Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2023 review

Finally, we have another mainstream seven-seat hybrid vehicle on the market that’s not a Toyota.

And by hybrid, I do not mean a plug-in solution like Mitsubishi offers with its Outlander PHEV. I mean a closed-loop, set-and-forget hybrid – one suited to busy family life, and where the last thing you care about is diligently recharging your vehicle in order to achieve the claimed fuel consumption figure.

We were invited to sample Hyundai’s new large hybrid SUV over a one-day loan in Sydney, where we pinched a Hybrid Highlander model for the day and ran it around the ‘burbs and then down south.

Let’s discover how much it costs, how much space it has, and what it’s like to drive.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid currently comes in two trims: Hybrid Elite and Hybrid Highlander.

They both use the same powertrain, which is a 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and six-speed torque converter auto with in-built electric motor – to create a hybrid. Of course, there’s a small 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery on board, too, making combined power 169kW/350Nm in total.

Within the Hyundai large SUV hierarchy, it means you buy either the penultimate Santa Fe Elite or flagship Santa Fe Highlander model to access a fuel-saving hybrid driveline.

Currently, the self-titled Santa Fe base model and middle-rung Santa Fe Active are not offered as a hybrid, instead coming with either petrol V6 front-wheel drive or diesel four-cylinder all-wheel-drive powertrain.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite is priced from $63,000 before on-road costs, and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander from $69,550 before on-road costs. Both wear a $7000 premium over their respective petrol V6 counterparts, and a $4000 premium over their respective diesel all-wheel-drive versions.

Jumping behind the wheel reveals somewhat of a button-centric command centre.

The dashboard is absolutely covered with switches and dials, with everything from gearshift selection and terrain management to climate control and seat heating simply one finger tap away.

Although it looks convoluted and busy at first glance, you quickly learn where each function is, and also get used to having them all handy. The front seats are swish, with nappa leather and 14-way adjustment coming exclusively to Santa Fe Highlander models (and our test car).

We spent the day driving non-stop with breaks every two hours, and appreciated the extra comfort provided by the Highlander model. Not only are its seats heated and cooled, but also feature an adjustable thigh support that’s perfect for lankier drivers (like me).

Storage is great, too, with small bottle holders in the doors, a super-cool wireless charging pad that takes your phone sideways, and a huge armrest big enough for a small bag, be it men’s or women’s. The centre cupholders will take your usual large bottle too.

Over in the second row, great space continues. I’m 183cm tall, and behind my own driving position in the back I found plenty of space to stretch out and get comfortable. My knees weren’t buried deep in the seat backs, and my upper body left with enough back rest to lounge around in. Two other good habitability points come from a second row that slides and a nicely contoured, supportive seat base that’s perfect for longer trims.

If that’s not enough, Santa Fe Highlander models also come with the free choice between a traditional three-seat second row like our test car, or a two-seat second row with independent captain’s chairs and walk-through access to the back. The latter choice is great if you have older kids and only really need six seats, not seven. Regardless of what you pick, both Santa Fe Hybrid models feature two USB charging ports, rear air vents and pull-up blinds in the back.

Access to the third row is conducted by pressing a button on the rear seat; however, don’t expect masses of room here. It’s quite compact in the third row, making it ideal for younger kids as opposed to adults. There are no ISOFIX points either in the third row, meaning loading kids in the third row with child seats in the second row can be tricky.

At least there’s rear air-conditioning and rear storage all the way in the third row. Boot space varies depending on the cabin set-up, with 571–782L offered depending on where the second row is set, or 130L with seven seats in play.

In seven-seat mode, you’ll find enough room for a couple of small bags for a weekend away, whereas in five-seat mode there’s plenty of room to party. If you and your kids love adventuring to the park with bikes and scooters, the space is fantastic. It’s a wide opening with a flat floor, too, so dragging cumbersome and heavy items in and out is easier than a boot that resembles a tub.

Both Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid models feature a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto and digital radio. The system boots up fast, responds quickly to input, and didn’t crash or glitch during the vehicle loan.

Both cars also come standard-fit with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Although built by a brand with a quality reputation, the Santa Fe’s stereo didn’t hit the mark for me personally.

It lacks clarity; something that a remastered version of Black Sabbath’s War Pigs made clear. Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Hunnybee also sounded a bit flat, with its wicked synth licks not as bright as they should be.

It loves a bit of low-end, however, so hopefully you like electronic music.