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2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid)
By Larry Nutson
Executive editor and office manager
Chicago office
THE AUTOMATIC CHANNEL
Hyundai has been on the move. They sold 724,265 units in 2022, a slight decrease of 2% compared to 2021. However, Hyundai outperformed the industry with forecasts calling for an 8.4% drop in total industry sales when are adjusted to the days of sale.
The Santa Fe is a two-row, 5-passenger midsize utility vehicle. Santa Fe sales for 2022 were 119,589, up 7%. Extensively redesigned for 2019, this fourth-generation Santa Fe received a mid-cycle refresh with design changes and many new features, plus new powertrain options for the 2021 model year. The plug-in hybrid was added for 2022 and 2023, the Santa Cruz remains essentially the same except for a couple of team tweaks.
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Santa Fe is offered in six trim levels with corresponding pairings with four different powertrains. ICE-powered trims offer a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
The SE, SEL, and XRT trims have a 191-hp 2.5L 4-cylinder mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the option of FWD or AWD. The Limited and Calligraphy have a 281-hp 2.5-L turbo 4-cylinder mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, again with a choice of drive systems.
The hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) are offered in SEL and Limited trims, with a lower blue trim level for the hybrid. Both have a 178 hp turbo engine. The hybrid also has a 44.2 kW electric motor for a total of 226 system horsepower. The plug-in hybrid uses a 66.9 kW electric motor for a total of 261 system horsepower. Both use a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive is standard.
All Santa Fe models are equipped with a long list of collision warning, collision intervention and driving control assistance features.
Base prices for ICE-powered models range from $28,450 to $44,000. HEV models range from $35,910 to $41,750. The PHEV starts at $42,110 and goes up to $47,370. The destination fee is an additional $1,250.
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My last experience driving the Santa Fe was with the 2021 model. I recently drove the new 2022 Santa Fe PHEV Limited in and around Chicago, where I make my home. This was my first drive with the PHEV.
With a total of 261 hp and good torque output that comes from the combination of the gas engine and electric motor, the Santa Fe has good overall acceleration and good highway merging and passing performance. Using a traditional automatic is unique compared to the typical CVT application in a PHEV – a huge plus!
The PHEV allows you to drive a short distance on all-electric power. The EPA rating is about 31 miles, which is plenty for those short errands around town. When the battery runs out, it switches to run like a regular hybrid. Charging the Santa Fe’s battery can be done at home or at a public charging station. This should be done frequently to help reduce gas usage.
The EPA considers the Santa Fe in the small SUV class and ratings are 440 miles of range and a combined gas/electric rating of 76 MPG or 33 MPG with the ICE engine only.
Keep in mind that when you add weight to a vehicle, such as a full load of passengers, a lot of cargo, or towing a trailer, the range decreases and the “fuel” consumption, whether gas or electric, increases.
The ride is comfortable with confident handling, aided by the AWD system. Steering effort is balanced. The 55-series tires mounted on 19-inch wheels were a good match for the not-so-smooth city streets. Rear seat passengers won’t be crammed together and there’s decent cargo space.
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In the cabin, the seats are comfortable and supportive. There is a low noise level. The Santa Fe features a very convenient array of switches and toggles for frequently used functions, all within easy reach of the center console. There is no scrolling on a touch screen. A shift-by-wire transmission selector frees up center console storage space for a purse or similar. A 115-volt outlet lets you keep your laptop charged.
Hyundai’s Intelligent Remote Park Assist (remember smaht pahk) is available.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, Hyundai Digital Key and voice recognition round out the tech features.
Go to www.hyundai.com for more details on the new Santa Fe. Hyundai offers what it says is the best warranty in America with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, and a 7-year anti-puncture warranty. There’s also free maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles of regular oil changes and tire rotations.
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The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of eight other viable vehicles to consider in the segment if you’re shopping for a new midsize crossover. Sales in the segment exceed one million a year and are expected to continue at this level for at least the next five to six years.
Hyundai believes that younger couples who work in the tech industry with low six-figure incomes and are drawn to stylish items to accompany their active lifestyles will be drawn to the Santa Fe. Maybe it’s just you!
Currently, the 2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is only sold in CA, CO, CT, ME, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OR, RI, and VT and WA.
The future is electric. Happy motoring!
© 2023 Larry Nutson, The Chicago Car Guy
