2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Features and Specs

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe has long been a favorite for drivers. This family-friendly SUV boasts plenty of interior and exterior features and an impressive under-hood for its class. Fuel efficiency and simple, sleek design elements have long given this model an advantage in the greater market since its debut in 2001.

Hyundai has made slight changes to the newest 2023 version of Santa Fe, which we will cover throughout this post. From engine specs to technology to safety and more, here's everything you need to know about the 2023 Santa Fe SUV!

What's New for 2023?

For 2023, Santa Fe sees only a few changes, mainly involving its standard equipment. The SEL model now features acoustic-laminated front windows and puddle lamps. At the same time, the SEL gets additional features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear sunshades, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and a 10.3-inch center touchscreen.

Hybrid models now come standard with the same 10.3-inch touchscreen and a navigation system that accepts over-the-air updates. The plug-in hybrid model also adds Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous drive mode and a larger touchscreen. So, nothing majorly different or groundbreaking, but the Santa Fe didn't technically need an overhaul.

It's also worth mentioning that the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is available with more powertrains that now include a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. That could be a route for those after better fuel economy.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior

Hyundai's interiors are known for their solid build quality and useful features. Of course, you're not always getting extravagant designs and upscale materials, but this SUV is dependable. The 2023 Santa Fe features an attractive cabin with various specs, including a digital gauge cluster, head-up display, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and more.

The Santa Fe SUV also boasts plenty of passenger space and cargo room for storing extra items while traveling, making it a quintessential road trip vehicle. Notably, this newest model offers 36.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the back row and 72.1 cubic feet with those seats folded down.

That is pretty standard for the SUV segment, although for passengers, Hyundai excels:

• Head Room (first/second row): 41.2/39.0 inches
• Leg Room (first/second row): 44.1/41.7 inches
• Seating Capacity: 5 people
• Passenger Volume: 111.5 cubic feet

You can also expect the previous 2022 model year to have these same offerings (cargo and passenger space). As we covered, this newest release worked more on expanding bells and whistles for standard trims rather than sizing up or reconfiguring.

Exterior Design

Moving outside the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, this latest model resembles 2022 almost perfectly. The body of this vehicle has a more modern look than previous generations, with a sleek front grill and narrow headlights.

Moreover, the Santa Fe offers 18-20-inch alloy wheels, depending on which trim you select, as well as 235/60 R18, 235/55 R19, or 255/45 R20 tires. Moving up, the Hyundai Sante Fe boasts LED headlights with standard daytime running lighting.

Drivers can also bet on the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe at night, which offers plenty of standard lighting features:

• Side mirror approach lights (Puddle lamps)
• Roof-mounted Center High-Mount Stop Light (CHMSL)
• Automatic headlights
• High Beam Assist (HBA)

People can also choose between side steps, hands-free smart liftgates, roof rails, digital keys, and even more when shopping for higher trims (XRT and up). Hyundai makes upgrading to an XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy more enticing as you see what becomes available, so that is worth remembering.

Performance and Powertrain

The Santa Fe offers a range of powertrains, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (191 horsepower), a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter engine (277 horsepower), a hybrid model with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motors (226 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor (260 horsepower).

A base engine will have pretty good acceleration, although an upgraded turbocharged configuration is noticeably more exciting. Its everyday driving ability and overall comfort give the 2023 Santa Fe an edge. It's not a flashy sportscar, nor has it ever claimed to be one.

Regarding towing, the gas-fed Santa Fe can handle up to 3,500 pounds, while the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions can tow up to 2,000 pounds.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Hyundai has implemented a few exciting options for safety and driver-assistance features inside a 2023 Santa Fe. From anti-theft tech to intelligent cruise control, this SUV is one of the safer choices on the market.

Here are some of the safety features inside a Santa Fe SUV:

• Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA)
• Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA, junction turning)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Hyundai SmartSense
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
• Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
• Safety Power Window

Again, some safety specs will vary based on model/trim, so it's worth asking about at your local dealership. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe also received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, the highest awarded score a vehicle can get. It's very safe.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Santa Fe comes with an 8.0- or 10.3-inch touchscreen with driver- and passenger-friendly controls and features. It offers standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, optional wireless charging, and a 630-watt, 12-speaker audio system.

Furthermore, the Hyundai Digital Key offers the convenience of remotely managing your SUV using your smartphone. This feature enables you to lock or unlock the vehicle and even start the engine before you get in. Drivers can set their climate control temperature in the summer, winter, fall, or spring before opening the door to their Hyundai, which is a bonus.

Fuel Economy and MPG

One of the main draws to the Santa Fe has always been its fuel efficiency. For 2023, drivers can expect an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon in the city, 28 miles on the highway, and a combined rating of 26 MPGs.

This is competitive in the larger SUV market, with Hyundai estimated to require 3.8 gals/ 100 miles. As we move into the hybrid models, you get better fuel economy, with a combined rating of 32 MPG. The PHEV Hyundai Santa Fe offers as much as 33 MPG and 76 MPGe, so any of these will be great for long-distance travel.

Hyundai Santa Fe Trim Levels and Pricing

Now, with the specs out of the way, it's worth breaking down what each trim level entails and how much you can expect to pay. Starting from the base level SE Hyundai Santa Fe and working up to the premium 'Calligraphy' trim level, here's everything you need to know before shopping:

SE

You can purchase This entry-level Santa Fe model starting from $28,750. This vehicle features any standard tech and upgrades and will have the basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder (191 horsepower) configuration.

SEL

Next up, the SEL retails for $32,450 and boasts a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This model will have additional exterior features, although it's very close to the SE overall. This year saw more standard features added to the SEL, making it the most "changed" in the group.

XRT

The XRT Hyundai Santa Fe for 2023 starts from $34,250 and is a bit nicer than both the SE and SEL. Especially in added interior/exterior technology and build, you will notice this vehicle looks fancier. Engine-wise, the XRT still has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

Limited

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited trim level is much faster, boasting 277 horsepower via its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Limited also has tech upgrades closer to the Calligraphy and a $40,600 price tag.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is the most expensive, luxurious Santa Fe you can buy. Key features include a sleeker grill, 277 horsepower, a head-up display, ambient cabin lighting, a micro-suede headliner, and much more. You can expect to spend $42,600+ for one, much higher than the SE.

Regardless, a safe and comfortable SUV for under $50,000 always sounds nice to most drivers.

Get Your 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe at Granite Hyundai

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is undoubtedly one of the hottest picks in the SUV market, and it's easy to see why. While this year's model didn't undergo a complete makeover, it managed to enhance its already impressive attributes, both inside and outside the vehicle.

In particular, Hyundai has made significant improvements to the SEL trim, which now boasts a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear sunshades for added comfort, navigation-based adaptive cruise control for convenience, and a generous 10.3-inch center touchscreen for an upgraded infotainment experience. With the fully upgraded Calligraphy trim priced under $45,000, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offers an excellent combination of luxury and affordability that's hard to beat.

If you're eager to explore this exceptional SUV, don't miss the opportunity to visit Granite Hyundai. Their dedicated team can provide you with all the information you need and help you get behind the wheel of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe to experience its impressive features firsthand. Don't wait; make your way to Granite Hyundai today and discover why the Santa Fe is creating such a buzz in the automotive world.