The Santa Fe is a two-row SUV that slots in between the compact Tucson and three-row Palisade. It's been a staple in Hyundai's lineup for more than 20 years and was one of the brand's first SUVs. Though it's been a part of Hyundai's ascendancy from budget-brand to near-premium automaker, the current Santa Fe, which has been out since 2019, needs something fresh to leave a real impression on us.
The powertrain itself consists of a turbocharged 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system that combine to produce a total output to 260 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.
Any plug-in hybrid is at its very best when the battery is fully charged and the car can intelligently switch between the battery or the gas engine to suit the situation. Drain the battery, however, and a PHEV instantly turns into an even heavier version of a normal hybrid because of its bigger battery.
Like other Santa Fe models, the PHEV is a comfortable place to spend some time. The interior is hushed at most any speed, and on different types of pavement there's little tire drone to speak of. We were able to carry on with a quiet conversation during the duration of our drive, not once having to raise our voices to match the level of unwanted noises, vibrations or harshness. It's also cavernous up front, with enough legroom for taller occupants and comfortable seats that will accommodate a wide range of body types.
The interior itself has not changed at all for the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid, so all of our likes and dislikes from other models carry directly over. There's good small-item storage, and the cargo hold is truly massive. A generous glovebox and deep center console only bolster the Santa Fe's family-hauler credentials. So does its large rear seat area and gobs of headroom for both front and rear seat riders — even with a full-length glass roof.
The Santa Fe PHEV Limited, which is what we drove, gets the same 10.25-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as other top-spec Santa Fes. There are loads of features packed into the Limited trim, including heated and front ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and a Harman Kardon sound system.
The EPA estimates the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid can go about 30 miles on all-electric power with a fully charged battery. After the battery runs out, expect to get 33 mpg in combined city/highway driving, the EPA says. Both figures are a little less than what you can get from a RAV4 Prime, which boasts 42 miles of electric range and 38 mpg combined.
Edmunds saysThe Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is a fine alternative to the solely gas-powered version of the Santa Fe. If you want something efficient, quiet, tech-packed and spacious, it's worth a look. But it seems only at its very best if you can keep that battery charged, but we won't know for sure until we're able to put this PHEV through our full range of testing.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid:
The least-expensive 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid SEL Convenience 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $40,000.
Other versions include:
