2022 HYUNDAI SANTA FE PHEV – DM REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV (DM) is reviewed as a competent and pleasant vehicle, particularly praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and user-friendly physical controls. The reviewers highlight its "easy and straightforward" operation, good sound system, and premium interior touches like quilted leather and a nice headliner, making it a strong contender for a "biggest surprises" award. However, the core verdict is that the plug-in hybrid variant does not make financial or practical sense for most buyers. The reviewers argue it's not a true EV in its PHEV mode, as the gasoline engine engages even under hard acceleration or when heating is required. They also criticize Hyundai's misleading MPG figures for the PHEV and calculate that it would take nearly six years of daily electric-only driving to recoup the $5,000-$6,000 price premium over the standard hybrid. The recommendation is to opt for the regular hybrid or gasoline Santa Fe instead, unless one has access to free electricity, in which case the PHEV might be considered for the "hippie" buyer. Minor complaints include some wind noise from the mirrors and a bright infotainment display, though the latter can be turned off.