Hey guys! Thinking about going green but still need that SUV space and comfort? Let’s dive into the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). This review will cover everything you need to know, from its electric range and fuel efficiency to its performance and overall value. Buckle up!

What's the Hype About the Santa Fe PHEV?

So, what makes the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV so special? Well, it's all about getting the best of both worlds. You've got the ability to drive on pure electric power for shorter trips, which is fantastic for reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on gas. Then, for those longer journeys, the gasoline engine kicks in, eliminating any range anxiety. It's a smart and versatile option for families and individuals looking to dip their toes into the electric vehicle world without fully committing.

Compared to its rivals, the Santa Fe PHEV stands out with its blend of practicality, technology, and value. While other plug-in hybrid SUVs might offer more range or a sportier driving experience, the Santa Fe PHEV hits a sweet spot with its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and user-friendly features. Plus, Hyundai's reputation for reliability and its generous warranty add an extra layer of peace of mind. The design is also a head-turner, and it’s hard to argue against the value proposition when you consider all the features you get for the price. For those who are new to the PHEV market, this is a solid choice to consider.

Performance and Driving Experience

Let’s get into how this thing actually drives. The Santa Fe PHEV combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 261 horsepower. Now, that might not sound like a ton of power, but it's more than adequate for everyday driving. The electric motor provides instant torque, giving you a nice little boost off the line. Merging onto the highway and passing slower traffic is a breeze, and the Santa Fe PHEV feels confident and composed at higher speeds.

The transition between electric and gasoline power is seamless. Unless you're really paying attention, you might not even notice when the engine kicks in. The ride quality is smooth and comfortable, making it a great choice for long road trips. The suspension soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, and the cabin remains quiet and refined. However, if you're looking for a sporty driving experience, you might want to look elsewhere. The Santa Fe PHEV is more focused on comfort and efficiency than outright performance. The steering is accurate and responsive, but it lacks the feedback and precision of some of its rivals. Overall, though, the Santa Fe PHEV offers a pleasant and relaxing driving experience that's well-suited for daily commutes and family adventures.

Electric Range and Fuel Efficiency

Alright, let's talk about the numbers that really matter: electric range and fuel efficiency. The 2022 Santa Fe PHEV has an EPA-estimated electric range of 30 miles. In real-world driving, you can expect to get somewhere in the neighborhood of 28-32 miles, depending on your driving style and the weather conditions. That's enough range for many people to complete their daily commute without using any gasoline at all.

Once the battery is depleted, the Santa Fe PHEV operates as a regular hybrid, achieving an EPA-estimated 33 MPG combined. That's a significant improvement over the standard Santa Fe, which gets around 25 MPG combined. Overall, the Santa Fe PHEV offers excellent fuel efficiency for its size and class, especially if you make the most of its electric range. Charging the battery takes about four hours on a Level 2 charger, which is pretty standard for a plug-in hybrid. You can also charge it using a standard 120-volt household outlet, but that will take considerably longer.

Interior and Technology

Step inside the 2022 Santa Fe PHEV, and you'll find a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. There's plenty of legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats, making it a great choice for families. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, and the overall fit and finish is excellent. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a large touchscreen display that's easy to use.

The Santa Fe PHEV comes standard with a host of technology features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system. Higher trim levels offer even more features, such as a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a head-up display. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with crisp graphics and logical menus. The voice recognition system works well, allowing you to control various functions with simple voice commands. The Santa Fe PHEV also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Trim Levels and Features

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is available in two trim levels: SEL Convenience and Limited. Even the base SEL Convenience trim comes well-equipped with features like:

• 10.25-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Heated front seats
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Upgrading to the Limited trim adds even more luxury and convenience features, such as:

• Leather upholstery
• Panoramic sunroof
• Head-up display
• Surround-view monitor
• Remote smart parking assist

Both trim levels offer excellent value for the money, but the Limited trim is definitely worth considering if you want all the bells and whistles.

Pricing and Value

Now, let's talk about the price. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV starts at around $40,000, which is competitive with other plug-in hybrid SUVs in its class. However, keep in mind that you may be eligible for federal and state tax credits, which can significantly lower the overall cost of ownership. When you factor in the fuel savings from driving on electric power, the Santa Fe PHEV can be a very cost-effective choice in the long run. Plus, Hyundai's generous warranty provides added peace of mind.

Compared to its rivals, the Santa Fe PHEV offers a compelling combination of value, features, and performance. While some competitors may offer more range or a sportier driving experience, the Santa Fe PHEV hits a sweet spot with its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and user-friendly technology. If you're looking for a practical and efficient SUV that can also save you money on gas, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is definitely worth considering.

Pros and Cons

To sum things up, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV:

Pros:

• Good electric range for daily commuting
• Excellent fuel efficiency as a hybrid
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• User-friendly technology
• Generous warranty
• Eligible for tax credits

Cons:

• Not as sporty as some rivals
• Charging can take several hours

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict? The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of electric vehicles without sacrificing the practicality and versatility of an SUV. It offers a compelling blend of electric range, fuel efficiency, comfort, and technology, all at a competitive price point. While it might not be the sportiest SUV on the market, it excels at providing a comfortable and efficient driving experience for daily commutes and family adventures. If you're in the market for a plug-in hybrid SUV, the Santa Fe PHEV should definitely be on your shortlist. Give it a test drive and see for yourself!