Hyundai’s gas-powered SUV lineup offers models in five sizes, and it’s the OG Santa Fe that serves as the penultimate. This generation debuted for the 2019 model year and has received continuous updates throughout its life, including the addition of this top-tier Calligraphy trim. Here's what's new for 2023.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Fully-stocked Calligraphy trim
- Seating for 5
- Turbocharged power
- Model: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD
- Engine:: 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder
- Power Output: 281 HP
- Torque: 311 LB-FT
- Range: 451 miles
- Transmission: 8-speed dual clutch automatic
- Driveline: all-wheel drive
- MSRP: $29,785
- MSRP (As Tested): $45,545
- Heavily ladened with features
- Attractively priced
- Winning fuel economy
- Powertrain lacks refinement
- Looking and feeling its age
- Lacking wireless phone projection
The Santa Fe Remains A Compact SUV Segment Heavy-Hitter
The five-passenger, midsize SUV segment comprises some heavy hitters: Ford Edge, Chevy Blazer, Honda Passport, Toyota 4Runner, and the sales leader – the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Santa Fe used to offer seating for seven until the flagship Palisade came along at which point Hyundai briefly renamed it the Santa Fe XL before axing it all together and then calling the smaller, two-row Santa Fe Sport the Santa Fe. Confused?
All you need to know is that Hyundai sold over 117,000 Santa Fes last year making it a who’s who in the class. Beyond this standard Santa Fe with its two four-cylinder engine offerings are hybrid and plug-in hybrid models further expanding appeal. Front-wheel or all-wheel drive is also offered among the non-electrified Santa Fes. Pricing starts at just under $30,000 for a two-wheel drive 2023 Santa Fe SE and tops $47,000 for a Plug-in Hybrid Limited.
What's The Deal With The Calligraphy Trim?
But the model I’m focusing on this week is the Santa Fe Calligraphy, an upscale edition Hyundai added in 2021. That was also the same year the Santa Fe’s most powerful engine, the 2.0-liter turbo, was upgraded to a 2.5-liter turbo, now producing a healthy 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Running on regular gas, expect 24 MPG in mixed driving with a 451-mile driving range.
The two highest trims on the 2023 Santa Fe, the Limited and Calligraphy, run exclusively with this engine mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. An additional $1,700 adds all-wheel drive leading to an as-tested MSRP of $45,545 with the only option being a set of carpeted floor mats.
The Calligraphy distinguishes itself with these model-exclusive features:
- Dark chrome grille
- Twenty-inch wheels
- Premium Nappa leather with quilted door panels
- Eco-suede headliner
- Head-up display
- Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Configurable ambient lighting
The only significant upgrade across all trim levels for the 2023 Santa Fe is over-the-air map updates.
The 2023 Santa Fe Is Big On Power But Has Lacks Refinement
Though the Calligraphy’s content level is exceptionally high, particularly at this price point, there are some less-than-glorious moments. This powertrain, which is also utilized in the Sonata and Santa Cruz, can feel overeager and its fuel-saving Stop & Go feature is one of the most jarring on the market which is why I’ve disabled it – something I almost never do. For instance, the 2.5T packs a punch but also lacks the refinement of the Palisade’s naturally-aspirated V-6.
The dual-clutch transmission can be programmed to deliver shifting performance commensurate with the drive mode: Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. And inside that center-console mounted Drive Mode Select knob is the 4WD Lock mode for maximum traction below 37 MPH. Under normal driving conditions, the torque split is biased 100% to the front wheels but can shift to a 50:50 distribution on demand.
The Continental CrossContact LX Sport tires are designed to perform on the highway however and not so much in the snow. Its 8.2 inches of ground clearance isn’t all that impressive either so even though Hyundai bills the Santa Fe as “The adventurous family SUV” I’d be careful of pushing it too far out of its comfort zone. Otherwise, the Santa Fe’s ride quality, steering feel, and cabin quietness are all middling – neither exceptional nor lacking.
A Feature-Packed Cabin With Spacious Seating
If you want wireless phone projection in order to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without a USB cable you’d need to choose the base Santa Fe Se, with its smaller 8.0-inch Display Audio system. So, at Hyundai things are backward in that this vastly more sophisticated 10.25-inch touchscreen doesn’t support a cable-free experience.
Looking beyond that oddity, this infotainment system is top-notch with easy, free-flowing menus, dynamic voice recognition, built-in navigation, and cool features such as Sounds of Nature relaxation programs. It’s also the conduit for Harman Kardon’s impressive 12-speaker surround sound system with Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology which adroitly cleans up compressed music. And you know I love an off-screen button for quick access to the surround view monitor.
The level of advanced safety technology is very high including the blind spot view monitors that appear on each side of the driver display when signaling. But the Santa Fe’s front cabin feels a little narrow and its switchgear-heavy central tunnel is a sign of aging.
Kids and adults alike will find plenty of traveling space in the rear replete with dual USB ports, window sunshades, and slide and recline seats. The hands-free tailgate doesn’t require a kick, which I like - just get close enough to it, and it will alert you that it’s about to open. Once inside, there are two, large underfloor storage areas and switches on the sides that remotely drop the rear seats to create a truly flat load floor. Luggage room seems to be sized just right for a five-seater.
A Hyundai SUV That Offers Tremendous Value
Where this Santa Fe earns its overachieving reputation is in the breadth of its high-end amenities. Beyond the expected goodies of a range-topper such as heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s side memory and a wireless phone charger are gems such as Remote Smart Parking Assist that allows the vehicle to be driven into and out of tight spaces via controls on the key fob, Digital Key that can replace the fob with a smartphone, navigation-based smart cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and heated rear seats. The beige interior reminds me a little of baby poop, so I’d choose the other available color: black.
What's Next For The Hyundai Santa Fe
What’s next for Santa Fe? It looks like a complete redesign is in the offing for 2024 which would be perfect timing because this model doesn’t resonate with the sharper, more modern styling of Hyundai’s latest models. That being said, if it’s a compact to midsize SUV you’re after and priorities lie more with lots of luxury features and smart packaging rather than the drive itself, the Santa Fe – even at the end of its current generation – is still very worthy of consideration.