Shopping for a Hyundai Santa Fe? Know Your Options!

A white 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is shown from the side parked next to bikers.

Searching for the right SUV can be a daunting task, given how jam-packed the market is with these vehicles. However, with its swift acceleration and an extensive list of included features, the Hyundai Santa Fe might have you searching for a Hyundai dealer near Leduc. If this is an SUV that piques your interest now, just wait until you learn about the different Santa Fe models that are on the market.

Whether you stick with the traditional gas-powered Santa Fe or decide to try out a hybrid, you can find plenty of Santa Fe models for sale here at River City Hyundai. There have been plenty of revisions made to the Santa Fe over the years since Hyundai strives to be an industry leader and trendsetter. Which Hyundai Santa Fe will be the best fit for you? It is time to hunker down and learn what kinds of options are available when you set out to buy a Santa Fe.

Gas-Powered Hyundai Santa Fe Models

First things first––Hyundai has always offered the Santa Fe as a traditional gas-powered SUV. Currently, the standard engine is a 2.5L four-cylinder that generates 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The standard drivetrain is front-wheel drive (FWD), but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on every trim level.

If that is not enough power for you, consider upgrading to the Urban or Ultimate Calligraphy trim levels to get the turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine. This particular engine has no problem getting the vehicle from zero to 100 km in just over six seconds. Unlike the base engine, the turbocharged engine has 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Also, this engine gets paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with SHIFTRONIC technologies built into it.

The standard lineup for the gas-powered 2023 Santa Fe models includes three trim levels: Preferred, Urban, and Ultimate Calligraphy. The higher up you go in the trim level lineup, the more advanced technological, comfort, and safety features you will find. On the outside, LED headlights are standard, and LED taillights are available on higher trim levels. The high beams are automatic, and High Beam Assist helps you avoid shining your brights into other drivers’ eyes at night. The Urban comes with black roof crossbars to load up any cargo that doesn’t fit inside.

The black and brown interior of a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe shows the steering wheel and front seats.

Standard and Available Features

Inside the cabin, you get standard stain-resistant cloth seats in the Preferred. The Urban comes with leatherette seats, while the Ultimate Calligraphy has genuine leather if you decide you want to upgrade. Power-adjustable lumbar support is available on the driver seat, as is a leg cushion extension. Heating and ventilation are options for the front seats, and the rear outboard seats can come with heating in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim.

Whether you are buying a new or used model, the technology in the Santa Fe is robust. In recent model years, you will be able to find options like a 26 cm infotainment touchscreen display, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and integrated navigation. Smartphone app integration comes with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and wireless compatibility has become a feature in more recent model years. Dynamic Voice Recognition comes on all but the base trim level.

Of course, Hyundai also outfits the 2023 Santa Fe with a long list of advanced driver aids. This list of standard features includes:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction-Turning Detection (FCA)
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
  • Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist––Reverse (PCA-R)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go Capability (ACC)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
  • Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
  • Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)

All things considered, the number of safety features offered on the Santa Fe is one of the highest in the industry. What’s more, these features are known among Leduc drivers for working as intended.

Hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe Models

If you want to spend less on fuel, consider buying one of the hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe models. You can choose from a traditional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, depending on your preference. Both come packed with features, but their lineups look a little different than the standard Santa Fe.

For the Santa Fe Hybrid, you get to choose only one trim level, which is called the Luxury Hybrid. The 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid is estimated to get 7.4 L/100 km combined, which is part of what attracts buyers to this vehicle. The model's 1.6L turbocharged engine is paired with a 44 kW electric motor and 270V lithium-ion battery to generate 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, and a six-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the wheels.

The standard features found inside the 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid are similar to those available in the traditional gas-powered Santa Fe. You will enjoy LED headlights and taillights, heated side mirrors, roof rails, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard, and you can upgrade from leatherette to leather if you desire. On top of that, you can enjoy a 26 cm central infotainment screen with onboard navigation and a wireless charging pad to keep your smartphone topped off.

A white 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is shown from the rear driving on a dirt road.

Used Hyundai Santa Fe Models to Look For

You might be tempted to buy a brand-new Hyundai Santa Fe, but used models are just as capable of being great daily drivers. For the last few years, the Hyundai Santa Fe has been even more user-oriented than ever before.

2019-2020

After being absent from the market for five years (during that period, it was replaced by the Santa Fe Sport), the Santa Fe returned as an all-new model for the 2019 model year. There is an abundance of technology and safety features in the new generation, making these vehicles a great buy even today. For instance, every 2019 Santa Fe comes with an 18 cm touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A massive new front grille was added to the exterior, accentuated by high-mounted and slitted LED daytime running lights. The side windows were made taller than before, allowing a better view outside the vehicle. A satin-finish trim surrounded those windows, giving the body a more modern and luxurious look.

2021-Present

A major refresh was in order for the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. Hyundai revised the gas-powered engines, giving buyers the current powertrain lineup with two 2.5L options instead of the older 2.4L and turbocharged 2.0L engines. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models were also introduced for the 2021 model year. Many new safety features made their way into the lineup, and the Ultimate Calligraphy trim level was added as the new top trim.

Which Hyundai Santa Fe Will You Choose?

Choosing a Hyundai Santa Fe is easier said than done. All models, new and used, come with an abundance of technology and are imbued with value. Hyundai’s generous warranty coverage and focus on efficiency help to set the Santa Fe apart from its competitors. Test driving a Santa Fe here at River City Hyundai near Leduc––whether it is gas-powered, hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid––will show you just how fun this SUV is to drive every day. Consider trying one for yourself to see just how user-friendly a Santa Fe model can be!