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2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

Published on Mar 19, 2025 by Matthew Kroll

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is more than just a mid-size SUV; it’s a complete package that blends style, functionality, and advanced technology in a way that appeals to families, adventurers, and urban drivers alike. With Hyundai’s keen eye for detail and commitment to innovation, the Santa Fe offers an impressive array of features that make it a top contender in the SUV market for 2023. In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe stand out, from its design and performance to safety features, tech, and value for money.

Striking Design Meets Practicality

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe exudes a sleek, modern design that balances sophistication with rugged appeal. Its wide, cascading grille is both bold and elegant, framed by LED headlights that provide excellent visibility and add a sharp, modern look. The sculpted lines and subtle curves of the body contribute to an aerodynamic silhouette, improving fuel efficiency and giving the vehicle a dynamic stance.

 

Hyundai offers a range of color options, from traditional hues like white and black to bolder choices like Twilight Black and Calypso Red. Buyers can also choose between various wheel designs, with sizes up to 20 inches, allowing them to customize the Santa Fe to suit their style.

 

The SUV’s design also considers functionality. Roof rails come standard, adding convenience for those who like to travel with extra gear, whether it’s a kayak, bike rack, or extra luggage. Plus, the rear liftgate, available with a hands-free option, makes it easy to load and unload cargo, perfect for those busy grocery trips or weekend getaways.

Spacious and Comfortable Interior

Inside, the 2023 Santa Fe continues to impress. Hyundai has put considerable effort into creating a cabin that feels both spacious and luxurious, providing a comfortable experience for both driver and passengers. Soft-touch materials and available leather upholstery give the interior a premium feel, while the layout is designed to maximize space and ensure everything is within easy reach.

 

The Santa Fe offers plenty of legroom and headroom, making long journeys comfortable for everyone. With seating for up to five people, the Santa Fe is ideal for families, though it also provides plenty of flexibility for those who need extra cargo space. The rear seats can fold down to open up a massive 72.1 cubic feet of storage space, accommodating everything from sports equipment to weekend luggage.

 

Adding to the comfort, the Santa Fe comes with a host of amenities. Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and available heated rear seats ensure that everyone stays comfortable regardless of the weather. The optional panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of openness, allowing natural light to fill the cabin and offering passengers an exceptional view.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Hyundai has packed the 2023 Santa Fe with technology, making it one of the most tech-forward vehicles in its class. At the heart of the dashboard sits an 8-inch touchscreen, with an upgrade option to a 10.25-inch screen, which supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This connectivity allows drivers and passengers to easily integrate their smartphones for navigation, music, and more.

 

Hyundai has also included a customizable digital gauge cluster, giving drivers quick access to vital information. The available Head-Up Display (HUD) projects key data, such as speed and navigation prompts, directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

 

For audiophiles, the Santa Fe offers a premium Harman Kardon audio system. With 12 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin, the system provides a rich, immersive sound experience. The SUV also features multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad, ensuring that all devices stay charged and connected.

Performance That Doesn’t Disappoint

The 2023 Santa Fe offers a choice of engines to suit different driving preferences. The base model comes equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 191 horsepower, offering a solid balance between power and fuel efficiency. For those who crave a bit more punch, Hyundai also offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower, giving the Santa Fe plenty of power for highway merging and passing.

 

Hyundai hasn’t forgotten about environmentally conscious drivers either. The Santa Fe comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, which offer an impressive blend of performance and efficiency. The hybrid version pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, generating a combined 226 horsepower while achieving an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. The plug-in hybrid model takes this a step further, with an estimated all-electric range of 30 miles, ideal for short commutes and city driving.

 

The Santa Fe’s performance is further enhanced by Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, which offers excellent traction and stability on various road surfaces. Whether you’re navigating slick city streets or exploring off-road trails, the Santa Fe provides a confident and controlled ride.

Safety First: Advanced Safety Features

Hyundai is known for its commitment to safety, and the 2023 Santa Fe is no exception. The SUV is packed with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced safety features that help keep drivers and passengers safe on the road. Standard features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which can detect pedestrians and other vehicles, and Lane Keeping Assist, which provides gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered.

 

One standout feature is the Blind-Spot View Monitor, which displays a live video feed of the Santa Fe’s blind spots on the digital gauge cluster when the turn signal is activated. This feature, combined with the standard blind-spot warning, adds an extra layer of security, especially on busy highways.

 

Other available safety technologies include Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, which alerts the driver to approaching vehicles when reversing, and Safe Exit Assist, which temporarily prevents passengers from opening doors if an oncoming vehicle is detected. With these features, Hyundai ensures that the Santa Fe is equipped to handle various driving situations safely.

