- Four powertrains spread across 10 trim levels
- Crammed full of tech and convenience features
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models
- Priced from $28,200 (plus $1,295 destination) | Price yours
- On sale now | See listings near you
For the fourth year running, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe earned the KBB Best Buy Award in the 2-Row Midsize SUV category. Its winning ways continued when we named the 2022 model to KBB’s Best Family Cars of 2022. We recognize the immense value of this 5-passenger SUV and its broad appeal.
Slotting between the larger Palisade and smaller Tucson, the Santa Fe makes its mark with solid fuel economy, good driving dynamics, and a premium feel inside and out. Last year, Hyundai expanded the Santa Fe lineup by bringing a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to join the already-established hybrid model. Of course, Hyundai’s incredible 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty separates the Santa Fe from its rivals. As Hyundai keeps checking the boxes with this midsize SUV, we’ll keep loving it.
Tech, Tech, and More Tech
Hyundai hangs its hat on its value story, and nowhere is that value more apparent than in the level and quality of its technology.
The list is far too long to itemize all of the Santa Fe’s standard safety and driver-aid technologies here. However, the list is long and impressive. It includes everything from forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection to Junction-Turning Detection that alerts the driver to oncoming traffic when making a left-hand turn. All these features come on every 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, as do adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist.
Every Santa Fe arrives with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless in the base SE with its 8.0-inch touchscreen). Parents can silence the rear speakers, a blessing if the kiddies fall asleep.
Stepping up through the trim levels adds other technology goodies. You can get a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a Surround View 360-degree monitor, and a head-up display (HUD). There’s even Digital Key, which allows you to use your smartphone as a key.
Electric Powertrains
At the Santa Fe’s price point, no one expects hair-on-fire performance from a crossover. However, Hyundai provides an array of four powertrains excelling in solid mileage and varying amounts of oomph, depending on your needs and wants. The gasoline-fueled versions get a normally aspirated 4-cylinder or a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
The Santa Fe Hybrid is available in three trim levels. They all use a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor to produce a combined 226 horsepower. The combined fuel economy in the base trim is 34 mpg and 32 mpg in the upper grades.
The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid calls upon that 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder to cover the gas-fueled engine duties. An electric motor fills out the propulsion needs. Together they generate 260 hp. The Santa Fe PHEV can travel up to 31 miles on electric-only power with an estimated mileage number of 76 MPGe. Once the electrons expire, the combined mileage is 33 mpg. Charge time on a Level 2 charger is about four hours.
Distinctive Packaging
You could argue our emphasis on the Hyundai packaging is part of 2023 Santa Fe’s value story because, well, it is. Finding a crossover at this price point with this degree of attention to detail inside and out is a tribute to Hyundai’s prowess at making every dollar count.
Hyundai designed curb appeal into the Santa Fe, taking full advantage of thinner, more stylish LED headlights. A bold grille and wide stance add to Santa Fe’s rugged looks. Chiseled flanks with character lines flowing front to back accentuate this SUV’s length.
Space is the big story inside the Santa Fe. In our full review of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, we highlighted the generous rear-seat legroom (41.7 inches), which exceeds that of other vehicles in its competitive set. Hyundai managed to eke out more legroom without sacrificing cargo space. Plus, there is hidden storage under the cargo floor. However, space isn’t the only interior story. Hyundai fills the cockpit with quality materials assembled with care.
Photo Tour: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
More 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
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Our 2023 Best Buy Award Winners
- Best New Model: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Best Subcompact SUV: 2023 Kia Seltos
- Best Compact SUV: 2023 Honda CR-V
- Best 3-Row Midsize SUV: 2023 Kia Telluride
- Best Full-Size SUV: 2023 Ford Expedition
- Best Subcompact Luxury SUV: 2023 BMW X1
- Best Compact Luxury SUV: 2023 Genesis GV70
- Best Midsize Luxury SUV: 2023 Genesis GV80
- Best Compact Car: 2023 Honda Civic
- Best Midsize Car: 2023 Honda Accord
- Best Luxury Car: 2023 Lexus ES
- Best EV Under $35,000: 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
- Best Electric Vehicle: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Best PHEV: 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid
- Best Compact Truck: 2023 Ford Maverick
- Best Midsize Truck: 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- Best Full-Size Truck: 2023 Ford F-150
- Best Electric Truck: 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning
- Best Minivan: 2023 Toyota Sienna
- 2023 Best Buy Awards Home
