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2025 Car Mileage with the Best Gas Mileage2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
The 2023 Santa Fe is a well-rounded SUV with ten trims. We review the powertrain, interior, and trim levels to find the best options for you.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe – hyundainews.com | Shop 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Mostly a carryover, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe competes in the red-hot midsize SUV segment. All-new in 2019, this two-row crossover offers multiple powertrains from gas (ICE) and traditional hybrid (HEV) to a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model that arrived last year as we cover here. Along with a small price bump across the trim range, there has been content shuffling like the semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist system now standard on PHEV models.
The Breakdown
An engine for everyone
Handsomely styled
Plenty of driver assists
Underpowered base motor
Top-spec PHEV is pricey
Fuel economy isn’t great
Signature Hyundai value proposition
2023 Santa Fe Specs
- 191 horsepower from base engine
- 181 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 10 available trims
- 36.4 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 72.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Standard trailer sway control
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon system
- NHTSA 5-star rated
- 3 years of complimentary maintenance
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Powertrain
With the 2023 Santa Fe, you can choose from ICE, HEV, or PHEV propulsion, systems we cover in-depth here. The base ICE powertrain is a naturally aspirated 2.5L inline-4 making 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Limited and Calligraphy trim lines add a turbo to this setup for 281 horses and 311 torques. The base gas-powered motor works with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, while the turbocharged unit pairs with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. In both cases, power is routed to the front wheels with AWD a $1,700 option.
The HEV Santa Fe features a turbocharged 1.6L inline-4 gas engine paired with a 1.49 kWh battery pack-powered electric motor to produce 226 horsepower. PHEV models are fitted with the same HEV gas-powered engine but the battery pack capacity jumps to 13.8 kWh along with a more powerful electric motor to put out 261 hp. Both hybrid options are paired with a 6-speed automatic and AWD is standard.
Those seeking speed should enjoy the gas-powered turbo-powered models as the base gas engine is fairly slow, taking nearly 10 seconds to hit 60. For most, the Santa Fe HEV models are a good bet as they bring outstanding efficiency and do not need to be plugged in. The upside to those PHEVs is that they can run in 100% electric mode for 30 miles, which is enough for many commutes. In any setup, you can expect composed handling thanks to four-corner independent suspension.
Towing & Payload
The base 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe can tow 2,000 pounds, a figure that jumps to 3,500 with the turbocharged ICE under the hood. Keep in mind, these values assume trailer brakes. All 2023 Santa Fes come with Trailer Sway Control that works with Electronic Stability Control to cut throttle and engage the brakes when swaying is detected.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy & MPG
Under ICE power, a base FWD Santa Fe is rated for 25/28 mpg in city/highway driving, figures that drop by three mpg in both categories with AWD. With the turbocharged ICE, fuel economy drops to 22/28 mpg in city/highway driving for FWD models – subtract one from the city rating with AWD. The base HEV scores 36 mpg around town and 31 on the highway with top models coming in at 33/30 mpg in city/highway driving. PHEV models have a combined rating of 33 mpg and can be driven in full EV mode for up to 30 miles.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Strictly a two-row five-seat SUV, the Santa Fe does an admirable job of providing comfy accommodations. Front-row occupants, on high-spec models, can enjoy quilted Nappa leather and fully climatized cushions. Those relegated to the rear are treated to dedicated ventilation registers and two-stage recline, the better to enjoy up to 42-inches of legroom.
An acoustic laminated windshield is standard, while Limited models and above add this sound-deadening treatment to the front windows to keep things quiet. Other amenities geared to a peaceful cabin include Rear Seat Quiet Mode that will mute the back speakers and available manual second-row sunshades – ideal for keeping Junior content.
Storage-wise, the Santa Fe can hold 36 cubic feet of your things behind the second row, a metric that doubles when you fold said seat down. Those with top-spec models can flip the back seat flat at the push of a button. There are ample storage cubbies throughout the cabin, including a useful bin sitting under the floating center console.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Entertainment & Tech
Hyundai’s liberal application of the latest infotainment is one reason Santa Fe bests VW’s Atlas in this comparison. The base SE features an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every other model comes with a 10.25-inch screen though the larger display requires a wired connection for smartphone mirroring. Built-in navigation with live traffic data is also included on the SEL and above, with a fully digital gauge cluster and head-up display (HUD) available as you move through the trim ladder.
Safety Features
Smart Sense, Hyundai’s suite of driver aids, includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Lane Keeping, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert on every 2023 Santa Fe. It also comes with Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, and Automatic High Beams. Top models add on Highway Driving Assist, Remote Smart Parking, Blind Spot View Monitor, and more. Little wonder that Santa Fe earns top marks from both IIHS and NHTSA.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Trims & Pricing
SE – $29,495
Entry-level SE models come with 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, and a power-operated liftgate. The cabin is upholstered with cloth and features an 8-inch infotainment display with smartphone mirroring and dual USB ports for both rows.
SEL – $33,195
From SEL on up, a 10.25-inch touchscreen is on hand as is a hands-free liftgate, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity and Digital Key are just a few of the tech highlights.
XRT – $34,995
Though rugged looking with side steps, unique black wheels, and special dark-colored body moldings, the XRT has no functional off-road enhancements.
Limited – $41,345
Along with the turbocharged ICE, Limited models boast 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery. A 12-speaker stereo from Harman Kardon is included here as is a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and Surround View Monitor.
Calligraphy – $43,345
Atop the ICE pyramid is the Calligraphy with 20-inch rims, chrome galore, and quilted Nappa leather. It is the only model with a HUD.
Blue Hybrid – $36,100 (est.)
The base HEV, Blue trim comes with full LED exterior lighting, power-folding side mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers. It also features climatized front seats and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist.
SEL Premium Hybrid – $40,500 (est.)
This midpack HEV comes with Highway Driving Assist, Dynamic Voice Recognition, a wireless charging pad, and more.
Limited Hybrid – $43,000 (est.)
Limited Hybrid models are loaded with acoustic laminated front windows, cabin memory settings, a heated steering wheel, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
SEL Convenience PHEV – $42,300 (est.)
The entry point into PHEV power, this model has navigation-based ACC, Rear Seat Quiet Mode, and keyless Proximity Entry.
Limited PHEV – $48,300 (est.)
With all the bells and whistles, this top dog Santa Fe sports front and rear parking sonar, self-parking ability, and a live feed of blind spots. Check out our new car incentives article for the latest on options for keeping this price down.
Warranties
Hyundai’s warranty is excellent with a 10-year/100,000-mile term on the powertrain and three years of complimentary maintenance. Basic coverage runs for five years or 60,000 miles and hybrid batteries are under warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
What we think
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe – hyundainews.com | Shop 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe on Carsforsale.com
Aside from the underpowered base engine, it’s hard to find anything but praise for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. As we note in this new vs. used comparison, the Santa Fe is an all-around solid SUV and has been for years. It comes packed with standard amenities and technology, not to mention driver-assistance aids. I would go the hybrid route for the excellent fuel economy and a high level of content, even on base Blue models.
