Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). If you're like me, you're always on the lookout for a vehicle that blends practicality with a touch of environmental consciousness. The Santa Fe PHEV promises exactly that, offering a spacious interior, a suite of tech features, and the ability to drive on electric power alone for a decent chunk of your daily commute. So, buckle up as we explore everything this plug-in hybrid SUV has to offer!

What's New with the 2022 Santa Fe PHEV?

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV marks the second year of this plug-in hybrid model, building on the already impressive foundation laid by its predecessor. While it largely carries over the updates from the previous model year, including the refreshed exterior design and upgraded interior, the focus remains on its efficient powertrain and user-friendly technology. The key highlight, of course, is its plug-in hybrid system, which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a larger battery pack, allowing for all-electric driving capability. This means you can potentially reduce your fuel consumption and emissions, especially if you have a shorter commute and can regularly charge the battery.

Beyond the powertrain, the 2022 Santa Fe PHEV boasts a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. It also comes standard with a range of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, providing added peace of mind on the road. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a large touchscreen display and smartphone integration. Overall, the 2022 Santa Fe PHEV is a compelling option for buyers seeking a versatile and efficient SUV with plug-in hybrid technology.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about how this baby performs! The Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV's powertrain is a blend of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 261 horsepower. That's plenty of oomph for daily driving and merging onto the highway. The electric motor provides instant torque, giving you a nice little boost off the line. Speaking of electric power, the Santa Fe PHEV offers an all-electric driving range of around 30 miles, which is great for running errands around town without burning any gas. The transition between electric and gasoline power is seamless, so you won't even notice when the engine kicks in.

When it comes to handling, the Santa Fe PHEV is surprisingly composed for an SUV. The steering is precise, and the suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes. It's not exactly a sports car, but it's certainly not a slouch either. The regenerative braking system helps to recapture energy and recharge the battery, and it feels pretty natural underfoot. One thing to keep in mind is that the added weight of the battery pack can affect handling slightly, but it's not a major issue. Overall, the Santa Fe PHEV offers a smooth and comfortable ride with adequate power for most driving situations.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside, and you'll find a cabin that's both comfortable and well-equipped. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV boasts a spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers in both the front and rear seats. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on longer drives. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality, giving it a premium feel. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a large touchscreen display taking center stage.

Speaking of technology, the Santa Fe PHEV comes packed with features. The infotainment system is easy to use and responsive, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can easily connect your smartphone. Other available tech features include a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display. The Santa Fe PHEV also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – fuel efficiency. The Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV shines in this department. With its plug-in hybrid powertrain, you can expect to see significantly better fuel economy compared to a traditional gasoline-powered SUV. The EPA estimates that the Santa Fe PHEV gets around 76 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when running on both electric and gasoline power. When running on gasoline alone, it gets around 33 MPG combined. Of course, your actual fuel economy will vary depending on your driving habits and how often you charge the battery.

The Santa Fe PHEV's all-electric driving range is another major plus. With a fully charged battery, you can drive up to 30 miles on electric power alone. This is perfect for running errands around town or commuting to work if you have a shorter commute. When the battery runs out, the gasoline engine kicks in seamlessly, so you don't have to worry about being stranded. The charging time for the battery is around 4 hours on a 240V charger, which is pretty standard for a plug-in hybrid.

Pricing and Trims

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is available in two trim levels: SEL Convenience and Limited. The SEL Convenience trim is the base model, but it still comes well-equipped with features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, and wireless device charging. The Limited trim adds even more luxury and convenience features, such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and a blind-spot view monitor.

As for pricing, the Santa Fe PHEV starts at around $40,000 for the SEL Convenience trim and goes up to around $46,000 for the Limited trim. Keep in mind that these prices do not include any applicable tax credits or incentives. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for federal and state tax credits that can significantly reduce the overall cost of the vehicle. Be sure to check with your local government to see what incentives are available in your area.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear picture, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV:

Pros:

• Excellent fuel efficiency and all-electric driving range
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• User-friendly technology
• Standard advanced safety features
• Available federal and state tax credits

Cons:

• Higher price tag compared to the gasoline-powered Santa Fe
• Limited cargo space due to the battery pack
• Charging time can be a factor for some buyers

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV? Overall, it's a compelling option for buyers who are looking for a versatile and efficient SUV with plug-in hybrid technology. It offers a spacious interior, a suite of tech features, and the ability to drive on electric power alone for a decent chunk of your daily commute. While it does come with a higher price tag compared to the gasoline-powered Santa Fe, the potential fuel savings and available tax credits can help to offset the cost.

If you're someone who values fuel efficiency, technology, and safety, the Santa Fe PHEV is definitely worth considering. However, if you need maximum cargo space or are not able to take advantage of the plug-in hybrid capabilities, then a traditional gasoline-powered SUV might be a better fit. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to take a test drive and see for yourself if the Santa Fe PHEV meets your needs.