2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Hybrid

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $39,415–$52,862
Fuel Economy 35 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Hybrid
Est. Annual Fuel $1,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Engine1.6L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S6)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG33 / 30 MPG
Combined MPG32 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,100
CO₂ Emissions283 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleHybrid
Base Price$39,415–$52,862

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Our scoring places the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this hybrid. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.9/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $39,415–$52,862, 35 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.1/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a solid, well-rounded hybrid that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Hybrids

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid ranks #111 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 19% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $39,415 starting price is about 25% above the segment's median of $31,584.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking → · Best Hybrids under $50k →

Which Santa Fe Hybrid Year Should You Buy?

Across the Santa Fe Hybrid model years we've scored, the 2023 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.1/10$41,854 Read review →
2025 8.1/10$41,854 Read review →
2024 8.0/10$40,635 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.9/10$39,415
2022 7.8/10$38,196 Read review →
2021 7.9/10$36,977 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Strong fuel economy at 35 MPG, keeping running costs low

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Trailer hitches
17/03/2023 · 23V181000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Common Questions — 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid reliable?

We rate the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid's reliability 8.2/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid have?

1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid worth buying?

It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #111 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 19% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid cost?

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid starts at $39,415 and ranges up to $52,862 across trims (MSRP when new). At 35 MPG, expect roughly $1,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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Similar Hybrid to Consider

Other hybrids at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
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8.6/10
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2025 Lexus ES Hybrid
2025 Lexus ES Hybrid
8.6/10
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2026 Honda Accord Hybrid
2026 Honda Accord Hybrid
8.6/10
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2024 Honda Accord Hybrid
2024 Honda Accord Hybrid
8.6/10
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