Founded in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company has consistently led the way in automotive technology. Since then, the company has been producing cost-effective vehicles focused on delivering remarkable performance. Hyundai’s extensive vehicle lineup spans across various segments, including sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks.

Fast-forward to today, following the ever-changing trend and climate conditions, the South Korean automaker has made substantial investments in low-emission gasoline engines, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric vehicles. In 2016, Hyundai introduced the IONIQ, the world’s first car to offer three distinct electrified powertrains.

The arrival of the Hyundai Santa Fe in the SUV segment marked the beginning of a new chapter for the South Korean automaker. Launched in 2000, the Santa Fe has solidified its position in Hyundai’s continued success. As the longest-running model in Hyundai’s lineup, it has earned the status of Hyundai’s flagship model. The current Santa Fe is in its fourth generation, and it is offered in three distinct powertrains; gas, hybrid and the famous plug-in hybrid. The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is one of Hyundai’s best, cost-effective, and performance-oriented vehicles.

All the data regarding pricing, performance and economy figures, and vehicle dimensions of all mentioned vehicles are courtesy of the automakers’ sites, Edmunds, EPA , MotorTrend, and Car and Driver.

Related: Why The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Concept Definitely Needs To Go Into Production

1 The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Comes In Two Distinct Trims

Starts At $42,410

The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is known to hold its own among the elites in the plug-in hybrid market, and its cost is one of its standout features. With two enticing trims to choose from, those being the SEL Convenience and the premium Limited trims. With the SEL Convenience being the one to represent the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid lineup, it starts at $42,410, which is a little over $6,000 more than the standard Hybrid model.

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid’s Pricing And Trims

(Pricing sourced directly from Hyundai)

With hybrid and plug-in hybrids getting more and more popular in this day and age, it is only smart to opt for the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid. So, if you are in the market for a midsize SUV, with a keen eye for exceptional fuel efficiency and a roomy interior, look no further than the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid.

2 The Cabin Is Decked With Modern Technology

As you step into the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid’s cockpit, you are greeted by a number of advanced technology features, ready at your disposal. The dash greets you with a 10.25 touchscreen display, delivering clear visuals and an intuitive interface, ensuring easy access and control of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid’s myriad features.

This year’s Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid lineup also offers a class-exclusive Digital Key feature, allowing you to unlock doors and turn on the engine, without lifting a finger. This innovative feature is yet to be offered by its competitors: the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, and the Toyota RAV4 Prime. The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid also features Qi Wireless charging to make sure you’re always juiced up. The Limited trim offers a Harman Kardon Premium Audio system, delivering the best audio performance.

Related: Decoding The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe’s Bold New Design

3 It Offers Up To 72.1 Cubic-Feet Of Cargo Capacity

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid finds its place among a segment of mid-size SUVs that teeter on the edge of accommodating rear-row passengers. The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid stands out with its impressive focus on comfort, luxury, and ample cargo space within an interior that strikes a harmonious balance between simplicity and modernism. A hands-free smart auto-open liftgate is standard across both trims.

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid’s Interior Dimensions

(Numbers sourced from Hyundai)

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid’s Cargo Capacity

(Numbers sourced from Hyundai and Edmunds)

The ventilated front and rear seats also come with two exhilarating options: leather-trimmed and Beige leather-trimmed, to choose from. An available panoramic sunroof allows natural illumination inside the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid’s cabin, cozying up the cabin. Also, the power-release folding second-row seats allow the cargo space to expand to a generous 72.1 cubic-feet.

4 The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Has A Bold And Modern Look

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid, staying to its prestigious heritage, maintains a rugged and bold look, all the while maintaining its sleek and modern design. Available in a plethora of color options to choose from, the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid lets you select the shade that suits your style and makes a statement on the road.

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid’s Exterior Dimensions

(Numbers sourced from Edmunds)

Standard 19-inch alloy wheels carry the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid, contributing to its remarkable performance capabilities. With a bold front grille, stylish LED headlights, and a dynamic profile that means business, the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid boasts a modern and captivating aesthetic.

