2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$35,910 to $41,570

Original MSRP

7.7
of 10

expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(6 reviews)

Pros

  • Standard advanced safety features

  • Plenty of cargo space

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Outdated styling

7.7
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
6/10
Technology
7/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
9/10
Photo by Matt Smith. 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid front-quarter view.

In its last year ahead of a major redesign, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid delivers comfort, space, and efficiency–if not brilliant style.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid comes equipped with a hybrid four-cylinder powertrain, impressive safety tech, and plenty of cargo space. Although the Santa Fe hybrid may not look as modern as some of its primary competitors—namely the Kia Sorento Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, or Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe—it remains a sensible choice, priced below all of those other options.

Verdict: We recommend the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid to shoppers who value safety, cargo space, and fuel efficiency over the latest tech features or the newest styling trends.

6/10

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has a lot in common with a pair of “dad jeans.” Although its styling, inside and out, no longer looks modern or hip, the Santa Fe is undeniably practical and offers outstanding value. The fourth-generation Santa Fe debuted in 2018 for the 2019 model year and, although it was refreshed in 2021, the 2023 model nonetheless looks unfortunately outdated when compared with more recently revealed crossovers. Put it next to a Hyundai Palisade, a Kia Sorento, or a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which were revealed or redesigned in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, and the Santa Fe looks soft and bloated, instead of strong and chiseled.

Admittedly, the Santa Fe isn’t an unattractive crossover, it’s just not modern. At the front, the Santa Fe sports a handsome grille with an attractive mesh pattern. Hyundai squared up this grille in 2021, and the headlights now mount flush to either side, with squinty running lamps above those.

Along the Santa Fe’s profile, the wheel arches are tastefully protected with light plastic fenders, and while 17-inch alloy wheels come standard on the lowest-level Blue trim, they grow from there, peaking at the 20-inch wheels on our Limited-trim test vehicle. The SEL Premium trim lives between those two; Hyundai offers a base SE, a rugged XRT, and a top-shelf Calligraphy trim on gas-powered Santa Fes, but those three options aren’t available on the Hybrid.

Above the wheels, the car’s silhouette rises tall without a lot of strength or definition; it looks too soft to be a modern SUV, which may be one reason why Hyundai debuted a tougher XRT trim level in 2022. This year, Hyundai has added a trio of new colors (Hampton Gray, Calypso Red, and Stormy Sea) plus a new, replacement shade of white (Serenity White Pearl… who comes up with these names?).

Part of the problem is the Santa Fe’s length. At 188.4 inches long stretched over a 108.9-inch wheelbase, the Santa Fe is too big to have the stylish proportions of a compact crossover but too short to be a comfortable three-row crossover. And, indeed, Hyundai dropped the Santa Fe’s slightly longer, three-row iteration after the third generation. Now, the Santa Fe is a two-row midsize crossover, akin to a Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, or Subaru Outback.

It’s most casual at the rear, where a high-mounted rear window sits atop a concave lower half. There are no trendy wide-set letters on the back of this Santa Fe; instead, we have the name on the lower left and a “Hybrid” badge on the lower right. The lower fascia curls up, giving a rounded bottom to a rounded car. The single-tip exhaust outlet is hidden from sight.

The Santa Fe’s frumpy looks are a result of a function-first mentality. Nearly large enough to fit three rows of seats, the Santa Fe instead houses only five people–but it compensates with a big trunk.

Inside, it’s more of the same: practical, but outdated. The center console is a massive swath between the front seats and is filled to the brim with physical buttons and knobs. Is it easy to use? Absolutely. But in an era where fiddly touchscreens are the norm, the Santa Fe’s interior looks sensible, not stylish.

Matt Smith
Published Nov 21, 2023 by Matt Smith
When it comes to cars, Matt's curiosity extends well beyond the powertrain. From Ford to Porsche, he's as interested in the history behind the machine as he is in the view behind the wheel. Matt has been working on the journalism side of the auto industry since 2014. As CarGurus’ Deputy Editor, he creates and oversees the site’s written and video content.

User reviews for 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

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User rating:
by Anonymous
May 06, 2024
Roomy, comfortable ride, all the latest technology, very stylish and comes with an unbeatable warranty. Has all the power I need and the hybrid combo saves at the pump. It is an excellent value if purchased below MSRP. I choose it over the Honda CR-V Hybrid.May 06, 2024
by Jack W
Dec 02, 2023
Thought the features were great and prices exceptional Dec 02, 2023
by Gus W
Nov 25, 2023
Firstly, the fuel efficiency of this hybrid SUV is truly remarkable. The transition between electric and gas modes is seamless, and the overall gas mileage is impressive, making it an environmentally conscious and cost-effective choice. Beyond efficiency, the Santa Fe Hybrid offers a comfortable and spacious interior. The cabin is well-designed, providing ample legroom and a quiet ride, enhancing the overall driving experience. The hybrid technology doesnt compromise on cargo space, making it a practical choice for daily commuting or family trips. The technological features, including the infotainment system and driver-assistance tools, are intuitive and user-friendly. The inclusion of advanced safety features adds an extra layer of confidence on the road. I appreciate Hyundais commitment to a sleek and modern design, both inside and out. The exterior has a stylish yet understated elegance, and the attention to detail in the interior enhances the overall aesthetic. In conclusion, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid strikes an impressive balance between fuel efficiency, comfort, and modern features. Its a solid choice for those seeking a hybrid SUV that doesnt compromise on performance or style. I highly recommend the Santa Fe Hybrid to anyone considering a fuel-efficient and comfortable vehicle.Nov 25, 2023

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Pricing

Original MSRP
$35,910 to $41,570
Price range
$29,319 to $30,881
Average price on CG
$29,319
YoY price change
$34,068 to $29,323

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Door trim: cloth · Floor Material: carpet · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.51

Engine

EV battery capacity: 1.5 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 60 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 44 · Electric Motor Torque: 195 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 178 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 195 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1500

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: black · Skid plate(s): front · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: silver

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: one-touch fold flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.73 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: lock operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 630 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: cloth · Floor Material: carpet · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.51

Engine

EV battery capacity: 1.5 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 60 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 44 · Electric Motor Torque: 195 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 178 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 195 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1500

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Skid plate(s): front · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: one-touch fold flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.73 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer wiring: 4-pin

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 630 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: alloy · Floor Material: carpet · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Remote parking assist: key fob operated · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.51

Engine

EV battery capacity: 1.5 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 60 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 44 · Electric Motor Torque: 195 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 178 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5500 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 195 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1500

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Skid plate(s): front and rear · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: intersection/junction turn · Blind spot safety: passenger side camera · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction turn · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: one-touch fold flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Stability and Traction

Traction control: with trailer stability control

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.73 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer wiring: 7-pin

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front

See all trims (4)