A reliable brand in the auto industry, Hyundai has also proven itself to be quite an adaptable brand. Over the last several years, the South Korean auto manufacturer has introduced electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains to its lineup of cars and SUVs. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is one model that is offered with some electrified powertrain options. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of the 2023 Santa Fe PHEV. 

An overview of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV   

Hyundai offers the 2023 Santa Fe in a variety of powertrains and trim levels. Along with an assortment of gasoline-powered and hybrid powertrains, Hyundai offers the 2023 Santa Fe in two different trim levels that feature a PHEV powertrain. The lower-level PHEV trim is the SEL Convenience PHEV and the upper-level PHEV trim is the Limited PHEV. 

Both the SEL Convenience PHEV and the Limited PHEV average 33 mpg combined and have a 30-mile all-electric range. Under the hood, a 1.6L turbocharged engine is paired with an electric motor. The duo combines to produce a combined 261 hp. However, when used solely in electric mode, the Santa Fe is only able to produce 90 hp. Hyundai starts the SEL Convenience PHEV trim at an MSRP of $42,410. In comparison, the Limited PHEV has a starting MSRP of $47,670. 

The biggest hit for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV

While the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is an ideal choice for eco-conscious consumers who aren’t quite ready to go all-electric just yet, the biggest win for the Sante Fe PHEV isn’t necessarily its fuel efficiency. Rather, the biggest win for this SUV from a consumer standpoint is the interior experience it provides. The inside of the 2023 Santa Fe is a place of luxury, space, and comfort. 

Both PHEV trim levels offer seating for five and a maximum cargo capacity of 72.1 cu. ft. in the interior. In addition to the roomy interior, this PHEV is decked out with a ton of modern luxuries, tech, and overall conveniences. Both trim levels come standard with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, power-release second-row folding seats, push-button start, and a rearview monitor with parking guidance, among other select amenities. 

The biggest miss for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV

While it’s hard to find too many faults with the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, the biggest miss for the SUV seems to be the fact that it just can’t find a way to stop its gas-guzzling ways. In most cases, consumers opt for an EV, hybrid, or PHEV with the goal of saving money on fuel or lessening their carbon footprint. While this PHEV affords consumers a 30-mile range from a single charge, it’s still heavily reliant on fuel as a 30-mile range is simply not enough for consumers with longer commutes. 

For consumers looking to say goodbye to the fuel pump for good, Hyundai does have a lineup of all-electric cars and SUVs to choose from. Another benefit is that these EVs all have a nicer price tag than the Santa Fe PHEV trims. For example, the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric starts at just $33,550 and has an estimated range of 258 miles which well exceeds the 30-mile electric range the Santa Fe PHEV has to offer. Hyundai also offers the all-electric Ioniq 5, with an estimated range of 303 miles, for a starting MSRP of $41,450.