Used 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

We might as well come out and say it straight away — we like the Santa Fe. It’s a multiple winner of our Best Buy Award for 2-row midsize SUVs.

The Santa Fe SUV in general has lots of space and equipment, plus top safety scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

This Santa Fe Hybrid variant improves things by bringing more power and better fuel economy than the non-hybrid model.

As a 2-row midsize SUV, the Santa Fe slots between Hyundai’s Tucson compact and the 3-row Palisade.

The non-hybrid Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) — which can travel up to 31 miles on electricity alone — are both reviewed separately.

It’s easy to forget this is a hybrid. Transitions from electric power to gasoline propulsion and back are carried out with no fuss whatsoever.

The reminders come when the 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid’s engine cuts out when stopped at a red light. Then both power sources chime in with some satisfying zip when accelerating away as the light turns green. There’s enough muscle for passing moves at highway speeds.

A 6-speed automatic transmission is quick to respond, sending power to a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. We also like the feel of the steering and brakes. Noise levels are kept low, while ride quality is comfortable yet composed.

We’re happy to see a comprehensive array of driver assistance systems fitted as standard, especially blind-spot monitoring. Because the wide rear pillars can hinder outward vision during those over-the-shoulder glances.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of hybrid SUVs, including this Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.

It doesn’t really matter if the interior design of the 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid is a little short on flair. It’s functional, put together well, and uses quality materials. The leather in the Limited trim feels plush and thick.

Also, the amount of space is generous. Rear legroom measures 40.8 inches — 3 inches more than the hybrid-only Toyota Venza.

Behind the rear seats is a luggage area of 36.4 cubic feet, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet when they’re folded flat. That’s the same cargo space as the combustion-only Santa Fe, so there’s hardly any compromise in fitting a hybrid drivetrain. It also compares well with the Venza’s 28.8/55.1 cubic feet.

Heated front seats are standard in the 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid SUV, while the Limited also comes with heated outboard rear seats.

Hands-free tailgate
Not only is the tailgate powered in the base Blue trim, it also comes with hands-free operation. This is just one example of the many standard features in the 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid.

Navigation-based smart cruise control
Because the navigation system knows when the road is about to curve, it can work with the smart cruise control system to ease up the speed, then resume once the road straightens. It’s standard.

Digital driver information display
This 12.3-inch instrument cluster can be configured to show various bits of information, including navigation directions. Another standard feature.

Blind-Spot View Monitor
Blind-spot monitoring is standard across the range, but this feature also shows video in the driver information display from either side of the vehicle. It’s especially useful if there’s a cyclist close by when about to turn right. Now standard in the SEL Premium.

Harman Kardon audio
A high-quality 12-speaker system is standard in the SEL Premium. Harman Kardon systems can also be found in luxury cars like BMWs.

Remote Smart Parking Assist
Exclusive to the top Limited trim, this allows drivers to edge their 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid SUV into and out of tight parking spaces while standing outside.

Hybrid power means the pairing of gasoline and electricity. In the case of the 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid, this entails a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, plus an electric motor energized by a lithium-ion polymer battery.

Combined, they create a healthy 226 horsepower. Hyundai doesn’t quote total torque figures, but the engine and the motor each develop 195 lb-ft of torque. It’s not as simple as just adding the two together, but the amount of thrust in the real world is more than adequate.

Drive goes to all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Regular gasoline does the job. And maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.

1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine/electric motor
226 total horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 36/31 mpg (Blue), 33/30 mpg (SEL Premium, Limited)

More Santa Fe Hybrid fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

Exceptional Warranty and Free Maintenance

Hyundai’s new-vehicle warranty is for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles, which includes hybrid batteries. These warranties are pretty much the best available.

Free scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles is also included. If other companies offer free maintenance at all, it’s usually for two years or 24,000 miles.