Design Review: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD
Exterior Design
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD exudes a bold and sophisticated presence on the road. Its exterior design is characterized by a sleek and flowing silhouette, accentuated by sharp lines and creases. The front fascia is dominated by a large, hexagonal grille with a chrome mesh pattern, flanked by sleek LED headlights. The lower bumper features a sporty air intake and fog lights.
Along the sides, the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid’s muscular stance is evident in its wide stance and pronounced wheel arches. The roofline is slightly tapered towards the rear, giving the vehicle a dynamic appearance. The rear end features slim LED taillights that stretch across the width of the vehicle, giving it a modern look.
Overall, the exterior design of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD is a successful blend of elegance and sportiness. It is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
Interior Design
The interior of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD is just as impressive as the exterior. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with high-quality materials used throughout. The dashboard features a clean and uncluttered design, with a large touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. The instrument panel is a combination of analog and digital gauges, and the steering wheel is wrapped in leather.
The front seats are supportive and comfortable, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The rear seats are also spacious, with enough room for three adults to sit comfortably. The cargo area is also generous, with 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Overall, the interior of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD is a luxurious and comfortable place to spend time. It is sure to impress even the most discerning drivers.
Technology and Features
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD comes standard with a long list of technology and features. The infotainment system includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a wireless charging pad. The instrument panel includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid also comes standard with a number of driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist.
In addition to these standard features, the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is also available with a number of optional features, including a panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, and surround-view monitor.
Performance
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 13.8-kWh battery pack. The combined output of the system is 261 horsepower. The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid has an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 31 miles and a total range of 430 miles.
The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is available with all-wheel drive. It also features a number of drive modes, including Electric, Hybrid, and Sport.
Safety Features
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD prioritizes safety, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features. These include:
- Forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
- Automatic emergency braking
These features work in tandem to enhance situational awareness, reducing the risk of accidents and providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Driving Experience
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The hybrid system seamlessly transitions between electric and hybrid modes, ensuring optimal efficiency and power delivery. The acceleration is brisk and responsive, while the ride is comfortable and composed, even on uneven road surfaces. The handling is precise and well-controlled, offering a sense of confidence behind the wheel.
Interior Technology
The cabin of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD is awash with technology, centered around the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, with crisp graphics and quick response times. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing seamless integration with smartphones. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provides clear and customizable information, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Build Quality and Materials
The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD exudes quality throughout its interior. The leather upholstery on the steering wheel and seats is soft and supple, while the overall build quality is impressive. The attention to detail is evident in the fit and finish of the interior panels and controls, conveying a sense of luxury and refinement.
Ownership Costs
The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD offers significant potential cost savings for owners. Its impressive fuel efficiency, coupled with potential tax incentives for plug-in hybrids, can translate to substantial savings at the pump. Additionally, the hybrid system’s reduced reliance on gasoline can lead to lower maintenance costs over time.
Competitor Comparison
In the competitive plug-in hybrid SUV segment, the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD stands out with its combination of style, comfort, efficiency, and technology. Its key rivals include:
- Toyota RAV4 Prime
- Ford Escape PHEV
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD holds its own against these competitors, offering a compelling package that caters to discerning buyers seeking a balance of luxury, practicality, and environmental consciousness.
Conclusion
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Limited AWD emerges as a strong contender in the plug-in hybrid SUV segment. Its stylish design, luxurious interior, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features make it a compelling choice for drivers seeking an environmentally conscious SUV that doesn’t compromise on comfort or performance.
