2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug In Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime

These two electric hybrids plug in for a few hours at night to charge the battery pack and provide electric drive range. Regenerative braking helps restore some electric capability while the SUV is on the move.

Both hybrid electric vehicles offer a commute-worthy electric range as well as exemplary fuel efficiency. Dual hybrid electric motors propel the individual axles. This makes it easy to provide on-demand all wheel drive.

The Santa Fe Plug In Hybrid price is about $200 less than the RAV4 Prime MSRP. This makes it imperative that shoppers get to know both electric hybrid SUVS. A close comparison is the best way to understand how far your automotive dollar can go.

1. Uniquely Santa Fe

   What makes the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug in Hybrid so distinctive? The design has many clever aspects that set it apart from rivals, such as the RAV4 Prime.

   There’s no confusing this interior with any other. Hyundai utilizes a dual level dash. Cool oval-shaped vents add to its character. High quality materials help it stand out even more.

   Hyundai has perfected the ergonomic cockpit with its many different space-saving aspects and connectivity features. Even the steering wheel has multiple functions, including paddle shifters when you want to experience some manual gear-shifting fun.

   While the RAV4 Prime has similar technology, the Santa Fe Plug In Hybrid really pulls out all of the stops to give you a contemporary ergonomic cockpit and the tech tools that make life more fun.

   Every Santa Fe PHEV cabin is fully stocked with:

   • Modern Must-Haves - Push Button Start, Electric Handbrake, Electronic Gear Shifter

   •Today’s Game Changer - Digital Instrument Cluster

   • Best Driver Interface - Big Touchscreen, Center console controls, Smart voice controls

   •Fully Connected - Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi Ready

   • Smart - Tilt-Telescopic Steering Wheel, Infotainment controls, Shiftronic paddles

   • Cruise Control - Adaptive, Stop-and-Go, Exclusive Navigation Interface

   • True Convenience - Standard Wireless Charger

   •Thoughtful Exclusives - Anti-tip Cup Holders

2. Seating Comfort

   As a bigger SUV, the Santa Fe Hybrid easily offers more space in every category than the RAV4 Hybrid. Plus it has well-bolstered large seats that have multiple adjustments to make them comfy for all body types. The driver enjoys a power chair with 8 adjustments and lumbar support.

   Standard stain-resistant cloth upholstery helps set the Hyundai Plug In Hybrid apart from its Toyota rival. This special material is unique to the Hyundai family, and it is an excellent choice for your family. Parents love how easy it is to clean up a spill, and they appreciate that the upholstery resists odors as well as unsightly stains. Special H Tex faux leather is available as an option.

   Leather upholstery is exclusive to the Santa Fe PHEV Limited. Leatherette is the only upgrade on the RAV4 Prime. If you are paying more for a top trim, shouldn’t you get elegant materials?

3. More Space in Every Category

   The 2023 Santa Fe Plug In is much bigger in every way than the RAV4 Prime. It is about 8.5 inches longer, and that allows it to claim more passenger space. Specifically, it has about 10 cubes more in its 108.5 cu-ft cabin.

   

   This translates into extra inches of front headroom space and 3 inches of front legroom. Rear legroom favors the Santa Fe by almost two inches. That is important wiggle room.

4. A Better Back Row

   In the Santa Fe PHEV, the back row has almost 40 inches of legroom. The RAV4 Prime has only 37.8 inches.

   And that’s not the only way the back row makes Santa Fe passengers feel at home:

   • More Wiggle Room - 39.5 inches of legroom

   • Ample Comfort - Reclining seats, Adjustable headrests, Armrests, Cupholders

   • Good Temperature Regulation - Dedicated AC Vents

   • More Tech - Dedicated USB port, Hyundai Quiet Mode

   • Hyundai Exclusives - Available Power-fold Bench, Available Sunshades

5. Special Quiet Mode

   If you enjoy your music, but your kids need to sleep, you can use the Hyundai quiet mode. This silences the sound in the rear and redirects it to the front seat passengers via special speakers. Your kids won’t wake up because the navigation system is talking.

   Of course, quiet mode can be useful if your kids are watching a movie using their smart device and the available WiFi hotspot. They can do their thing and not interfere with your ability to enjoy your own programming.

6. More Driver Aids

   The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is certainly equipped with many of today’s driver assistance features. You can look at the list and see how the Santa Fe Plug In Hybrid matches up.

   These standards include:

   Forward Collision Warning w/Autobrake	Pedestrian Watch w/Autobrake
   Lane Keeping Assist	Blind Spot Monitoring
   Lane Follow Assist	Smart Cruise Control

   
   

   However, only Hyundai takes some of these and makes them better.

   Here’s what it adds to your standard systems:

   • An Active Assist can help the driver when they miss cues from the Blind Spot Monitor.

   • The autobrake system responds in more situations due to Hyundai Junction Turning Assist.

   • Highway Driving Assist combines smart cruise control and lane follow to provide a level 1 system for semi-autonomous travel.

   • Smart Cruise Control coordinates with the GPS navigation for excellent Curve Control.

7. More Parking Assistance

   Of course, both of these vehicles have the essentials needed for parking today. This includes a rearview camera, a rear cross traffic alert and available parking sensors for both the front and rear.

   However, Hyundai offers more active standards and options than you’ll find on a Toyota. Santa Fe PHEV systems simply do more to protect your SUV from fender benders and other problems that could scratch or damage your vehicle investment.

   • A rear autobrake can respond to rear cross traffic dangers.

   • A rear autobrake can be triggered by rear parking sensors.

   • The forward autobrake can actively respond to forward parking sensors.

   • Remote Smart Parking Assist allows the driver to use keyfob for hands free maneuvers.

8. AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

The Hyundai Santa Fe is an award Winning SUV. Here’s just a sample of the ways that today’s top automotive journals have recognized the Santa Fe.

2023

• 2023 Best SUV Brand, US News and World Report
• 2023 Best Buy, Santa Fe Lineup, Kelley Blue Book
• 2023 Best Buy, Consumer Guide
• 2023 Best SUV for the Money, US News
• #2 Midsize SUV, MotorTrend Ultimate Rankings
• Top Score, Midsize SUV Class, JD Power Dependability Study

Conclusion

With an electric range of 30 miles, the 2023 Santa Fe PHEV is poised to take care of your daily commute. Meanwhile, Hyundai is poised to cover your purchase for up to 100,000 miles or ten years.

Considering the larger size and upscale materials, the Santa Fe Plug in Hybrid is a better all-around model than the RAV4 Prime. The Hyundai Limited trim goes further, offering a premium ride you won’t find in the Toyota lineup.

Check out your choices at your Earnhardt Avondale Hyundai dealer, serving the Phoenix area.

REVIEWS

”With an electric-only range of 31 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in, drivers can accomplish many everyday driving tasks without using any gas.”

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”Hyundai Santa Fe: Best 2-Row SUV for the Money”

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