A plug-in hybrid powertrain joins the Santa Fe lineup for 2022. This 260-hp option also delivers up to 31 miles of electric-only driving per charge, but is unfortunately limited in its availability. Unless you live in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you may have to wait for the Santa Fe PHEV to make its nationwide debut. In the meantime, you could select the new XRT trim level, which is based on the nonhybrid Santa Fe. The XRT adds a more rugged exterior appearance by adding side steps, skid plates, and a unique wheel design.
Pros Value-oriented price, comfortable ride, well-outfitted interior.
Cons Not as fuel efficient has some rivals, tall riders may feel pinched in the rear seat, strictly a two-row SUV.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe's #5 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. It is the winner of our 2022 Best 2-Row SUV for the Money award and a finalist for our 2022 Best 2-Row SUV for Families award. Currently the Hyundai Santa Fe has a score of 8.3 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 37 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Spacious, premium interior Loads of standard tech and safety features Great gas mileage Low starting price for class
Cons Underwhelming base engine Firm ride
The redesigned 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has comfortable seats and some easy-to-use tech features, but it isn’t as modern, refined, or upscale as many of its compact SUV competitors.
Pros Responsive infotainment controls Comfortable seats Great warranty Less expensive than its classmates
Cons Outmoded, low-rent interior Antiquated infotainment interface Subpar cargo capacity Less athletic than rivals
After skipping over the 2021 model year, Mitsubishi has given the Eclipse Cross a styling revision for 2022 that includes modernized front- and rear-end treatments. A sleeker-looking rear liftgate eliminates the odd split-rear window design of previous model years.
Pros Serene highway cruising, plentiful cargo space, long standard warranty coverage.
Cons Middling acceleration, disappointing fuel efficiency, base model is awfully basic.
Pros Long list of standard features Peppy city driving performance Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons Subpar handling abilities Disappointing fuel economy
