In a world where car prices have skyrocketed, Santa Fe remains reasonably priced and that’s probably its key strength when competing with other mid-size SUVs. Another strength is the fact that the current model is pretty fresh. The current generation was introduced in 2019 but a massive update came just two years latest. The 2021 model came with new styling, a new interior and a completely new powertrain lineup. Considering all this, it’s quite easy to predict that the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe will come without more important changes.
The next year’s model will continue with familiar design characteristics. You may count on a crossover that comes at a pretty affordable price but gives plenty in return. We like its premium interior and a long list of tech features. Furthermore, both rows of seats are spacious and comfortable, while the whole powertrain lineup is quite efficient. On the other hand, the biggest complaint goes to the firm ride, while the base engine feels underpowered.
As there are no significant changes to come, we presume that the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Design
Design-wise, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe won’t bring any more notable change. We are about to see a familiar layout, which has been around since 2019 but was significantly upgraded a few years ago. The 2021 update brought a new styling and we are pretty sure that the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe will continue in the same way, though there’s always a chance to see minor updates, such as new color options and similar things.
The same thing goes for the mechanical aspect of the vehicle. This crossover handles pretty well and it’s easy to drive. However, the price you have to pay for a decent level of athleticism is the ride, which is firmer compared to competitors like Nissan Murano and Chevy Blazer.
Interior
This is probably the strongest point of Santa Fe. The cabin looks pretty impressive from every aspect. The build quality is great, while most surfaces are covered with soft-touch materials. We also like the combination of elegant aesthetics and numerous tech features, which make this cabin look even more premium.
Besides great quality, this cabin also offers a lot of passenger space. The front seats are well-shaped and offer a lot of comfort on long journeys. Also, we like the driving position, as well as the outward visibility. The second row is also pretty spacious and accommodates adults with ease.
When it comes to the cargo area, you may count on about 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet of the total cargo volume, which seems okay for a mid-size crossover with two rows.
Features
Novelties in this aspect are always possible and the 2023 Santa Fe might come with some of them. However, most of the things will certainly remain the same as in the current model. Therefore, base versions should feature goodies like keyless entry, an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and four USB ports. There is much more to get in higher trim levels. Some of the highlights are goodies like dual-zone climate control, digital key, push-button start, panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, HD Radio, wireless device charging, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.
In terms of safety, all models should come standard with goodies like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, driver drowsiness monitoring etc.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Engines
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe will continue with four familiar engine options. Base models will continue with a slightly underpowered 2.5-liter inline-four, which puts out around 191 horsepower. We believe that the optional 2.5-liter turbo-four is a much better choice. This engine features a max output of 281 horsepower and offers notably better performance. Also, this engine comes with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the base engine comes with a classic 8-speed automatic.
There are also two hybrid powertrains, both based on a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine. The first one is a classic hybrid, with a max output of 226 horsepower. The other one is a plug-in hybrid, which comes with a more powerful electric motor and a combined output of 261 horsepower. Also, the PHEV offers around 30 miles of the all-electric range.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 28.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Nissan Murano, Chevy Blazer, Ford Edge etc.
