If you’re looking for a Hyundai SUV PHEV but the Hyundai Tucson isn’t quite big enough for your needs then you might want to consider the Santa Fe PHEV. However, underneath both vehicles are based on the same drivetrain hence a 1.6 turbo engine and electric motor providing a combined output of 261 HP. Just like the Tucson, the Santa Fe PHEV is rated to tow up to 2,000 lbs. However, the EV range of the Santa Fe PHEV is a little less at 30 miles.
Key Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 2,000 lbs
- Availability – Now
- Price – Starting $39,500 (SEL)
- EPA – 30 miles pure electric range
- Combined (city/highway) – 76 MPGe and 33 MPG
- Maximum Charge Rate – 3.5kW and 7kW
Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV HP & Torque
- AWD: Combined output of 261 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque
- 1.6L Turbo Gas Engine: 180 HP and 195 lb-ft of torque
- Electric Motor: 90 HP and 224 lb-ft of torque
Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Towing Capabilties
As I’ve stated in the intro, the Santa Fe PHEV is identical to its smaller Hyundia sibling the Tucson PHEV in not only power figures but also its towing capacity of 2,000lbs. Which to be honest is a little disappointing with this being the larger vehicle you typically expect more towing capability.
Furthermore, as the Santa Fe PHEV only has the same combined power output of 261 HP as the Tucson PHEV being the larger vehicle with more weight, you’ll get less performance from the Santa Fe PHEV.
The same goes for the pure EV range, both vechiels features the same 13.8kWh battery. Hence, while the smaller/lighter Tucson can travel 33 miles the Santa Fe can only travel 30 miles. Granted not a significant difference, but remember the Santa Fe is typically $5K to $6K more than the Tucson.
Its not as if you are getting more seats either, the Santa Fe is still a 5 seater just like the Tucson. Therefore, you wouldn’t choose a Santa Fe over a Tuscon for really any other reasons than the more traditional styling and the increased rear passenger space.
Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Review
I’ve included a review below of the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV by the Motormouth channel. They discuss the similarities with its sibling the Tucson PHEV but also the differences and what sort of buyer the Santa Fe PHEV may appeal to more.
My Thoughts On The Hyundia Santa Fe PHEV…
It would appear from the review above that the interior quality of the Santa Fe is very good for its price point and it is more spacious than its smaller sibling the Tucson for rear passengers. However, I do find it disappointing that the Santa Fe does not offer more towing capacity than the Tuscon.
When it comes to wider competition, I think the Santa Fe is a better option all round than say a Ford Escape Plug-in. While the Ford offers more electric range its towing capacity of 1,500 lbs is sub par.
Then there is the massively popular Toyota RAV4 Prime, which gets more EV range, more power and more towing capacity (2,500 lbs) than the Santa Fe. However, when it comes to the interior, I think the Santa Fe is offering a much nicer space than the RAV4.
