Best Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Review 2023

The quarterback of the Korean carmaker, competing for the interest of American families, is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

Since its debut in 2000, Santa Fe has been a pivotal model for Hyundai, and the most recent version continues that proud legacy. It is a midsize crossover with five seats in the United States but seven seats in the majority of other markets across the world. In either case, it has proven to be a capable child and dog-carrying.

New hybrid vehicles claim to perform their suburban duties with better fuel efficiency than ever. The ideal driving experience for an SUV like the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is essentially unseen, and the SUV’s functional building design makes a living as simple and convenient as possible.

Read Also: Things You Need To Know About 2023 Toyota Corolla 

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Specs

 1. The Basics

In order to fight against mid-sized rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent, the fourth-generation Santa Fe was introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year. In Hyundai’s lineup, it sits between the Tuscon and Palisade. The Santa Fe received a redesign for the 2021 model year, new hybrid variants, and improved drivetrains.

Santa Fe’s exterior design continues with Hyundai’s forward-thinking strategy, using the company’s design language to provide a modern look. The front end has the now-iconic patterned grille, flanked by angular LED headlights that strongly suggest modernity. The side profile shows a striking character line connecting the front headlights and rear taillights. Although generic, the back end is excellent. The Santa Fe Hybrid presents itself as a classy, balanced SUV overall.

The cabin’s interior is thoughtfully designed to meet the driver’s needs. The raised center console has easy access to the settings for the audio system, air conditioning, drive mode, and Hyundai’s gorgeous push-button transmission selection. A handy storage space is underneath for keeping medium-sized items out of the way but close at hand. The seating should comfortably accommodate five persons because it is well-proportioned and comfy.

The 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid powertrain, which provides excellent fuel efficiency and a responsive driving experience, is the show’s star. While a 226-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo might not sound like much to move a 4,200-pound SUV, the electric motor’s low-down torque significantly alleviates that issue.

Naturally, traditionalists seeking more power may prefer the 276-hp 3.5-liter V6 or the 178-hp 2.5-liter inline-four. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid variant in addition to the normal hybrid was reviewed here. Thanks to a stronger 90-hp electric motor against the 59-hp unit in the standard hybrid, it claims a greater 261 horsepower of combined output.

2. Driving the Hyundai Santa Fe

One of those effortless, carefree commuter vehicles that require little of the driver is the Santa Fe. Its comfortable throttle pedal and light, well-assisted steering don’t provide any unpleasant surprises. It lives true to its promise of making parking lots at supermarkets and school drop-off zones as easy as possible. It instantly dissipates into the background of your mind behind the radio or anything else you happen to be thinking about while driving because it is peaceful and comfy.

3. The Highs and Lows

The simplicity of driving the Santa Fe is what makes it so magical. Most people do not desire vehicles with personality, it is a reality. They desire a vehicle that will make getting around as simple as feasible. Modern commuter vehicles aim to blend into the backdrop of life by being so modest and neutral. The Santa Fe excels at this. It is roomy and cozy, and everything is right where you expect it to be.

Physical volume knobs and HVAC controls, among other small details, significantly contribute to the car’s usability. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling to a town four states away or the grocery store right around the corner. Without a concern in the world, Santa Fe will take you there.

4. Fuel Economy

The 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid can’t match the economy of Kia and Toyota models, but it easily defeats ICE-only SUVs of the same size.

The Santa Fe Hybrid has a reasonable but not exceptional fuel economy rating on paper. It falls just slightly behind competing hybrids at the top of the charts. With combined fuel economy ratings of 36 and 34 mpg compared to Santa Fe’s 32 mpg, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Kia Sorento Hybrid outperform Santa Fe in this category. In the mid-size SUV market, where numbers are generally in the mid-twenties, it performs better than its only ICE competitors.

The Santa Fe tested with fuel economy that aligned with EPA figures. It produced an average of 34 mpg during a few hundred miles of driving across suburban, urban, and rural settings. That distance includes 10 miles of driving along a soft beach, which is not ideal for fuel efficiency. It’s a remarkable achievement that fits in perfectly with the statistics.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid value is subjective and depends on the individual purchasing it. Outside, it looks fantastic, and inside, it has a more upscale air than some of its rivals. The top models’ panoramic sunroof truly gives a more upscale appearance than its competitors. Without dealer markups, you can end yourself paying more for a Santa Fe than for an equivalent SUV from someone else. Most certainly, gas prices will increase as well. If the design inspires you, it will probably be worthwhile.

Overall, the Santa Fe has been a success for Hyundai. Previously regarded as a budget SUV, it is now a stylish, alluring SUV that can compete with the greatest models made in Japan and worldwide.

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