Kelley Blue Book Ranks 1 Plug-in Hybrid SUV Over the Hyundai Palisade
Plug-in hybrid technology is becoming more popular in the automotive industry. Nameplates like the Toyota Prius Prime and Toyota RAV4 Prime are exciting gearheads. PHEVs get more driving range than many hybrid vehicles thanks to electric-only driving range. They also get a power boost from electric motors. One plug-in hybrid SUV ranked higher than the popular Hyundai Palisade on a list of best midsize SUVs compiled by Kelley Blue Book.
Kelley Blue Book recommends this plug-in hybrid midsize SUV
Kelley Blue Book is an automotive research and vehicle valuation company that provides some of the most accurate valuations and ratings in the auto industry. The company recently compiled a list of the best midsize SUVs of 2022 and 2023.
The Kia Telluride predictably topped the list. Kia’s midsize SUV has dominated rankings in its segment for the last few years. Kelley Blue Book’s second-highest-ranking vehicle will come as a surprise to many drivers.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid ranks below the Telluride and above its South Korean cousin, the Hyundai Palisade. So the question is, what gives?
In short, the Santa Fe provides incredible value. The PHEV Santa Fe provides even more value in the form of an electric-only driving range for a price that’s still affordable. Let’s break down why the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid made its way so high up Kelley Blue Book’s list.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid specs
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid starts at $40,000. It uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor to make 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The midsize plug-in hybrid SUV achieves 32 miles per gallon combined.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators and a Hyundai digital key. The midsize plug-in hybrid SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive as well.
The Santa Fe PHEV features plenty of creature comforts that make it worth the money. It makes a great family hauler. The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid’s unique powertrain is the icing on the cake. The PHEV gets over 601 miles of driving range on a full tank of gas, plus an added 31 miles of electric-only driving range. So, a Santa Fe PHEV with a full battery and full tank of gas could travel for close to 632 miles before needing to refuel. Not too shabby at all.
Should you get a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid?
If you are looking for a new midsize SUV, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are certainly worth considering. Drivers that regularly travel far distances and go on road trips benefit immensely from the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid’s powertrain system.
The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid may not be the best midsize SUV for the money, but it’s certainly one of the better options available to drivers. Hopefully, other automakers will create new nameplates to rival it and usher in a new era of PHEV midsize SUVs.
