Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid
The Santa Fe has been a staple of the Hyundai lineup for two decades, and in 2022 the automaker upgraded the value-oriented two-row crossover by adding a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Owners of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid give it high marks for its roomy, feature-packed cabin and 30-mile all-electric range. On the downside, once its battery pack is depleted, the PHEV Santa Fe doesn’t offer any better fuel economy than the standard hybrid version, which typically costs less. Additionally, some find outward visibility compromised by the SUV’s wide rear roof pillars.
The Santa Fe has been a staple of the Hyundai lineup for two decades, and in 2022 the automaker upgraded the value-oriented two-row crossover by adding a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Owners of the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid give it high marks for its roomy, feature-packed cabin and 30-mile all-electric range. On the downside, once its battery pack is depleted, the PHEV Santa Fe doesn’t offer any better fuel economy than the standard hybrid version, which typically costs less. Additionally, some find outward visibility compromised by the SUV’s wide rear roof pillars.
Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid Model Lineup
The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is a variant of Hyundai’s popular midsize crossover SUV, the Santa Fe, that features a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The five-seater is the larger of two PHEV sport-utes offered by the Korean automaker, measuring about six inches longer than the compact Tucson Plug-in Hybrid. The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid shares a platform and some components with the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, which is built by Hyundai’s sister company.
Hyundai offers the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid in two trims: the well-equipped SEL Convenience and the fully loaded Limited. Standard features include LED headlights, a hands-free liftgate, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a digital instrument panel, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Standard active safety tech and driving aids include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and forward collision mitigation. Stepping up to the Limited trim adds parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and an upgraded 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and a surround-view camera system.
Under the hood, the Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid utilizes a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 90-horsepower electric motor and a 13.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Together, they produce 260 horsepower, which is routed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The setup is capable of 30 miles of all-electric range on a full charge. Once depleted, the battery pack takes about three and a half hours to refill when plugged into a 240-volt household outlet.