AutoVault's overall score, weighted for what a suv is actually for — performance, technology, comfort, reliability, safety and value.
Specifications
Engine
1.6L Turbo PHEV I4
Horsepower
261 hp
Torque
258 lb-ft
0–60 mph
7.8 sec
Top speed
112 mph
Drivetrain
AWD
Seats
5
Combined MPG
25 mpg (22 city / 30 hwy)
Range
427 miles
MSRP
$50,500
Body style
SUV
The verdict
What's good
Short daily commutes can run fully electric, avoiding fuel stops entirely
AWD standard on PHEV trim adds all-weather confidence with no compromise
Interior cabin is notably quieter than most non-hybrid SUVs in segment
Blended efficiency slashes annual fuel spend for mixed city-highway drivers
What's not
Electric-only range is short — about 30 miles — limiting EV-mode usefulness
PHEV battery eats into cargo space versus standard Santa Fe
Charging cord management adds inconvenience if garage space is limited
Reliability on PHEV powertrain components trails the standard hybrid competitors
The engine
Smartstream
1.6L Turbo PHEV I4
A turbocharged 1.6 plug-in four backed by a strong electric motor for quiet all-electric commuting and confident all-wheel-drive thrust when the engine joins in.
Built on Hyundai's Smartstream 1.6 T-GDi turbo engine, paired with an electric motor and battery in the plug-in Santa Fe and shared with the related Tucson PHEV.
The combined system makes 265 PS and routes power through a conventional six-speed automatic plus standard all-wheel drive, not a CVT.
Its 13.8 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery enables up to around 31 miles of electric-only range.
WLTP CO2 emissions drop to roughly 37 g/km thanks to the plug-in setup.
See the rest in AutoVault
The six sub-scores behind the 77 — performance, tech, comfort, reliability, safety and value