2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV for the U.S. is a “carry-over” model

Update: Entire story updated.

The fourth-generation Santa Fe range received a Plug-in Hybrid variant in 2019, along with a facelift. It was released in the U.S. as part of the SUV’s MY2022 update. Last year, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid replaced the 2022 model, with minor improvements. Here’s everything we know about the changes in the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV for the American market:

Design & Features

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid for the U.S. is a “carry-over model” and thus doesn’t have design changes to speak of. It’s simply a new model year exercise with changes to the equipment included in its trims, which are SEL Convenience and Limited, the same as those of the previous model.

Importantly, Hyundai has given the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid the capability to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates for maps. Unlike in the previous model, the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Dynamic Voice Recognition, and Highway Driving Assist are standard in the updated model. The new OTA map update feature is standard, too.

Hyundai offers the 2023 Santa Fe PHEV in Portofino Gray, Twilight Black, Shimmering Silver, Lagoon Blue, and Serenity White colors. Serenity White is a replacement for the previous model’s Quartz White color. Black and Beige are the interior color options.

Specifications

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid has the same specifications as the current model. It uses the G4F III SmartStream 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine in combination with a permanent magnet synchronous motor.

The engine produces 178 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque and the electric motor generates 66.9 kilowatts (90 horsepower) and 224 lb.-ft. of torque. The result of the combination is a total of 261 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic transmission and the HTRAC AWD system are standard in the most powerful Santa Fe variant.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid has a 13.8 kWh (360V, 38.3 Ah) Lithium-ion battery pack to power its 66.9 kW (90 horsepower)/224 lb.-ft. electric motor. It is liquid-cooled and mounted under the floor in a waterproof structure. The SUV delivers the same electric driving range (EPA) as in the previous model – 31 miles. The combined fuel economy rating (EPA) may also be the same – 76 MPGe (using both electricity and gasoline)/33 MPG (using only gasoline). A 120V charger that allows Level 1 charging is complimentary with the purchase.

Production

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid comes from one of Hyundai Motor Company’s five plants in Ulsan, South Korea, not the local plant in Montgomery, the factory responsible for the 2023 Santa Fe and 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid (SOP: October 2022).

Price & Release Date

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid has been priced at USD 42,110 in the SEL Convenience trim and USD 47,370 in the Limited trim. A USD 1,335 freight charge is applicable on both trims. The Korean model is much pricier than its chief competitor, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which starts at USD 39,845.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in hybrid is likely only available in select states, which could be the following:

1. California (CA)
2. Colorado (CO)
3. Connecticut (CT)
4. Maine (ME)
5. Massachusetts (MA)
6. Maryland (MD)
7. New Jersey (NJ)
8. New York (NY)
9. Oregon (OR)
10. Rhode Island (RI)
11. Vermont (VT)

Hyundai dealerships in the U.S. have started receiving the new Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania-based Freysinger Hyundai, Albany, New York-based Lia Hyundai Albany, Auburn, Massachusetts-based Herb Chambers Hyundai of Auburn, Canandaigua, New York-based Vision Hyundai of Canandaigua, and many others who have it in stock have begun listing it online.

Santa Fe sales climb in 2022

Hyundai sold 119,589 units of the Santa Fe in the U.S. in 2022, 49% more than in 2021 (112,071 units). The company said that the mid-size SUV’s hybrid variant had its best-ever retail and total sales in December 2022 and saw an 85% growth in its total sales in Q4 2022. It didn’t share numbers of the plug-in hybrid variant. With the all-new Santa Fe to be launched globally this year, the numbers are sure to rise.

TopElectricSUV says

The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid offers a decent fuel-sipping powertrain option in the mid-size SUV segment. While the vehicle isn’t cheap, it is well-equipped with nice features that justify the price premium over gasoline and hybrid models.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV FAQs

Featured Image Source: Hyundai