2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Review: Great Choice If You Value Smooth Drive

From what I see in automotive websites, the next fifth-generation Santa Fe is apparently already in works and camouflaged version already appear online. We are very close to discovering the new generation of the emblematic Hyundai Santa Fe, which is expected to be revealed during the first half of 2023. This is why the 2023 model doesn't have much changes from the previous 2022 Santa Fe model. Thus, let's start this review first discussing the changes of the 2023 Santa Fe.

What's new in Santa Fe 2023?
The Hyundai Sante Fe for 2023 has some changes to its standard equipment and appearance, depending on the trim level. The SE model and higher trims now have acoustic-laminated front windows for improved sound insulation and puddle lamps near the doors. The SEL trim now includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear sunshades, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and a 10.3-inch center touchscreen, which is also now standard on all hybrid models. The plug-in hybrid model now comes with Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous drive mode and a larger touchscreen.

2023 Santa Fe Trims

The 2023 Hyudan Santa Fe is offered SE, SEL, XRT, Blue Hybrid, SEL Premium Hybrid, Limited, SEL Convenience PHEV, Limited Hybrid, Calligraphy and Limited PHEV trims. The starting SE trim of the 2023 Santa Fe is offered at $29,495 MSRP, while the top Limited PHEV trim is the most expensive, coming with $48,000 estimated MSRP. The Calligraphy trim, which I am reviewing in this article is offered at about $45,255, with all features included.

SE: The SE trim is the base level of the Santa Fe lineup. It comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Other standard features include a seven-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker audio system, and a rearview camera.

SEL: The SEL trim adds a few more features to the mix, including a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a power driver's seat. It also comes with a few additional safety features, such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Calligraphy: The Calligraphy trim is a relatively new addition to the Santa Fe lineup added in 2022. It comes with the same features as the Limited trim, but adds even more premium touches, such as quilted leather seats and a unique exterior design.

Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a range of trim level, as I showed above to suit a variety of needs and budgets. From the base SE trim to the top-of-the-line Calligraphy trim, there is a Santa Fe option for everyone.

Engine and Performance of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is a versatile SUV that offers a range of powertrain options to suit the needs of different drivers. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower, while a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder is also available, making 277 horsepower. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and can be equipped with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

For those looking for a more fuel-efficient option, the Santa Fe is also available as a hybrid. This model is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors, producing a total of 226 horsepower. The hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to the hybrid, the Santa Fe is also available as a plug-in hybrid. This model features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which combine to produce a total of 260 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid is only available with all-wheel drive and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of performance, the base 2.5-liter engine can be a bit slow, taking 9.6 seconds to reach 60 mph in testing. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine provides more sprightly acceleration, with a 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds in testing. The Santa Fe provides a comfortable and stable ride in everyday driving, with sufficient agility and steering feedback for those who enjoy driving. However, those looking for a more sporty driving experience may want to consider the Chevrolet Blazer or Honda Passport.

When it comes to towing, the gas-powered Santa Fe can handle up to 3,500 pounds, while the hybrid and plug-in hybrid are limited to 2,000 pounds. Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a range of powertrain options to suit the needs of different drivers, with a comfortable and capable ride in everyday driving.

Exterior

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is a stylish and modern mid-size SUV with a sleek exterior design. The front of the Santa Fe features a bold grille with Hyundai's signature hexagonal shape, as well as sleek headlights and fog lights. The side profile of the Santa Fe is characterized by its sweeping lines and sporty silhouette, with a sloping roofline and large wheel arches. The rear of the Santa Fe is adorned with wraparound taillights and a bold bumper, completing the SUV's athletic and aggressive look.

One of the standout features of the 2023 Santa Fe's exterior is the available 19-inch alloy wheels, which add a touch of sophistication and sportiness to the SUV's appearance. The Santa Fe is also available with a panoramic sunroof, which allows for plenty of natural light and a sense of openness inside the cabin.

In terms of color options, the 2023 Santa Fe is available in a range of hues, including Phantom Black, Night Sky Pearl, and Lava Orange. The Santa Fe is also available with a few exterior packages, including the Sport Package, which adds black trim and dark-tinted windows, and the Calligraphy Package, which adds unique exterior accents and a unique grille design.

Interior and Onboard Technology of The 2023 Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a high-quality infotainment system that includes an 8.0-inch or 10.3-inch touchscreen display and user-friendly controls. Standard features on the Santa Fe include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as optional wireless charging and a 630-watt, 12-speaker audio system. This provides drivers with a pleasant and convenient infotainment experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe comes equipped with a range of standard driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It also has a number of key safety features, including forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. These features can be found on both the NHTSA and IIHS websites for more information on the Santa Fe's crash-test results. The Santa Fe feels as a safe and reliable SUV that is equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is a spacious and well-appointed SUV that offers a comfortable and refined interior. The Santa Fe's cabin is characterized by its clean and modern design, with high-quality materials and a range of comfort and convenience features.

The Santa Fe's seats are comfortable and supportive, with available features such as a power-adjustable driver's seat and a heated steering wheel. The Santa Fe also offers plenty of storage space, with a large center console, door pockets, and a number of cup holders. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making the Santa Fe a comfortable choice for long road trips.

Hyundai Santa Fe also offers spacious and comfortable second row seats that provide plenty of legroom and headroom. These seats are great for long road trips, as they offer plenty of space for passengers to stretch out and relax. The Santa Fe's second row seats can also be folded down to expand the SUV's cargo space, making it easy to transport larger items.

In terms of cargo space, the Santa Fe offers a generous 35.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 71.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Santa Fe is also equipped with a power liftgate, making it easy to load and unload groceries or other items.

Santa Fe offers a spacious and well-appointed interior that is sure to impress drivers and passengers alike. With a range of comfort and convenience features, I think the Santa Fe is a great choice for those who value a comfortable and refined driving experience.

Drive and Conclusion

The driving experience of the 2023 Santa Fe is smooth and refined. In terms of handling, the Santa Fe offers a comfortable and stable ride, with sufficient agility and steering feedback to satisfy most drivers. The Santa Fe is not the most sporty SUV on the market, but it provides a smooth and refined driving experience that is well-suited to everyday driving.

Overall, I think the Santa Fe is a great choice for those who value a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience: be it with a family or without. If you have driven a Santa Fe recently or own one, please share with us your opinion below. Would you recommend it to other SUV buyers?

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.