DecodedCars2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Preferred, 4dr SUV AWD Urban / Ultimate, HEV 4dr SUV, PHEV 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 177–281 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 36 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 188.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,812–4,491 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 36% better than the average 2023 small SUV (25 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 281 hp, versus about 190 hp for similar 2023 models.
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints291 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 67 for similar models — most often about the power train.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,812 lb (4dr SUV AWD Preferred).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (36 city / 32 highway), 36% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 25 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 291 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Santa Fe — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Santa Fe →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Montgomery, Alabama
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Santa Fe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Preferred | 188.6 in | 74.8 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 3,812 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV AWD Urban / Ultimate | 188.6 in | 74.8 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 4,037 lb | 58/42 |
| HEV 4dr SUV | 188.6 in | 74.8 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 4,204 lb | 58/42 |
| PHEV 4dr SUV | 188.6 in | 74.8 in | 67.3 in | 109.1 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 4,491 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Hybrid Blue Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 36 / 31 / 34 | +36% | $1,950 | 264 |
| Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 33 / 32 / 33 | +32% | $2,050 | 111 |
| Santa Fe Hybrid Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 33 / 30 / 32 | +28% | $2,100 | 283 |
| Santa Fe FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 28 / 26 | -5% | $2,600 | 344 |
| Santa Fe FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | -9% | $2,700 | 365 |
| Santa Fe AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 25 / 24 | -4% | $2,800 | 378 |
| Santa Fe AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | -4% | $2,800 | 375 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car) | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Trailer Hitches · Mar 17, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V181000 · 584,784 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
Seat Belts › Front · Oct 31, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V816000 · 14,933 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
- Risk
- An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 14, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 238/011G. This recall is an expansion of recall numbers 22V-354 and 22V-458.
Not every 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Power Train — 61 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 61 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 50 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Santa Fe years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Santa Fe | 36 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 58 |
| 2025 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 240 |
| 2024 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 191 |
| 2022 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 265 |
| 2021 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 187 |
| 2020 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 218 |
| 2019 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 229 |
| 2018 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 432 |
| 2017 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 1,327 |
| 2016 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 306 |
| 2015 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 339 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →