2023 Hyundai Santa Fe review (inc. 0-100 & autonomy test): Better than Kluger hybrid?

Everybody wants to save a buck on fuel, so how about a hybrid SUV? Hyundai has launched the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe and for the first time offered it with a hybrid drivetrain. Paul Maric gets behind the wheel to have a drive!

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior 00:54
Interior 03:03
Infotainment 04:27
Safety Tech 05:53
Practicality 07:06
On the Road 12:47
Driver Aids 19:48
Performance tests 21:46
Verdict 23:57

We review every new car on the market, bust car myths, cover the latest car tech and answer your burning questions.

Whether you need new car advice, purchase validation or simply love learning more about new cars and technology, we are your car experts.

You'll find us dropping new video content three times a week. If you'd like to ask a question about one of our videos, simply leave us a comment. If you'd like to give us any feedback on our content, feel free to email us, or alternatively, hit us up on social media.

Finally, we want this channel to grow with your support and feedback. If there's anything you don't like or would like to see us change, we'd love to hear from you!

Follow us on social media to see what we're up to and to ask any questions!

CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

#hyundai #santafe #review

[davidarnold]

Personally I prefer the buttons, so much easier, faster than using the screen. Looks technically awesome!

[Tigers]

Had mine 4 months done 5000 km averaging 6.1l/100km
Love the buttons as easier to reach. Adults love the 2nd row seats
Pity no usb c
Full size spare a great bonus. Very happy

[TimothyPoitras]

Thanks, Paul. I’ve just ordered the hybrid, and to answer your question about why anyone would get hybrid vs diesel: I don’t do much country driving. In Brisbane and its suburbs the hybrid will be much more economical on fuel. I don’t drive fast enough for long enough to properly clean the DPF.

[eddiemoore]

When is the comparo of this category coming, Paul? You did medium SUV last year, and I'm dying to see this size. Thanks for being the best reviewer on the net

[Atenza]

Interesting new tests you're launching, just answer more of our questions. Could we possibly see a Mazda 6 review? Especially with the launch of the 20th Anniversary edition?

[WildDanHibiki]

It still boggles my mind that the upper trim Kia/Hyundai models don't have wireless Android auto/Carplay while the base models do. It's been 4 years guys, get it together!

[rexthesheep]

I'm really glad to see the ever-increasing suite of tests!

[yslee]

The front face is something that i can't get used to. Reckon that the old design was way more attractive

[kbling]

Great review, although I just have to point out one thing as it’s came up in several reviews across different reviewers.
The diesel/petrol-hybrid comparison.
I think it’s important to mention diesel is more expensive than petrol plus servicing costs. All must be taken into account, otherwise it’s comparing apples to a walnut

[matt]

Thanks for the review. I know they aren't built for it but would love to see some of the off road features of the large SUVs tested in the same way you did the mid size. Would be interesting to see the Kluger, sante fe, sorento, subaru outback, cx9, toureg etc. Would love to also see a towing comparison of these for those of us that aren't interested in towing 3.5 tonne caravans and don't want a full off road suv, but may have a camper trailer/boat etc. Loving the content.

[Roadrunnerz]

23:21 that 100-0 is the best on record so far - 11 may 2023. really impressive.

[campbellreither]

This looks MUCH better than Sorento. The Kia looks cheap and nasty in comparison.

[lukes]

Much prefer a traditional auto trans than a CVT . Thanks Paul

[bencostanzo]

My wife just bought the new hybrid and she loves it. The fuel economy for the driving she does is unreal sits between 6.2 and 6.4 L/per 100 and she has a heavy foot. I have a Diesel Patrol and diesel prices I pay are ridiculous but in saying that the service interval’s and pricing are shit also for the Hybrid. So it’s literally a personal preference between the diesel and hybrid

[Neilbirkett]

The biggest thing that needs to have been mentioned is the ridiculous 10000km service intervals compared to the diesel. Also the costs of the services are also exorbitant. For 70000km, it’ll cost you approx $4400 in servicing whereas the diesel is only approx $2400 and 15000km service intervals.
You’d have to be absolutely mad to buy one of these over the diesel. And I love my hybrids!

[cristiplacintaru]

I have the same motor on Tucson and it's brilliant ( enough power and good consumption, plus the AT is smooth - I don't like CVT)

[brettdharris]

Thanks for the review Paul, I watch a lot of yours and enjoy all of them. I currently drive the pre-facelift Santa Fe diesel (for the past 4.5 years) and placed my order for the hybrid today. As mentioned elsewhere in the comments, even if the economy was the same, with the difference in price of diesel vs petrol, there is a big difference in running costs. As I do most of my driving commuting and in traffic, I expect the hybrid to be far more efficient than the diesel, where I'm averaging about 9.8-10.2l/100km. I also found the hybrid to be far quieter and smoother than the diesel when taking it for a test drive. And the six seater option in the camel leather is really cool. Obviously I am a button man and prefer not to fiddle with a touch screen to adjust aircon, etc. Oh, and you failed to mention the driver's seat has another button to lengthen or shorten the thigh support too.

[MeasureOnce]

Really appreciate the drive circuit testing with different road surfaces, thanks. Great review. Wish Hyundai and Kia offered the captains chairs in their diesel cars!

[johnnumbat]

Thanks Paul - I’ve always had a soft spot for the AWD Diesel Sante Fe as an alternative to the bigger Prado/Pajero models especially with the lift up tailgate instead of the annoying swing out door and it gives some temporary shelter from the elements - for simplicity, longevity and similar running costs I’d choose the diesel every time - not a fan of digital instruments clusters and this one is a bit bling for me in addition to the awful ‘Las Vegas’ tan seat coverings - I think dark grey or black cloth and conventional torque converter auto not CVT.

[Twocentsbodybuilding]

Good stuff as usual Paul. Would love to see a few reviews of some bargains below 30K (do they exist) for us plebs where new car prices have just gone to the moon!