2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
Hyundai Santa Fe Details
L4, 2.5L; Turbo
Shimmering Silver Metallic
AWD
Gasoline
61,604 Miles
Gray
4P150
5NMS4DAL0PH531612
Limited
Features & Options
- Low Oil Pressure Warnings And Reminders
- Intersection/junction Turn Automatic Emergency Braking
- Intersection/junction Turn Pre-collision Warning System
- USB Rear Power Outlet(s)
- USB Front Power Outlet(s)
- Front Automatic Emergency Braking
- Adaptive Speed Limiting Traffic Sign Recognition
- Front Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian Detection Pre-collision Warning System
- Lane Centering Autonomous Lane Guidance
- Vehicle Exit Safety System
- Rear Automatic Emergency Braking
- Semi-automatic Adaptive Stop And Go Cruise Control
- Security Event/collision Alert Smart Device App Function
- Phone As A Key Smart Device App Function
- Maintenance Scheduling Smart Device App Function
- Engine Start Smart Device App Function
- MyHyundai With Blue Link Smart Device App Compatibility
- Key Fob Operated Remote Parking Assist
- 10.25 In. Infotainment Screen Size
- 12.3 In. Instrument Cluster Screen Size
- Check Rear Seat Reminder
- Sensor-activated Rear Trunk/liftgate
- Power Sunshade Moonroof / Sunroof
- Height Passenger Seat Power Adjustments
- Android Auto Smartphone Integration
- Apple CarPlay Smartphone Integration
- Height Driver Seat Power Adjustments
- Surround View Camera System
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Front Wireless Charging Station
- Visual Warning Pre-collision Warning System
- Audible Warning Pre-collision Warning System
- Aluminum Alloy Wheels
- Blue Link Infotainment
- Horn/light Operation Smart Device App Function
- Lock Operation Smart Device App Function
- Maintenance Status Smart Device App Function
- Roadside Assistance Driver Assistance App
- Google Search Connected In-car Apps
- Google POIs Connected In-car Apps
- Hill Descent Off-road Driving Assist
- Fully Automated Active Parking System
- Voice Operated Electronic Messaging Assistance
- With Read Function Electronic Messaging Assistance
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Driver Attention Alert System
- Liftgate Memorized Settings
- Auto Start/stop
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Touch Screen Display Radio
- Bluetooth Auxiliary Audio Input
- Drive Mode Selector
- Camera Display Blind Spot Safety
- Voice Operated Radio
- Power Panoramic Moonroof / Sunroof
- In Dash Rearview Monitor
- Tilt/slide Moonroof / Sunroof
- 630 Watts
- Trunk Release Multi-function Remote
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio
- Silver Grille Color
- Front Crumple Zones
- Front Emergency Locking Retractors
- Sliding Rear Seat
- 7-pin Trailer Wiring
- IPod/iPhone Auxiliary Audio Input
- Inflator Kit Spare Tire Kit
- Tire Sealant Spare Tire Kit
- Trip Odometer
- Auto On/off Headlights
- Chrome Accents Rocker Panel Color
- Accessory Hook Storage
- 3-point Front Seatbelts
- 3-point Rear Seatbelts
- Auto Delay Off Headlights
- Voice Control Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Rear Cupholders
- Lane Deviation Sensors
- Proximity Entry System Multi-function Remote
- Door Pockets Storage
- Acoustic Windshield Laminated Glass
- Sunglasses Holder Storage
- Chrome Window Trim
- LED Headlights
- Puddle Lamps Exterior Entry Lights
- Ready Trailer Hitch
- Front Seatback Storage
- In Floor Storage
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Homelink - Garage Door Opener Universal Remote Transmitter
- Multi-function Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Phone Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Cruise Control Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Range Fuel Economy Display
- MPG Fuel Economy Display
- HD Radio Radio
- USB Auxiliary Audio Input
- Jack Auxiliary Audio Input
- Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror
- One-touch Fold Flat Rear Seat Folding
- Scuff Plate Door Sill Trim
- Silver Roof Rails
- Front Console With Armrest And Storage Center Console
- Maintenance-free Battery
- Power Folding Side Mirror Adjustments
- Body-color Rear Bumper Color
- 150 Amps Alternator
- Heated Rear Seat
- Auto-locking Power Door Locks
- Remote Engine Start
- Reclining Driver Seat Power Adjustments
- With Washer Rear Wiper
- Front Skid Plate(s)
- Reclining Passenger Seat Power Adjustments
- Air Filtration
- Carpet Floor Material
- Rear Assist Handle
- Heated Side Mirrors
- Gas Front Shock Type
- Gas Rear Shock Type
- Adjustable Front Headrests
- 12V Front Power Outlet(s)
- Chrome Exhaust Tip Color
- Front Seatbelt Warning Sensor
- Power Side Mirror Adjustments
- Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
- Push-button Start
- Cargo Cover
- Body-color Rear Spoiler Color
- Roofline Rear Spoiler
- Front Solar-tinted Glass
- Voice Operated Navigation System
- Multi-function Display
- Battery Saver
- Ventilated Passenger Seat
- Auto Off Electronic Parking Brake
- External Temperature Display
- Speed Sensitive Volume Control
- LED Taillights
- Rear Center With Cupholders Armrests
- Power Brakes
- Real Time Traffic Navigation Data
- Anti-trapping Moonroof / Sunroof
- Digital Sound Processing
- Body-color Body Side Moldings
- Rear Emergency Locking Retractors
- Digital Odometer
