Midsize SUVs are ideal family vehicles designed to comfortably seat large groups of passengers and store cargo. Popular midsize models can be significantly more expensive than small SUVs. Luckily for consumers, several automakers produce affordable midsize SUV models. What is the most affordable new midsize SUV on the market for 2023?

The Hyundai Santa Fe midsize SUV is the most affordable in its segment

The Hyundai Palisade and its cousin, the Kia Telluride, may get the most love in the midsize segment, but another midsize Hyundai model deserves attention. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is the most affordable midsize SUV on the market.

The South Korean company has been making major waves in the industry in the past few years. Hyundai Motor Company and its portfolio of brands have taken the automotive industry by storm. Hyundai has a model that competes at the highest level in just about every vehicle segment (through Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis).

The budget-friendly Hyundai starts at $28,750. It is the only new midsize model available to start under $30,000. In fact, the Santa Fe’s pricing is closer to the pricing of a small SUV than that of a midsize model.

The Hyundai Santa Fe isn’t as roomy as the Palisade. It’s also underpowered compared to some rivals, and its average fuel economy fails to impress. Still, the midsize SUV provides excellent value for many drivers.

Is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe a good SUV?

The most affordable midsize SUV, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, comes in five different configurations. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the cost-saving model gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

Consumers can add all-wheel drive to the base model SE configuration for $1,700. The Santa Fe comes standard with smart cruise control with stop and go, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. It also includes a safe exit assist, hill start assist control, and a tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire indicators.

Should you get a Hyundai Santa Fe?

The Hyundai Santa Fe may be the most affordable midsize SUV on the market for 2023, but it’s far from the best in its segment. The midsize SUV vehicle segment is dominated by the three-row Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

The best version of the midsize SUV is the Santa Fe Hybrid because of its improved power and fuel economy. The 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid variant starts at $36,210. It makes 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque using a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. More importantly, the Hybrid powertrain offers 36 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway, which is great for its size.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent value option, but it isn’t made for large families or groups of friends like the Palisade. The Santa Fe is ideal for consumers looking for a budget midsize SUV meant to hold no more than four passengers regularly.