Returning with a few feature upgrades, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (HEV) continues as the third leg of the Santa Fe stool. Hyundai also markets a gasoline-only Santa Fe and a Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV); we detail those versions elsewhere.
Kicking off the 2023 enhancements is a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that’s standard on the entry-level Blue trim. Last year’s model had an 8-inch display. This year, the Blue gets the navigation system from last year’s upper trim levels, which includes voice recognition and over-the-air (OTA) map updates.
The midrange Premium trim gains faux-leather seating, a surround-view camera, and a blind-spot monitor. Also, Hyundai is tossing in three new exterior colors, bringing the exterior color count to seven.
Making a return appearance is the 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor. The combined output is 226 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. A 6-speed automatic transmission distributes engine torque to the wheels.
Drivers can choose three driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and Smart. This drivetrain is good for at least an estimated 32 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Max tow capacity: 2,000 pounds.
An array of hybrid rivals lines up against the Santa Fe, including the Toyota Venza and Honda CR-V Hybrid.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid earns our respect for its impressive features and technology, comfortable interior, standard AWD, and that industry-leading 10-year/10,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Let’s see how the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid trim levels stack up.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Blue ($35,660)
Anchoring the Santa Fe Hybrid grades, Blue delivers a wealth of standard features and cutting-edge technology. There’s enough standard content to make most drivers happy. For example, the Blue has a hands-free power liftgate, proximity keyless entry with remote start, and heated front seats.
In addition to Hyundai’s HEV system and AWD, the Blue grade brings 17-inch alloy wheels, trailer sway control, hill-descent assist, hill-start assist, and auto on/off LED headlights. Hyundai also includes heated power outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, push-button start, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and cloth seating.
Dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a HomeLink transceiver are also standard. Other features include wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital driver-information display, high-beam assist, and dual USB ports.
In addition to the previously mentioned 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, the Santa Fe Hybrid Blue gets a 6-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio.
Among the Blue’s safety and driver-aid technologies are blind-spot monitoring with steering assist and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic reverse braking. Forward collision warning (with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection) and intersection-left-turn assist also are included, along with a lane-keep assist.
Other standard safety features are safe exit assist, rear-park assist, lane-following assist, and a driver-attention warning. It also has Highway Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous system that utilizes the adaptive cruise control to help accelerate, brake, and steer the vehicle.
Although Hyundai doesn’t offer factory-installed options for the Santa Fe Hybrid, there are some dealer-installed options.
Adding the $1,295 factory delivery fee to the Blue base price brings the total to $36,955. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $664 per month. See 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Blue models for sale near you
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Blue includes:
Bluelink Connected Car System – This device-driven subscription service allows you to interface with your car to notify first responders of an accident, provide monthly vehicle health reports, and more.
Digital Key – You can lock, unlock, and start your Hyundai with your smartphone.
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach the vehicle or touch the door handle. Push-button start pairs with proximity keyless entry.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SEL Premium ($39,520)
Although the different Santa Fe Hybrid trim levels sell in roughly the same numbers, the Premium is the most popular. It adds upscale features like a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a surround-view camera, and a panoramic sunroof.
Other upgrades include 19-inch alloy wheels, faux-leather seating, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and a blind-spot-monitor display. LED interior lighting is standard, too.
Adding the factory delivery fee to the Hybrid SEL Premium base price equals $40,815. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to a monthly payment of approximately $733. See 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SEL Premium models for sale near you
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SEL Premium includes:
Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle, which is particularly valuable when parking.
Panoramic sunroof – Power-operated, this dual-panel glass roof features a sunshade that retracts to expose both panels. The front panel opens.
Harman Kardon audio – A 12-speaker system, it features surround sound, a subwoofer, and Clari-Fi sound-restoration technology.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Limited ($41,320)
To the SEL Premium, the Limited adds leather upholstery, rear-park assist with automatic braking, front-park assist, power-folding outboard mirrors, and dual-projector LED headlights. Also included are a driver’s seat memory system, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Finishing off the Limited’s features are a power driver’s seat cushion extension, 4-way power driver’s seat lumbar settings, a 115-volt power outlet, rain-sensing wipers, and remote smart parking assist.
Adding the factory delivery fee to the Hybrid Limited base price totals $42,615. Using our no-money-down formula, the monthly payment works out to approximately $766 per month. See 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Limited models for sale near you
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Limited includes:
Remote smart parking assist – From outside the vehicle, you can use the key fob to pull this Santa Fe into (or out of) a tight parking spot.
Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
Ventilated front seats – Blowing cool air, these seats help keep you comfortable in hot weather.
