The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD is a midsize SUV
designed to appeal to families with a busy schedule that includes frequent road trips. As fate would have it, it was just in time for our Spring Break trip from Atlanta to South Carolina. With two teenagers in tow, my wife and I loaded up the surprisingly spacious cargo area (the under-floor storage is a game changer) and hit the road with some trepidation. How would a 4-cylinder, midsize SUV loaded with four people and all our gear handle a four-day getaway?
The Santa Fe Calligraphy has a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The EPA rates the Santa Fe Calligraphy at 24 MPG combined city/highway, which is respectable for a midsize SUV. The Santa Fe Calligraphy also has HTRAC all-wheel drive, enhancing the vehicle's performance on various terrains. Acceleration and highway cruising left me questioning why we ever need V6s. Though we only left the paved highway briefly to visit the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island, SC, the Santa Fe was as sure-footed on the gravel road as it was on the asphalt.
Angel Oak Tree – Gravel RoadDaryl Killian
The Santa Fe Calligraphy is equipped with numerous advanced safety
features, including front, front side, and side-curtain airbags, forward
collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and lane following assist. These features and the government's 5-star safety rating make Santa Fe a safe choice for families. And when I combined all of these safety features with the Highway Driving Assist, I could confidently relax and let Santa Fe do most of the work on the 3-hour drive.
Advanced Safety FeaturesDaryl Killian
With government 5-star safety ratings and advanced safety technology, Santa Fe is a great option for parents prioritizing safety. Additionally, the Santa Fe comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty, providing peace of mind to car buyers.
On the exterior, the Santa Fe Calligraphy boasts 20-inch Calligraphy
Exclusive alloy wheels, LED headlights, tail lights, daytime running lights, power-folding heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators and a
panoramic sunroof. The interior is just as impressive, with a comfortable
and spacious cabin with features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient interior lighting, wireless phone charging, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation/infotainment system.
Daryl Killian
In terms of comfort and convenience, Santa Fe Calligraphy offers a
wide range of features, such as auto temperature control, a hands-free
smart liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel,
and memory driver settings. The Santa Fe Calligraphy also includes
advanced driving assistance technologies such as remote smart parking
assist, highway driving assist, and high beam assist.
Despite its many impressive features, there are a few cons to consider
regarding the Santa Fe Calligraphy. One of the biggest cons is its
price, which starts at $45,255. This makes it more expensive than many of its competitors in the midsize SUV segment. Additionally, the Santa Fe
Calligraphy's infotainment system can sometimes respond slowly, which may be frustrating for some drivers. Next is the placement of the rear seat
A/C vents that sat low on the center console in the rear and were often
blocked by backpacks and blankets that, inevitably, make their way to the
floor on extended trips. This could easily be addressed by placing the vents on the B-pillar, and the backseat would be almost perfect. With two USB fast chargers in the second row, the teens stayed charged for the antics.
USB-C Fast Chargers 2nd RowDaryl Killian
Another potential downside to Santa Fe Calligraphy is its fuel economy. While 24 MPG combined city/highway is respectable for a midsize SUV, some competitors offer better fuel economy. The Santa Fe Calligraphy also lacks a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option, which may be a deal-breaker for eco-conscious car buyers.
In conclusion, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD is an
excellent choice for families prioritizing safety, comfort, and adventure.
Its advanced safety features, spacious cabin, and impressive performance make it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. However, its high price tag and fuel economy may be a drawback for some car buyers.
Despite these cons, Santa Fe Calligraphy is a worthy consideration for
families in the market for a new SUV.