 

The 2023 Santa Fe has also received high safety ratings, earning a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These accolades reflect Hyundai’s dedication to creating a safe and reliable vehicle.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many SUV buyers, and the 2023 Santa Fe delivers respectable numbers. The base 2.5-liter engine achieves an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, making it competitive in the mid-size SUV category. The turbocharged version sacrifices a bit of fuel efficiency for extra power, with an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

 

However, the real highlight in terms of fuel economy is the Santa Fe’s hybrid options. The standard hybrid variant offers an impressive 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the plug-in hybrid provides an all-electric range of 30 miles. These options are ideal for drivers looking to reduce their environmental impact and save on fuel costs without sacrificing the versatility of an SUV.

Trim Levels and Customization Options

Hyundai offers the 2023 Santa Fe in several trim levels, allowing buyers to select the model that best suits their needs and budget. The base SE trim comes well-equipped with essentials like an 8-inch touchscreen and safety features, while the SEL trim adds a bit more comfort and convenience with heated front seats and a larger digital gauge cluster.

 

The XRT trim brings a more rugged aesthetic to the Santa Fe, with blacked-out accents and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. For those seeking a luxurious experience, the Limited and Calligraphy trims provide premium features such as leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and a surround-view camera system.

 

Hyundai also offers a variety of optional packages and standalone features, allowing buyers to further customize their Santa Fe. From a panoramic sunroof to a premium audio system, there are plenty of options to create a Santa Fe that matches your lifestyle.

Value and Warranty

One of Hyundai’s strong suits has always been its value proposition, and the 2023 Santa Fe is no different. With a starting price that’s competitive within the mid-size SUV market, the Santa Fe offers a lot of bang for your buck. Even the base model comes generously equipped, and higher trims offer a level of luxury that rivals some more expensive SUVs.

 

Hyundai also backs the Santa Fe with one of the best warranties in the industry. The 2023 Santa Fe comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, providing peace of mind and reducing long-term ownership costs. Hyundai also includes 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, covering oil changes and tire rotations, which adds even more value.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Innovations

Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability is increasingly evident in the 2023 Santa Fe, which reflects a growing trend in the automotive industry toward reducing environmental impact. In addition to offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, Hyundai has incorporated eco-friendly materials and technologies into the Santa Fe's design.

 

The plug-in hybrid variant allows drivers to switch between gas and electric modes seamlessly, making it ideal for city commutes where emissions can be minimized by driving in electric mode. This setup also allows for regenerative braking, which captures energy typically lost during braking and converts it into electric power to help recharge the battery. It’s a feature that not only enhances fuel efficiency but also extends the longevity of brake components, reducing waste over time.

 

Hyundai has also introduced sustainably sourced materials in the Santa Fe’s interior, particularly in higher trims. Some elements of the upholstery and cabin are crafted from eco-conscious materials, reflecting Hyundai's effort to reduce reliance on traditional manufacturing processes. This commitment not only makes the Santa Fe a greener choice but also contributes to a broader industry shift toward sustainability.

 

For buyers who prioritize eco-friendliness, the Santa Fe’s hybrid models offer a way to drive with a lower environmental footprint without compromising on space, power, or style. In doing so, Hyundai demonstrates that sustainability and sophistication can go hand in hand, making the 2023 Santa Fe an appealing choice for conscious consumers looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly SUV.

Ownership Experience and Customer Satisfaction

Owning a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t just about enjoying a well-built vehicle—it’s about joining a brand that prioritizes customer satisfaction and delivers an exceptional ownership experience. Hyundai’s dedication to its customers is evident in every step of the journey, from purchase through long-term maintenance, making the Santa Fe ownership experience smooth and satisfying.

 

Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car Service is available on the 2023 Santa Fe, allowing owners to stay connected with their vehicle through a smartphone app. With Blue Link, drivers can remotely start the engine, set the climate control, locate the vehicle, and even receive maintenance alerts. This feature not only adds convenience but also ensures peace of mind, knowing that your Santa Fe is always accessible, even from afar.

 

In addition to the impressive warranty and complimentary maintenance, Hyundai offers a vast network of dealerships and service centers, making it easy for owners to get help and support when they need it. Hyundai’s dedication to customer service has earned the brand a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, adding another layer of confidence for Santa Fe buyers.

 

Owners also benefit from Hyundai’s Roadside Assistance Program, which covers five years of 24/7 assistance for emergencies like flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts. This program ensures that, no matter where the road takes you, Hyundai has your back, adding another layer of support for Santa Fe drivers.

 

With all these elements combined, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is more than a vehicle—it’s a long-term investment backed by a brand committed to quality, service, and customer satisfaction. The Santa Fe’s blend of performance, technology, and Hyundai’s renowned customer care creates an ownership experience that truly stands out, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a reliable, well-supported, and enjoyable SUV.

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