Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Actually Worth $2,000 More Than the Limited Trim?
If you’re interested in a new 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe midsize SUV, deciding on one trim level can be challenging. However, the Santa Fe Calligraphy is enticing since it includes just about every feature. Unfortunately, it’s also the most expensive version of the Hyundai SUV. Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy actually worth $2,000 more than the Limited trim, or should you buy something else?
What is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy?
Firstly, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is the range-topping trim level. Edmunds says it starts at $42,705, roughly $14,000 more than the SE base model. However, the Calligraphy trim is as close to luxury as you’ll get with the Hyundai midsize SUV. It’s a very well-equipped model, but it’s only slotted one spot above the Limited trim.
On top of the features included with lower models, the Calligraphy gets more. For example, 20-inch wheels, a unique exterior trim, premium leather seating with quilted stitching, ambient interior lighting, a faux suede headliner, and a head-up display. These are the only upgrades the highest trim for the Santa Fe gets over its predecessor. Do you think it’s worth the upgrade?
Is the Santa Fe Limited better?
Alternatively, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited is slightly more affordable than the Calligraphy trim. In addition, it’s almost just as luxurious as the top model. More importantly, it’s the cheapest model in the lineup to get the upgraded turbocharged engine.
Moreover, under the hood of Limited models, you’ll find a 281 horsepower, 311 lb-ft of torque turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The Santa Fe uses a 2.5-liter four with lower trims, producing just 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. Of course, it’s one of the main reasons the Limited trim jumps to $40,705 from the $34,045 XRT below it.
However, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited adds many more features. The following items are standard:
- 19-inch wheels
- Upgraded LED headlights
- Parking sensors
- Upgraded driver’s seat with memory settings
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated rear seats
- Surround-view camera system
- Blind-spot camera
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Automated parking system
Is the Calligraphy trim worth $2,000 more?
Although the Calligraphy trim is top-of-the-line, does it warrant the extra cash? We don’t think anything about the range-topper makes it better than the Santa Fe Limited. Moreover, buyers searching for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe version that’s luxurious but provides plenty of bang for their buck should stick with the Limited trim. It has the upgraded engine in addition to valuable features like heated/cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, parking sensors, and other upgrades owners will love.
Alternatively, the Calligraphy model doesn’t add very much value at all. Slightly larger wheels, exterior trim, interior lighting, upgraded leather, a faux suede headliner, and a head-up display are not worth $2,000, in our opinion. Most of these are simple visual upgrades that don’t add any functional value.
Buy the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited, not the Calligraphy
In conclusion, the midsize SUV from Hyundai has two luxury trim levels. Buying the Limited or Calligraphy trim lands owners with lots of features and amenities. However, one is a huge upgrade from lower models without breaking the bank as much. The range-topping Calligraphy isn’t worth the additional $2,000 over the Santa Fe Limited trim, which is why we’d recommend stopping at $40,705.