Related: Why The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Is The Best Hybrid SUV In 2023

5 It Comes With All-wheel-drive As Standard

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is one of Hyundai’s exclusive vehicles to feature the Standard HTRAC AWD system. It combines rugged SUV capability with all the benefits of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, providing a versatile and efficient driving experience. The HTRAC AWD (Hyundai TRACtion All-Wheel Drive) is a next-generation system that regulates torque distribution and braking between the front and rear axles of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid.

HTRAC AWD restlessly monitors more than 50 vehicle inputs, calculating the torque necessary for each wheel. Whenever a slippage is detected, this intelligent AWD system responds by redistributing power between the front and rear axles of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid, making it one of the best all-wheel drive vehicles. The result? Exceptional traction and stability in all driving conditions.

6 Impressive Fuel Economy

33 MPG And 76 MPGe Combined

If you happen to be in the market for a hybrid SUV, and aren’t too keen on spending cash on gas, look no further than the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid. With an all-electric range of 30 miles, you get the convenience to cut your trips to the gas station short. The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid boasts an EPA estimated fuel economy of 33 city / 32 highway / 33 combined miles per gallon (MPG) on the gas engine, and an impressive 79 city / 72 highway / 76 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) on the electric motor system.

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid’s Fuel Economy

(Fuel Economy sourced from Hyundai, Edmunds, and EPA)

With an electric range of 30 miles, the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid can complete daily commutes and short trips without using gasoline, which results in less money than spent on fuel. Also, the hybrid system of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid can smoothly transition to the gas engine solely, if the battery runs out of juice.

Related: 10 Most Powerful Electric SUVs

7 The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Boasts A Combined 261 Horsepower

Under the hood, the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid makes use of a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine and 66.9 kilo-Watt electric motor to produce a robust 261 horsepower with 225 pound-feet of torque. This power is efficiently transferred to all four wheels of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Specs And Performance

(Specs and performance sourced from Hyundai and MotorTrend)

Moreover, the electric motor of the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid uses regenerative breaking to convert the wheels’ mechanical energy into electric charges and store it in the battery. According to the tests conducted by MotorTrend, the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid makes the 0-60 mph dash in seven seconds, which is 1.2 seconds faster than the regular Santa Fe hybrid.

8 It Only Takes Four Hours To Fully Recharge

Driving the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is easier than you thought, mainly because of the time and cost-saving advancements it features. With its cutting-edge powertrain technology, recharging your Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is a breeze. You have the options to opt for home charging solutions or utilize the growing network of public charging stations.

You can also schedule charging sessions from your smartphone through the Bluelink app. The 13.8 kilo-Watt hour battery of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid reaches a full charge in about three hours and 30 minutes when using a wall box, while it takes about six hours and 30 minutes when charging at a standard domestic socket.

Related: Top 10 Plug-in Hybrids To Watch Out For In 2023

9 The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Offers Impressive Safety Features

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid comes with Hyundai SmartSense, offering a plethora of Impressive Safety Features to ensure your safety. Some of these features include:

Hyundai SmartSense Key Features

• Driver Attention Warning
• Safe Exit Assist
• Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Lane Following and Keeping Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• High Beam Assist

Santa Fe Crash-Worthiness Evaluation By The IIHS

The Santa Fe lineup has had a successful history in the past, receiving a Five-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA, and winning the 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. This ensures Hyundai’s commitment to crafting safe vehicles for their esteemed customers.

10 It Performs Well Against Its Rivals

Electric and hybrid powertrains are becoming increasingly common in the midsize SUV segment, with options like the Ford Escape PHEV and the Mazda CX-90 PHEV. The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is a smart choice for SUV enthusiasts seeking a practical and comfortable vehicle that excels in fuel efficiency without sacrificing power.

2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Vs. Competition

(Figures sorted from automakers, Edmunds, and EPA)

The 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid offers an all-electric range of 30 miles, whereas the Ford Escape PHEV and the Mazda CX-90 PHEV offer up to 37 and 26 miles of all-electric range. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV takes the lead in power with 323 horsepower, whereas the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid and the Ford Escape PHEV produce up to 261 and 210 horsepower respectively. All three of the mentioned vehicles offer best-in-class fuel economy and definitely worth considering.