After the 2021 refresh, as well as the recent addition of the plug-in hybrid version, we believe that the next year won’t bring such a significant novelty. We expect that the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe could be a typical carryover model, with minor updates only. Those minor updates would be things like new features and color options, but the overall layout would remain the same.
So, you may count on a crossover that has a lot of great things to offer, starting from a more affordable price compared to rivals. Furthermore, we like the upscale interior, which is also equipped pretty well. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, while the base engine also offers pretty good fuel economy. However, the same engine feels underpowered, while another issue that comes to mind is the smaller cargo area compared to rivals.
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
We don’t believe that the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe could bring bigger changes. The current generation has been around for a while and we’ve already seen a facelift for 2021 year. That update brought pretty big changes and that’s why we have no doubt that the next year’s version will continue in the same way. Of course, there is always a chance to see smaller updates, such as new color options, or maybe even a new appearance package, but the overall design will remain the same.
This particularly refers to the mechanical aspect of the vehicle. Therefore, you may count on a familiar setup, which offers a ride quality that’s a little bit on a firm side. Still, such a setup ensures pretty engaging handling and makes this mid-size crossover very easy to drive.
Interior
The current generation has many qualities but we see interior design as one of its strongest points. Simply, the dashboard looks very upscale, thanks to the great build quality and a pretty impressive selection of materials. Furthermore, the attention to detail is great, while a long list of tech features makes this dashboard look even more luxurious.
The Santa Fe is a two-row mid-size crossover and both rows are very generous with space. The front seats are massive and supportive, while the driving position is very good. You may count on great ergonomics and great visibility in all directions. The second row is as spacious and accommodates taller passengers with ease.
On the other hand, things aren’t all that great when it comes to cargo space. You may count on 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet, which is rather on par with compact crossovers. Rivals like Honda Passport offer way more cargo space.
Features
Novelties are possible here and there but we are pretty sure that most of the things are about to remain the same. The 2023 Santa Fe should come standard with things like keyless entry, an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and four USB ports. Of course, there is much more to get in higher trim levels, starting from tech goodies 10.25-inch touch screen, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, HD Radio, wireless device charging, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, as well as dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof etc.
The same thing is with safety features. We expect to see base models equipped with a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams etc.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Engines
Things under the hood won’t change. So, base versions should carry on with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four, which puts out 191 horsepower. That’s enough for daily commuting, especially if we consider pretty good fuel economy, which goes around 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
For those who prefer something more capable, there is a turbo-four engine on the offer as well, with a max output of 281 horsepower. This engine offers way better dynamics, while another difference is the fact that it comes with a dual-clutch transmission, while the base inline-four comes in pair with a classic automatic gearbox.
Also, there are two hybrid versions on the offer. The first one is a classic hybrid, based on a 1.6-liter turbo-four, with a max output of 226 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid version also features the same turbo-four engine but comes with a more powerful electric motor and a way bigger battery. As a result, the max output of 261 horsepower, while the all-electric range goes around 30 miles.
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 28.500 dollars. Key competitors are models like Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano etc.