The 2023 Santa Fe delivers impressive acceleration and fuel efficiency as well as luxurious accommodations at a price that undercuts most of the competition. A spacious cabin and a smooth ride quality are also highlights.
Part of the fourth Hyundai Santa Fe generation introduced for 2019
What is the Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a popular and well-regarded midsize SUV, but up until a couple of years ago, it was fairly bland. That changed in 2021, when Hyundai gussied up the Santa Fe with a gawping new grille and a trendy interior refresh. The result is a spacious crossover that stands out from the crowd and also offers the utility you'd expect of a vehicle this size.
Considering it enjoyed a major refresh just a few years ago — along with the rugged XRT and plug-in hybrid variants introduced for 2022 — we don't expect any major changes for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. We might see expanded availability of the optional turbocharged engine outside of the high-end Limited and Calligraphy models, but that's about it. Otherwise, the Hyundai Santa Fe continues to be a strong contender against other midsize crossovers including the Honda Passport, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Toyota Venza.
Edmunds says
With a luxurious, spacious interior, and wide variety of trims and powertrains, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offers something for everyone.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #17 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#17 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$448/yr
vs. $485/yr for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.4x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
12.7%
vs. 13.5% for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
1 recall found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
23V181000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
244
Number of vehicles affected:
584784
Defect Description:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Defect Consequence:
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
I purchased my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy in mid December 2022. I bargained the dealer down to "only" about $2,000 over msrp. (They originally wanted $12,000 over!). Even at that price it's definitely a bargain over any other luxury SUVs I've been exposed to. This car has virtually EVERY feature offered on much higher priced SUVs. Every driver assistance short of autonomous … driving. Top of the line navigation, even (in HD radio areas) gas prices and doppler radar. Great customizable dash. Part of driver's pod changes to blind spot view when turn signals are used. I also highly recommend the upgrade to Calligraphy trim which gives you the higher hp 2.5 4 cillinder turbo. The non turbo seems very underpowered for this sized SUV. The turbo is great. Set fantastic adaptive cruise at 89 mph (Utah) and even on the steepest hills did not go down even 1 mph. The 8 gear transmission makes acceleration from 60 to 80 for passing crazy fast. The adaptive cruise will take it to a complete stop and then go back up to set speed. Heads up display is perfect. Seems to float out over the hood. Shows speed, cruise set speed, next navigation turn & distance, lane assist indicator, even flashes the song being played on the media player. Top of the line sound system. Every type of media input. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats. Gigantic panoramic sun/moon roof. It can be parked or pulled out of a std parking space (non parallel parking) from the key fob. Really neet and impressive, but not really too useful. Rear door opens automatically after standing behind it for about 5 seconds. However, I have turned that feature off because it does so when not wanted. It will try and pin you against a wall! Unbeatable warranty. Can choose to auto stop/start engine and can have the break automatically hold a stop without keeping it pressed until the accelerator is pressed. All windows auto down, up. Great cameras, including the "birds eye" view. LOVE THIS CAR!!! Now, after 6 months of ownership, I only have a few quibbles... They should absolutely forget the dual-clutch transmission! NOT needed for this car! Unless you use the "Auto Hold" feature, it will roll back into following traffic after you start up on a hill between when you release the brake and step on the accelerator. Better be quick, or engage the Auto Hold feature each time you get in the car. Its like being in neutral until you press the accelerator. The auto stop/start is also very annoying. For a split second, every time you press the accelerator after a stop, you're not sure if you are going to be stranded in front of traffic. I, and MANY other drivers push the button to turn it off each time we start the car. It defaults to "On". Also be aware, there is no spare, just a can of "Fix a Flat"!! BUT, after saying all that, I still LOVE everything else about the car!!!! Best car for my wife and me I have ever owned. Hyundai.... just fix 2-3 things and it will be perfect!!!
Vibration Issues 2023 Santa fe limited ultimate
1 out of 5 stars
Marie M, 03/23/2023
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
The only reason I gave this review a one star is that I am totally disappointed with the horrible vibration issues....I'm the 1 month owner of this 2023 vehicle and I have been back to the dealer 4 times....they have replaced tires..another front end alignment...another balancing of tires. .and test drove another brand new one...and still had the same vibration Issues....it is even … worse for anyone sitting in the rear of the vehicle.....otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.. ..beautiful interior....very luxurious interior and exterior...but the horrible vibration cancels out all the great review of this beautiful vehicle...
