2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

SE

$29,495

SEL Convenience PHEV

$42,500 (est)

Limited PHEV

$48,000 (est)

The Limited is our pick of the lineup, and not just because it adds luxury features such as leather upholstery, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. Those are nice to have, but our main reason for recommending the Limited is that it’s the lowest-priced model available with the optional 277-hp turbocharged engine. Models equipped with the base four-cylinder veritably crawl to cruising speed and, for driving enthusiasts like us, that performance—or the lack thereof—simply will not do.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Santa Fe is available with a quartet of powertrains that now includes a hybrid and plug-in-hybrid. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower. Buyers can opt for the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter mill that makes 277 horsepower. Both pair with an unobtrusive eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front- or optional all-wheel drive. The hybrid model makes do with a six-speed automatic, uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors to make 226 horsepower, and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The plug-in-hybrid’s powertrain consists of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor, which together put out 260 horsepower combined. At our test track, a gas-fed XRT model with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder proved poky, requiring 9.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. If you’re looking for a Santa Fe with a perkier acceleration, we’d suggest the turbocharged model. In our test drive of a loaded Calligraphy model with the turbocharged four-cylinder, we recorded a sprightly 6.0-second 60-mph time. Otherwise, the Santa Fe provides a relaxed and stable ride during everyday duties and just enough agility and steering feedback to satisfy those who enjoy driving. Those looking for a more vivid driving experience in their SUV should consider the Chevy Blazer or Honda Passport. When towing is involved, the gas-fed Santa Fe can tug up to 3500 pounds; the hybrid and plug-in hybrid can only handle up to 2000 pounds.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The plug-in-hybrid Santa Fe features a 12.4-kWh battery pack that deliver up to 31 miles of electric-only driving according to the EPA.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the Santa Fe with the non-turbo four-cylinder will earn up to 25 mpg city and 28 highway. The optional turbocharged version has ratings as high as 22 mpg city and 28 highway. The hybrid model earned ratings as high as 36 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, part of our comprehensive testing regimen, an all-wheel-drive Calligraphy test vehicle with the 2.5-liter turbo-four managed 27 mpg. For more information about the Santa Fe’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Hyundai interiors are best known for their solid build quality and worthwhile features rather than edgy designs and upscale materials. Still, the Santa Fe has an attractive cabin that offers a variety of contemporary options that include a digital gauge cluster, head-up display, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and more. Last year, the Santa Fe received slight tweaks to the interior design that more closely aligned it with the larger and more luxurious Palisade SUV. Its most impressive attribute is generous passenger space in both rows that are a boon on long road trips. The Santa Fe also has ample cargo space behind the back seat where we stuffed 15 carry-on bags and a total of 33 with the rear seats folded flat.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Outfitted with a dashboard-topping 8.0- or 10.3-inch touchscreen that includes user-friendly controls and desirable features, every Santa Fe delivers a pleasant infotainment experience. It serves up standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as optional wireless charging and a 630-watt, 12-speaker audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Santa Fe comes with a ton of standard driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. For more information about the Santa Fe’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai has one of the best warranty plans on the market highlighted by lengthy powertrain coverage. The company also now offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance covers three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs

Source: www.caranddriver.com