Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid priced

Hyundai Australia’s first hybrid SUV, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, will start from an even $63,000 plus on-road costs when it whirs into local showrooms later this month.

Available in both Elite and Highlander guises (the latter priced at $69,550 plus ORCs), the Santa Fe Hybrid’s starting figure undercuts the cheapest Kia Sorento Hybrid by some $3750 and comes with the bonus inclusion of all-wheel drive as standard.

The flipside of this comparison is the marginally reduced equipment level of the penultimate Elite grade versus the top-tier GT-Line – the only Sorento grade offered with a hybrid powertrain – but when compared like-for-like, there’s just $200 in it between the respective electrified flagships ($69,550 vs $69,750).

Perhaps more importantly though, the Santa Fe Hybrids are only $3000 more expensive than their respective diesel counterparts.

Anyone familiar with the wider Hyundai Motor Group’s electrification strategy will know the self-charging hybrid system is based around a 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol ‘SmartStream’ four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The petrol donk is paired to a 44kW electric motor for a combined 169kW of power and 350Nm of torque, the latter of which is available from just 1000rpm right the way through to 4500rpm.

The electric motor draws current from a small 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery and is one of the key factors behind the powertrain’s claimed combined fuel consumption of 6.0L/100km – 0.1L lower than the all-paw turbo-diesel (6.1L/100km) and a substantial 4.0L lower than the V6 petrol (10L/100km).

CO2 emissions are pegged at a portfolio-leading 137g/km.

Hyundai hasn’t published any performance claims for the electrified seven-seat SUV but has confirmed a significantly reduced maximum braked towing capacity of 1650kg compared to the 2500kg figures of the petrol and diesel versions, which is in line with its Sorento Hybrid cousin.

However, the segment-leading Toyota Kluger Hybrid is cheaper, more powerful, more efficient and tows more. Priced from $54,150, three versions of the Kluger hybrid are available – all of them equipped with AWD and a 184kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain that consumes 5.6L/100km, emits 128g/km and can tow the same 2000kg as its 3.5-litre petrol V6 brethren.

Beyond the tell-tale hybrid badging on the tailgate, the only way the new Santa Fe Hybrid duo can be visually discerned from their internal combustion stablemates is via their unique and more aerodynamic five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels.

The bespoke hoops are also the only note-worthy specification difference; all of the familiar Elite and Highlander goodies are fitted, with highlights on the former including a 10.25-inch infotainment system with DAB digital radio, satellite-navigation and smartphone mirroring, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control and full exterior LED lighting.

Stepping up the Highlander adds richer Nappa leather, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, ambient lighting, panoramic glass sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, remote park assist, blind-spot view monitor and an optional (no-cost) new six-seat layout reserved exclusively for the top-spec hybrid.

The new arrangement bins the usual 60:40 split/folding second row in favour of a pair of free-standing captain’s chairs, which in addition to enhancing second-row comfort also allows for better access to the third row.

“The addition of Santa Fe Hybrid, and a new six-seater option, brings renewed appeal in this latest evolution of our ever-popular large SUV,” Hyundai Australia chief executive officer Ted Lee said.

“A favourite of Australian families, Santa Fe continues to deliver an alluring combination of style, space, luxury and technology, now with the performance and efficiency benefits of a hybrid powertrain.”

While the hybrids slot into the wider Santa Fe range above the existing petrol and diesel variants, no spec or pricing changes have been made to the established line-up for the 2023 model year.

How much does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe cost?
Santa Fe petrol – $46,050
Santa Fe diesel – $49,550
Active petrol – $50,250
Active diesel – $53,750
Elite petrol – $56,500
Elite diesel – $60,000
Elite Hybrid – $63,000
Highlander petrol – $63,050
Highlander diesel – $66,550
Highlander Hybrid – $69,550
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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