2023 Hyundai Santa Fe uk

Overview

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe doesn’t get as much acclaim as the Korean brand’s broader SUV family, but it remains a distinctive member with desirable features. Situated between the compact Tucson and the three-row Palisade, the mid-size Santa Fe has two-row seating and multiple powertrain options. The standard powerplant is an uninspiring 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four; a stouter 277-hp turbo four is optional, and it’s our recommended buy. Both engines are available with front- or all-wheel drive. Hyundai also offers the Santa Fe with a 226-hp hybrid setup and an EPA-rated 36 mpg in the city. The plug-in-hybrid model offers 260 horsepower, a combined 76 MPGe rating, and the ability to travel an estimated 31 miles on electricity alone. With a low base price and a satisfying ride, the spacious 2023 Sante Fe finds itself ranked mid-pack in the world of mid-size SUVs, which is primarily due to an especially snoozy base engine.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

What's New for 2023?

Not much changes for the Sante Fe for 2023, outside of reshuffled standard equipment. Hyundai removes the SEL Convenience package and changes up the look of the front fascia, but that’s all dependent on trim level. The SE model and above now have acoustic-laminated front windows for increased sound insulation and puddle lamps that light the ground near the doors. Newly standard equipment on the SEL includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear sunshades, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and a 10.3-inch center touchscreen. The latter is also now standard on every hybrid model, along with a navigation system that accepts over-the-air updates. Finally, the plug-in hybrid now comes standard with Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous drive mode and the bigger touchscreen.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

SE

$29,495

SEL

$33,195

XRT

$34,995

Blue hybrid

$36,955

SEL hybrid

$40,815

$41,345

SEL Convenience PHEV

$42,500 (est)

Limited hybrid

$42,615

Calligraphy

$43,345

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

          Specifications

          Specifications

          2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT AWD

          VEHICLE TYPE
          front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

          PRICE
          Base/As Tested: $35,745/$36,340
          Options: Calypso Red paint, $400; carpeted floor mats, $195

          ENGINE
          DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
          Displacement: 152 in3, 2497 cm3
          Power: 191 hp @ 6100 rpm
          Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

          TRANSMISSION
          8-speed automatic

          CHASSIS
          Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
          Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.0-in disc
          Tires: Kumho Crugen Premium
          235/60R-18 103H M+S

          DIMENSIONS
          Wheelbase: 108.9 in
          Length: 188.4 in
          Width: 74.8 in
          Height: 67.3 in
          Passenger Volume: 112 ft3
          Cargo Volume: 36 ft3
          Curb Weight: 3858 lb

          C/D TEST RESULTS
          60 mph: 9.6 sec
          1/4-Mile: 17.2 sec @ 82 mph
          100 mph: 26.9 sec
          Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
          Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.7 sec
          Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.6 sec
          Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 sec
          Top Speed (mfr's claim): 115 mph
          Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 ft
          Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g

          C/D FUEL ECONOMY
          Observed: 21 mpg
          75-mph Highway Driving: 29 mpg
          75-mph Highway Range: 540 mi

          EPA FUEL ECONOMY
          Combined/City/Highway: 24/22/25 mpg

          C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

          2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD

          VEHICLE TYPE
          front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

          PRICE AS TESTED
          $43,440 (base: $43,285) 

          ENGINE TYPE
          turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
          Displacement
          152 in3, 2497 cm3
          Power
          277 hp @ 6000 rpm
          Torque
          311 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

          TRANSMISSION
          8-speed dual-clutch automatic

          CHASSIS
          Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
          Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/12.0-in disc
          Tires: Hankook Dynapro HP2, 235/55R-19 101H M+S

          DIMENSIONS
          Wheelbase: 108.9 in
          Length: 188.4 in
          Width: 74.8 in
          Height: 66.3 in
          Passenger volume: 113 ft3
          Cargo volume: 36 ft3
          Curb weight: 4060 lb

          C/D TEST RESULTS
          60 mph: 6.0 sec
          1/4 mile: 14.5 sec @ 99 mph
          100 mph: 14.8 sec
          120 mph: 23.1 sec
          Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
          Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec
          Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
          Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec
          Top speed (governor limited): 131 mph
          Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
          Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.81 g

          C/D FUEL ECONOMY
          Observed: 20 mpg
          75-mph highway driving: 27 mpg
          Highway range: 500 miles

          EPA FUEL ECONOMY
          Combined/city/highway: 24/21/28 mpg

          More Features and Specs

          Is there a new Santa Fe coming out?

          The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe comes in five trims: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited and Calligraphy. The first three trims come with a 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

          Is there a 2023 Santa Fe hybrid?

          The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is a midsize SUV with two rows of seating and a powertrain that is rated for 31 miles of electric-only driving range.

          How much can a 2023 Santa Fe Tow?

          The Hyundai Santa Fe towing capability is 1,650-2,000 lbs. Most trim options for the Santa Fe can tow as much as 1,650 lbs, while the offered Limited trim level can pull up to 2,000 lbs.

          Is there a Kia version of the Santa Fe?

          The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are corporate cousins, so they're similar in many ways, including sharing powertrains and technology features. However, these midsize SUVs are very different in at least one area: the Sorento has three rows of seats, whereas the Santa Fe has just two.