2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV
The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of my favorite cars! So when I got the chance to drive the plug in hybrid I was super excited to try it out.
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and I have a passion for showing you the best family vehicles out there. As a Child Passenger Safety Tech, mom of three, and car lover, it’s with so much excitement I break down the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV.
Check out my tour of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe which offers the same functionality as the 2023 PHEV!
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2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Exterior
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the original Hyundai SUV. It was released over 20 years ago and fun fact.. my first car was a Santa Fe! It was redesigned in 2021 and I think it looks awesome. The Santa Fe combines luxury, affordability and most importantly… SAFETY. It is a IIHS Top Safety Pick+! The textured grill and dramatic headlights really make a statement!
The side view gives me mini Hyundai Palisade vibes, which I’m not complaining about as it’s one of my favorite three-row SUVs on the market. Now, the exterior is beautifully designed and really catches your eye on the road, but the real star is the interior.
But whats a PHEV?
At their core, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) combine the best of both worlds: the efficiency of electric power and the convenience of a traditional internal combustion engine. Unlike traditional hybrids, PHEVs are designed to operate not only on gasoline but also to harness electric power from a rechargeable battery.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the best plug-in hybrids available to families right now!
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Second Row
For being a small SUV, the Hyundai Santa Fe is pretty spacious. I was able to fit three carseats across the back seat (more on that below) and I have enough clearance with a rear-facing car seat behind the driver, but not much more. If you’re taller than six feet it might be too tight. However, even with two car seats installed I fit next to them in the backseat with great knee clearance and plenty of headroom.
As for second-row amenities we have two USBs, an outlet, sunshades, and cup holders. We are missing heated seats and vents in the ceiling. For having so many other luxury features in this Calligraphy trim level, I was expecting heated seats.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Carseat Set Up
The Hyundai Santa Fe has three tether anchors across the bench and two sets of lower anchors on the outboard seats. I’m happy to say I was able to safely install three carseats across the backseat. I was able to fit 2 Clek Foonf and a Clek Fllo. Keep in mind this setup won’t work with all car seats and it’s tight, but I’m impressed I was able to fit them in this small SUV. If you are buying the Santa Fe with the intention of installing three across I highly recommend talking to a child passenger safety tech to make sure you have the right car seats and they’re installed safely. And ALWAYS bring your carseats to the dealership!
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Trunk
I keep saying it, but for being a small SUV the Santa Fe is so spacious and that includes the trunk space. My double Zoe stroller fits with plenty of room to spare. And there are several cubbies under the floor to keep things organized and away.
What do you think of the Hyundai Santa Fe? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family vehicles on the market, check out my recent car tours:
