2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
With the imminent arrival of all-new version of this popular SUV, the current Hyundai Santa Fe remains relevant for consumers looking for a higher level of two-row comfort with superb practicality and capability.
Typically, we would show you an example that has all of the bells and whistles. However, most of us want something that is affordable with the right amount of features we need. This example, a 2023 SEL model, is exactly that. It is still as comfortable as one of the higher trim levels, but at a more manageable cost.
How so?
The current Santa Fe wears its signature massive grille finished in a shiny black trim. Its LED headlight units are placed lower on the front fascia, next to the grille, leaving the upper lamps on the fender for driving lights and turn signals.
The liftgate wears an LED taillight bar that gives it a nice signature. The overall design is rounded out with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels on this SEL tester. In all, the Santa Fe continues to be handsome, compelling, and inviting.
Inside, we always liked the Santa Fe’s modern center stack area. This features a push-button transmission, a bank of buttons for climate and infotainment controls, and a drive mode knob. On top of the center stack is a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that also offers smartphone mirroring.
For this SEL model, you get two analog dials and a digital information screen on instrument cluster. Every switch and control are excellent to the touch and logical. There is a true feeling of quality that is found on this cockpit.
Passengers will enjoy the ride sitting on durable and easy-to-clean cloth upholstery. The front seats are comfortable, supportive with plenty of bolstering, and are fatigue-free on long journeys. The rear seat offers a lot of room and comfort for 2-3 adults. The cargo space starts with a generous 36.4 cubic feet with the rear seat up, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with it down.
Our tester was powered by a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower, connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Hyundai’s HTrac all-wheel drive system. It is a very strong motor that does a great job cruising down the highway while exhibiting excellent passing maneuvers. In terms of fuel economy, we averaged 24.7 MPG.
Ride quality was excellent. The suspension system does a great job absorbing road imperfections. The Santa Fe takes corners quite well, without much lean or roll..
The steering system offered a tight turning radius and solid response from the wheel. Braking is also good with great pedal feel and response. The Santa Fe offered solid stops in normal and panic situations. In all, the Santa Fe is a nice driving SUV that yields please for everyone on board.
Pricing for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe lineup starts at $28,750. There are ten models to choose from, including three Hybrids and two Plug-In Hybrids. Our SEL tester with all-wheel drive came with a sticker price of $35,485.
Even after the new model arrives at your local showroom, the current Hyundai Santa Fe continues to be one of the leaders of the two-row, mid-size SUV segment. Its competitors include the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and the Honda Passport.
One could be said about a great value when one only wants a few features and not a lot of bells and whistles. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL offers plenty of equipment standard to give you a mix of practical needs and some key technology. It still drives comfortably, which is what families need right now. Get one before they make room for the all-new 2024 model.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
