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Did anyone warn the hybrid SUVs about the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV? Well, it might be too late for them to run and hide now. The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid arrived ahead of schedule to crush the competition. 

Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV a good SUV? 

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid being charged
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid | Hyundai

Yes, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is an excellent option to consider. It’s one robust, reliable, and efficient model. Also, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid will flow in its tire tracks later in the year. 

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid will go on sale in the summer with a price that begins around $35,000. For comparison’s sake, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime starts at about $38,250. So, the Santa Fe has a very competitive price. 

How much power does the Santa Fe Hybrid have? 

The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine with 177 hp and a 66.9-kW electric motor with 90 hp. They combine to generate 260 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, while the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid model features 226 hp. 

With the Santa Fe PHEV, you can expect to get an EPA-estimated 31 miles of all-electric range with a full charge. It gets about 33 MPG. A 13.8-kWh liquid-cooled battery pack makes these figures possible. 

The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a 42-mile electric-only ranger and gets an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined. It uses a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 177 hp and two AC motors that combine to provide 302 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the Santa Fe PHEV can tow up to 2,000 lbs, and the RAV4 Prime can tow up to 2,500 lbs. 

Charging times for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV hasn’t been released. But it will include a 3.3-kW onboard charger. Charging times are expected to be under four hours. The RAV4 Prime takes 12 hours to charge with a 120-volt household outlet and 4.5 hours to charge with a 240-volt charger. 

How does the Santa Fe PHEV perform? 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV driving down a dirt road
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV | Hyundai

The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid comes with standard all-wheel drive and a version of Hyundai’s HTRAC mechanical system. Up to 50 percent of the torque is sent to the rear wheels for enhanced dynamic control and agility. 

If the system senses slippery conditions, the system automatically distributes power to all four wheels. Driving modes include Normal, Smart, and Sport. This system is excellent for providing control in slippery conditions such as ice or snow. 

With the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid SEL, you get keyless entry and start, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and Wireless AppleCarPlay/Android Auto. 

Upgrade to the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid for leather surfaces, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated back seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and remote smart parking assistance. 

At first glance, the Santa Fe PHEV seems like a well-rounded hybrid SUV. With the 30 miles electric range, you may be able to commute each day without using gas. Plus, it provides a luxurious interior, sporty ride, and includes rugged capability. We can’t wait to test it from behind the wheel.

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