As 2-row midsize SUVs go, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has much to offer. It undercuts competitors like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Chevrolet Blazer by thousands of dollars without skimping on features.
Power for the SE, SEL, and XRT trims comes from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder good for 191 horsepower, while the top Limited and Calligraphy trims get a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available across the trim range.
From its high-tech interior to its impressively long 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the Santa Fe checks all the right boxes. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions are reviewed separately.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SE (starting at $28,200)
With its sub-$30,000 starting price, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SE makes a lot of sense for budget-minded buyers who may not be interested in having all the latest high-tech, luxury, and performance features.
Nevertheless, with an eye toward safe driving, Hyundai equips the Santa Fe SE with a robust list of standard driver assists. Included in the mix are forward collision warning with cyclist and pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and Junction Turning Detection that alerts the driver when making a dangerous left-hand turn across oncoming traffic.
The list goes on with a standard blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist help keep the Santa Fe from wandering from its lane, while trailer sway assist helps maintain control when towing a trailer.
Finishing out the driver aids is a driver drowsiness monitor, automatic high-beam headlights, hill start assist, a rearview monitor, and a system that reminds the driver to check the rear seat for pets or children before exiting. Safe Exit Assist warns of danger when the driver or passengers are about to open their doors into approaching traffic.
Standard Drive Mode Select allows the Santa Fe driver to choose among Comfort, Sport, and Smart settings, each delivering different performance levels, driving comfort, and fuel economy.
Despite its entry-level status, the SE touts handsome 18-inch alloy wheels and body-colored door handles, mirror caps, and rear spoiler. Standard equipment includes variable front wipers, a rear wiper/washer, LED headlights with LED accent lighting, remote keyless entry, and rear privacy glass. There’s also wiring in place should you add a trailer hitch.
The SE features manually adjustable front seats with 2-way power lumbar for the driver. In the back, you’ll find reclining 60/40-split folding rear seats with a center armrest and rear air vents built into the back of the center console. A stain-resistant cloth fabric covers the seats.
Additional amenities include the following: a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, adaptive cruise control with stop/go feature, air conditioning, power door locks, driver’s side auto-up/down power window, lighted vanity mirrors attached to sliding sun visors, and dual front and rear USB charge ports.
Even the SE’s infotainment system surprises with an 8-inch color touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also includes a rear speaker shut-off switch, an ideal option when the kids sleep.
All-wheel drive adds another $1,700 to the Santa Fe SE’s bottom line.
With the $1,295 delivery fee, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SE sells for $29,495. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $530. See the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SE for sale
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SE includes:
- Adaptive cruise control – Maintains a safe distance between you and the car ahead. It can slow or stop the vehicle as needed, then resume speed.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Oddly, the wireless version is offered only on the least expensive trim. This boon for budget buyers eliminates the need for the correct size USB cable and port, not to mention unsightly wires.
- Ample driver-assist systems – The SE’s generous list of standard driver assists is an unexpected bonus.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL (starting at $31,900)
The Santa Fe SEL brings a lot to the table for just a few thousand dollars extra. In addition to the SE’s features, the SEL adds a proximity key fob with remote start, a push-button starter, and Hyundai Digital Key that allows access to the vehicle via a smartphone app. The app can be used to start the car, set the climate control, and can even be shared with friends or family, giving them access to your vehicle.
The SEL features roof rails, heated side mirrors, a hands-free power liftgate, and puddle lights. The interior sees several upgrades, including an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control with auto-defogger. The rear seat reminder gets an ultrasonic motion detector that can alert the driver to movement inside the car, reminding them to check the back seat for pets or children before leaving the vehicle.
The SEL’s media system gets a significant upgrade, with a 10.25-inch color display, built-in navigation with voice recognition control, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluelink connected services, over-the-air updates, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The standard adaptive cruise control gains a curve control feature that can slow the vehicle before entering a sharp curve, while Highway Drive Assist I helps keep the Santa Fe centered in its lane. The system can also detect posted speed limit signs and be programmed to adjust the vehicle’s speed if desired.
Options for the SEL come bundled into the Premium Package. It adds H-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, a surround-view monitor, and a nifty blind-spot monitor that displays an image of the adjacent lane whenever the turn signal is activated.
Also in the package are manual rear sunshades, power-release second-row seats, an 8-way power passenger seat, a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lights, additional chrome exterior trim, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium surround-sound audio system.
With the $1,295 delivery fee, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL sells for $33,195. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $596. See the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL for sale
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL includes:
- Heated front seats – These keep you warm and toasty on cold winter days.
- Proximity key – With the fob in your pocket or purse, this system allows locking and unlocking the doors and liftgate by touching the door handle.
- Hands-free power liftgate – Automatically opens when approached with the key fob in your possession.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT (starting at $33,700)
Think of the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT as an SEL with a more rugged look. Unfortunately, looks are all the XRT brings to the table because there are no additional upgrades to the suspension, engine, or AWD system.
Visual enhancements include a black exterior finish for the front and rear lower fascia, sidesteps, and skid plates. Eighteen-inch dark tone alloy wheels further the XRT’s distinct appearance, as does the dark finish on the mirror caps, door handles, and grille.
With the $1,295 delivery fee, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT sells for $34,995. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $629. See the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT for sale
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited (starting at $40,050)
The Limited trim doesn’t just add more luxury features to the Santa Fe. It brings a significant change under the hood. Replacing the lesser trim’s normally aspirated engine is a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The DCT allows the driver to perform rapid gear changes without needing a clutch.
In addition to the SEL’s standard and optional equipment, the Limited gains leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a 110-volt outlet, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The driver’s seat receives several improvements, including memory, a power cushion extension, and 4-way power lumbar support.
The Santa Fe Limited enjoys LED projector-style headlights, power-folding exterior mirrors, 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers.
Additional safety systems include reverse automatic emergency braking and Remote Smart Parking Assist. RSPA is an ingenious system that allows remote vehicle operation into or out of a perpendicular parking space. It’s a wonderful feature to have when arriving to find another car has rudely parked so close you can’t open the door.
On the Limited trim, Hyundai has replaced the compact spare tire with a tire mobility kit that includes tire sealant and an air compressor. However, if you’d prefer a traditional spare, you can order one from the dealer.
With the $1,295 delivery fee, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited sells for $41,345. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $743. See the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited for sale
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited includes:
- Ventilated front seats – You don’t like sticking to the seat on hot summer days. Nor do we.
- Turbocharged engine – Delivers impressive power for passing and merging without a big hit to fuel economy.
- Remote Smart Park Assist – This clever device allows the driver to summon the car from a parking spot while standing outside the vehicle.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy
(starting at $42,050)
Think of the Santa Fe Calligraphy as the cherry atop a Limited sundae. It includes all the Limited’s features, then adds quilted Nappa leather seating, premium door panels and door sills, and a faux-suede (called Eco-Suede) headliner.
Features unique to the Calligraphy include 20-inch alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting, a full-color head-up display, and auto-up/down rear windows.
With the $1,295 delivery fee, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy sells for $43,345. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $779. See the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy for sale
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy includes:
- Head-up display – Projects vital information onto the windshield so drivers can see it without taking their eyes off the road.
- 20-inch wheels – These give the Santa Fe a high-end look while its low-profile tires help with steering response and cornering.
- Nappa leather – Luxurious Nappa leather includes a diamond sew pattern rarely found in non-luxury vehicles.
