If you want to save fuel without going electric, check out the Santa Fe Hybrid. This SUV shouldn’t be flying under the radar. In fact, it ranks as the best option to buy, at between $35,000 and $45,000.
Does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe have good fuel economy?
Yes, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has excellent fuel economy. It gets an EPA-estimated 36 mph in the city and up to 31 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive equipped. The gas model gets an EPA estimated 25 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway.
?
The 2023 Santa FE HEV starts at $35,910, while the Limited Hybrid model raises the price to $41,579. The RAV4 Hybrid starts at around $30,725 and the Limited takes costs up to $37,930.
While the RAV4 Hybrid has a lower starting price, the , comfort and convenience. For example, AWD is standard across the Santa Fe Hybrid lineup.
What’s so great about the Santa Fe Hybrid?
The 2023 turbocharged inline-four paired with an electric motor to deliver 225PS and 159Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.3 seconds. This is good for the class.
It has a more comfortable ride than the gas model and easily absorbs impacts. Also, the interior is pretty quiet at highway speeds. Acoustic laminated glass helps reduce wind and road noise.
Furthermore, the interior is spacious. Taller adults have room to stretch out and relax in the front and back rows. You can access up to 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and up to 72.1 cubic feet total. A power liftgate and power foldable seats are standard.
It has more room than the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid, but isn’t too big to maneuver. It still provides nimble performance.
Furthermore, the Santa Fe HEV has an attractive and luxurious interior. You can opt for upgraded premium leather upholstery, custom ambient lighting, a huge panoramic sunroof, vented seats, suede headlining, Remote Smart Park Assist, and a 360-degree camera.
What are the potential disadvantages of the 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid to consider?
2023 isn’t exactly sporty. It may look athletic, but it won’t zip around corners like the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. But as a result, the suspension isn’t that stiff.
Critics often complain about the infotainment system lagging or being slow to respond. But the system experienced no lags or glitches during our week with the Hyundai Santa Fe. Perhaps the software system received an update to fix its problems.
Also, some people may find the center stack cluttered with buttons. But they are clearly labeled and easy to understand. The shift buttons can reportedly be tricky to use if you’re not looking, but people generally pay attention when shifting.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid could use improved fuel economy, but it does better than gas-powered options. Plus, it comes loaded with premium features to create an all-around near-luxury option.