- Touch Screen Display Navigation System
- Rear Folding Armrests
- Leather-trimmed Upholstery
- Integrated Turn Signals Side Mirrors
- 4-way Power Lumbar Driver Seat Power Adjustments
- Hill Holder Control
- Door Unlock Impact Sensor
- Side Mirrors Memorized Settings
- Body-color Mirror Color
- Rear Privacy Glass
- Driver Seat Memorized Settings
- Low Fuel Level Warnings And Reminders
- Rain Sensing Front Wipers
- Adjustable Rear Headrests
- Audio Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Body-color Fender Lip Moldings
- Chrome Door Handle Color
- Front Overhead Console
- Metallic-tone Interior Accents
- Body-color Front Bumper Color
- Lockout Button Power Windows
- Safety Reverse Power Windows
- Radio Data System
- One-touch Open/close Moonroof / Sunroof
- 4-wheel ABS
- Compass
- Maintenance Due Warnings And Reminders
- Panic Alarm Multi-function Remote
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
- Vehicle Immobilizer Anti-theft System
- LATCH System Child Seat Anchors
- Child Safety Door Locks
- Cloth Door Trim
- Anti-lockout Power Door Locks
- Reclining Rear Seat Manual Adjustments
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Variable Intermittent Front Wipers
- Cargo Area Light
- Alarm Anti-theft System
- Tachometer Gauge
- Rear Window Defogger
- Traction Control
- Stability Control
- Front Side Curtain Airbags
- Braking Assist
- Dual Front Airbags
- Center Locking Differential
- Trailer Stability Control
- Front Assist Handle
- Faux Suede Headliner Trim
- 115V Rear Power Outlet(s)
- Clock
- Alloy Door Trim
- 60-40 Split Bench Rear Seat Type
- AM/FM Radio
- Leather Steering Wheel Trim
- Lower Control Arms Front Suspension Type
- 11 Total Speakers
- Variable/speed-proportional Power Steering
- Ventilated Disc Front Brake Type
- Bucket Front Seat Type
- Front Reading Lights
- Power Operated Rear Trunk/liftgate
- Liftgate Rear Trunk/liftgate
- 8 Passenger Seat Power Adjustments
- Second Row Rear Vents
- 2 Front Headrests
- Fixed Liftgate Window
- Voice Operated Hands-free Phone Call Integration
- Front Seatbelt Force Limiters
- Hard Drive Navigation System
- Heated Steering Wheel
- 1 Subwoofer
- Bluetooth Wireless Data Link
- Coil Front Spring Type
- 2 One-touch Windows
- 3 Rear Headrests
- Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
- Rear Stabilizer Bar
- 12V Cargo Area Power Outlet(s)
- Front Stabilizer Bar
- 8 Driver Seat Power Adjustments
- Coil Rear Spring Type
- Dual Front Air Conditioning Zones
- Heated Driver Seat
- Side Window Sunshade
- Mast Antenna Type
- Diversity Antenna Type
- Front Parking Sensors
- Rear Side Curtain Airbags
- Rear Skid Plate(s)
- Heated Passenger Seat
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- 5.1 Surround Sound
- Automatic Climate Control Front Air Conditioning
- Intermittent Rear Wiper
- Multi-link Rear Suspension Type
- Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
- Front Side Airbags
- Sensor/alert Blind Spot Safety
- Ventilated Driver Seat
- 2 Driver Memorized Settings
- MacPherson Front Struts
- Independent Rear Suspension Classification
- Harman/kardon Premium Brand
- Front Cupholders
- Auto High Beam Dimmer Headlights
- Independent Front Suspension Classification
- Disc Rear Brake Type
- On Demand 4WD Type
- Occupant Sensing Passenger Airbag Deactivation
- Option Group 01
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2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Review
As one of Hyundai’s top-selling SUVs, the venerable Santa Fe sticks to the brand’s winning formula.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 including the addition of this top-tier Calligraphy trim.
STILL A SEGMENT HEAVY HITTER
The five-passenger, midsized 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 altogether and then calling the smaller, two-row Santa Fe Sport the Santa Fe. Confused? All you need to know is that Hyundai sold 117,000 Santa Fes last year making it a who’s who in the class. Beyond this standard Santa Fe with its 2 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 Santa Fe SE and tops $47,000 for a Plug-in Hybrid Limited.
IT's ALL IN THE HANDWRITING
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, 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.
BIG POWER BUT DIMINISHED 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. The 2.5T packs a punch but also lacks the refinement of the Palisade’s naturally-aspirated V6, for instance. 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” 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.
ALL OF THE GOOD STUFF
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 chose the other available color: black.
KEEP A CABLE HANDY
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” Display Audio system. So, at Hyundai things are backwards in that this vastly more sophisticated 10.25” 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 me 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.
SPACIOUS IN THE BACK
Kids and adults alike will find plenty of travelling 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 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.
WHERE DOES IT GO FROM HERE?
What’s next for the 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 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.