UPDATE: Still all that. It’s all that plus some
4 out of 5 stars
SMOTU, 04/18/2023
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
UPDATE: My original review from a couple weeks after I bought this from 14 months ago is below. Pretty much everything I said then holds now. This is a great vehicle! At this point, the bloom has not faded from the rose and I'm happy that I bought it.
It still gets okay gas mileage. Up to 28 mpg on the highway and around 22 mpg around town. I only have 10,000 miles on it and most … of those are in town driving. I have noticed that it is not quite as quiet as I had hoped and there is some road/tire noise that intrudes and makes an almost very low booming noise. Much quieter than my previous Santa Fe though and not too intrusive, but it's there.
I read about new cars all the time and saw that the new, 2025 BMW X5 with a 6 cylinder with much more power gets the same or better gas mileage than my Santa Fe. Hyundai needs to figure out what those magicians from Munich are doing and step up their game!
It is still a very comfortable ride and quick when you want it to be. And I appreciate the tight turning radius too. It makes it seem smaller than it is.
I've had zero mechanical problems with it and one oil change at no charge from the dealer to date.
Storage around the driver is lacking a bit, especially compared to my previous Santa Fe. The storage bins on the doors are too narrow and shallow, and the bottle holder is placed back and in an awkward spot that does not readily come to hand. I don't find the good-sized cubby beneath the center console arch that useful. It is out of sight and hard to reach for a short, old fat guy. It is a nice place to have your charging wires plugged in, but other than that, mostly what ends up down there are old napkins and receipts. My previous Santa Fe model had a nice sized cubby up top where the console met the dash and was a perfect repository for all sorts of junk. I actually loved having it right there so I could see and find stuff.
As mentioned in my original review below, this model does not have a built-in sunglass holder. I found a nice, clip-on holder that works well, but in Dallas, a sunglass holder is a must! I also still am not that impressed with the center console storage space. It is very similar to my old Santa Fe and many other vehicles, but it is narrower and as deep or deeper. So, you can still get a lot of stuff down there, just not as much as the previous model.
My fiancé loves the little built-in shelf above the glove box. It's the perfect place to put your cell phone.
Overall, though, the interior is a very comfortable and nice place to be, and I would buy this vehicle again. It is quick, roomy, comfortable and gets decent gas mileage and to date has had no mechanical issues whatsoever. And the tech and cameras are more/better than most.
I just sold my 2013 Santa Fe Turbo 2.0 and bought a red Santa Fe Limited. I love this vehicle. I’ve only had it for two weeks, so these are only my first impressions. I’ll start with the negative as there aren’t many.
There’s no sunglasses holder. My 2013 had a purpose made little holder above the rear view mirror. Loved it! Just pushed it a little and it would open and shaped just perfectly for sunglasses. The 2023 has nothing. As a matter of fact, the storage bin between the seats is smaller than my 2013’s and my sunglasses have to sit diagonally in the little top removable shelf. The bin below is also smaller than my 2013’s, but certainly spacious enough for most of your junk.
The wireless charger doesn’t work. And my phone won’t sit in it straight up and down either. This could be a one off and I’m going back to the dealer when I get time, but my sales rep did tell me that it was an issue. So we shall see.
The good news is that there is a storage space under the console due to the push button shifter which not only is fairly large, it has power outlets. So I have my charging cord plugged in down there and I can snake the wire up to the console area and charge my phone the old fashioned way.
Speaking of storage, due to the design there’s just less of it than in my 2013 around the driver. I loved the design of my 2013 and all the storage cubbies and placement of them. This 2023 only has the between the seats bin and the good sized cubby under the console.
However, there is a very nice feature on the passengers side. There’s a shelf built in across the top of the glove box. It’s partially recessed with a lip and a rubberized top and it’s just perfect for my fiancés cell phone and other little stuff.
The only other disappointment is the standard stereo on the Limited. It’s better than the one on my 2013, but not by much. I was hoping for a much more immersive sound and I keep tinkering with it to try to get the sound quality I’m looking for (should I say listening for 🤔). The stereo is good but seems to be somewhat lacking. Maybe I’ll get it tuned better later on.
And that’s it for the negatives! This is really one heck of a ride and so far I’m blown away by it.
I’m a short, 5’6”, older (68) fat guy. I chose the 2013 in large part because the seats were so comfortable. Fast forward ten years and I’m probably a little shorter and definitely fatter. This vehicle is extremely comfortable for my size and fits me perfectly. It accommodates my fat butt and is a joy to sit in. So if you’re short and fat, this is a winner.
