1 of the Safest Midsize SUVs Is Also the Most Affordable
If one category of SUVs is filled with suitable options, it is probably the midsize segment. Popular brands like Hyundai have multiple options in the midsize SUV segment to capture as many sales as possible. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is a reliable and safe SUV, earning its reputation through a blend of advanced safety features and overall quality. What sort of driver assistance systems are included in this vehicle, and do all of the safety groups agree that this is a safe midsize SUV?
What is the safest midsize SUV on the road?
There are a lot of vehicles on the road, but the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the safest midsize SUVs for this year. Hyundai ranks the Santa Fe pretty high on its list of SUVs, but it excelled in safety. The automaker equipped the SUV with more standard driver assistance features than much of the competition.
This year, there are 10 Santa Fe trim levels to choose from. That includes five gasoline options, three hybrid versions, and two plug-in hybrid trims. Pricing ranges from $28,750 for the base SE trim all the way up to $47,670 for the fully-loaded Santa Fe Hybrid.
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Trim | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| SE | $28,750 | 25 MPG city, 28 MPG highway |
| SEL | $32,450 | 25 MPG city, 28 MPG highway |
| XRT | $34,250 | 25 MPG city, 28 MPG highway |
| Limited | $40,600 | 25 MPG city, 28 MPG highway |
| Calligraphy | $42,600 | 22 MPG city, 28 MPG highway |
| Blue Hybrid | $36,210 | 34 MPG combined |
| SEL Premium Hybrid | $40,070 | 32 MPG combined |
| Limited Hybrid | $41,870 | 32 MPG combined |
| SEL Convenience Plug-in Hybrid | $42,410 | 33 MPG combined |
| Limited Plug-in Hybrid | $47,670 | 33 MPG combined |
Some standard equipment on the midsize SUV includes Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist are also standard. A Rear View Monitor and camera help park the SUV. Depending on which trim you choose, Hyundai has some higher-end systems on the top-level trims.
How safe is this midsize SUV?
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the safer midsize SUVs on the road this year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Santa Fe earned high marks on all of the main crashworthiness tests. The Hyundai protects the driver and passengers in the case of an accident and even earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award.
Hyundai equipped the Santa Fe with two headlight variations that earned different scores. The Limited, Calligraphy, Hybrid Blue, and Hybrid SEL Premium trims received LED projector headlights with good visibility. Trims like the SE, SEL, XRT, and Hybrid Limited received LED reflector headlights that provided adequate visibility.
It also proved a safe option in the new crash avoidance and mitigation tests. Both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests earned superior scores.
Does the Hyundai Santa Fe have a good safety rating?
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This midsize SUV proved safe in the front, side, and rollover crash tests. All of Hyundai’s recommended safety technologies met performance criteria as well. This Hyundai SUV offers a lot of bang for your buck, which is becoming more of a rarity these days.
With a solid commitment to passenger protection, the Hyundai Santa Fe boasts an array of cutting-edge safety technologies with a proven track record of keeping passengers safe. Safety is one of the most important factors for those who plan on using it as a family vehicle or daily driver. The balanced handling, smooth ride, and efficient engine options further solidify its position as a top choice among midsize SUVs, showcasing the Hyundai Santa Fe as a vehicle that excels in both safety and overall quality.
