. And people that lived in the apartments across the street were getting fried from the reflections.
Finally, the entire outside siding was sanded down to a brushed finish. Problem solved.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Melting-Prius-KSAT-1.jpeg312600Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-05-17 13:12:522021-05-17 13:28:07Toyota Prius Started Melting in the Texas Sun