I specifically wanted the turbo and my oh my, it is quick. Much more powerful than my 2013 2.0 turbo, but with about the same horsepower. This has more torque and pushes you back into your seat. It can fly! And when you dial it in to sport mode, it completely changes the personality of the vehicle and it reacts much more quickly and the steering tightens up and it’s a hoot to drive. 👍😎. Haven’t even used the paddle shifters yet, but they’re there.
So far, on my one short one hour highway trip, so two hour round trip, I got 28 mpg! That’s better than the 2013 by 2 or 3 mpg with the extra power. Around town (Dallas), l’m getting 24 mpg. So far, so good!
I’m still trying to get used to all the tech, and this has just about everything. The adaptive cruise control works great as does the lane assist. The lane assist is not too intrusive but is occasionally annoying, but I can turn it off if I want to.
I love the blind spot camera views on the dash when you turn on the turn signals. What a great feature. Also love the blind spot monitoring and the cross traffic monitoring with the mitigation feature. It beeps and will brake if a car is coming.
There’s a lot of beeps and tugs on the wheel and camera views popping up, but I’ll get used to them. I’m counting on this to save my fat butt as least once with all these bells and whistles as I get older 😉.
So there you have it for now. I’m sure I will update this at some point. But if you’re in the market, I highly recommend the turbo version of the Santa Fe. It’s fast, drives like a dream, is supremely comfortable and gets really good gas mileage considering the power.
It’s mainly just me 90% of the time or me and my fiancé. We wanted something fast and somewhat sporty (okay, I did, she couldn’t care less), but also some utility for weekend Home Depot runs and loading up for vacations. Roxy (did I mention I named her Roxy?), fits the bill. She’s really, really, really a nice ride. I’m counting on her to get me to my dotage 😉 when they take the keys away from me.
Put it on your short list. I think you’ll be impressed.
Amazing, but wait!
3 out of 5 stars
Jeremy, 01/26/2023
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
Here's my promise to all of those looking for a brand new 2023 Santa Fe, I will speak truth, the full truth and nothing but the truth. I am just a normal guy and wish I would have read the review I am about to post before I purchased this vehicle.
The good...I fell in love with this vehicle the moment I took it for a test drive. The engine and transmission work great together. No high … revs before shifting and amazingly quiet. Gets up and down the road, including onto the highway great. The ride is comfy, gets me sitting up high, gets great gas mileage (averaging above the 25/28 advertised since owned...28.3mpg to be exact and have gotten 31 on some trips) and top safety pick+, which is huge, with great safety features. Has enough electronics to be cool, but not so many you can't figure out what in the world is going on. All-in-all, the test drive was true to how the vehicle actually drives.
The not-so-good (there isn't anything REAL awful about the vehicle, just stuff to be aware of)...Apple Car Play SUCKS! Huge lag. Tried driving in Atlanta and was several blocks behind. I would make a turn and it didn't even recognize I made the turn for 5 or more seconds. Completely useless and misleading when driving. I had to disconnect from the vehicle and look at it directly on my phone. This happens every time I connect Apple Car Play to the vehicle, so not a one-time thing. I discussed this with a Hyundai Service Rep and he said Hyundai is aware of the problem and working with Apple to resolve. As I am sure you can imagine, Hyundai isn't Apple's priority so who knows when/if this will be resolved. Shocked in 2023 this is even an issue. For me, this is a huge deal since I do a lot of traveling to unfamiliar places and rely on Apple CarPlay. In all honesty, wouldn't have bought the vehicle had I known this was an issue. In fact it would seem from a legal standpoint they shouldn't advertise it if it knowingly doesn't work right??? Second, the entire touchscreen is slow to respond and at times you have to push the function you want several times before it recognizes what you want it to do. Third, and maybe this is nitpicky, you can't pick the windshield wipers up off the window when washing the vehicle or changing the wiper blades because of how they sit under the hood. I asked the same Hyundai rep about this and he said you have to turn the car on, turn the wipers on and then quickly shut the car off when the wipers are in the up position. Is it just me or does something about that seem off??? Lastly, be aware of the very little storage there is. There are two cupholders, but besides the center console, nothing else. This is my fault since I overlooked it while driving, so I won't fault Hyundai on it, just something to think about.
There you have it, my honest opinion on the car. Once again, just wish I had this information prior to purchasing and likely would have swayed me in another direction.
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