The Hyundai->ke201 Sante Fe entered its third generation for the 2013 model year, and boy was it a big change over the outgoing model. For starters, the crossover->ke288 features a much larger grille with horizontal slats to go with larger and sportier headlight units. The side profile has also been reworked, bringing more dominating body lines and a much cleaner look. The rear quarter glass now swoops upward and comes to a sharp point near the roof. In the rear, the hatch wraps around the rear quarters more, and the rear glass is much wider than before. The taillights now take on a taller shape and new lens layout. The rear fascia has also been adjusted to give the car a more interesting rear end. Inside, the new Santa Fe->ke1023 could be optioned with a panoramic sunroof and premium window switch trim. Models with three-row seating now have increase legroom for the rear bench and cargo room has been increased by 5.6 cubic feet. Under the hood, you’ll find a range of 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines and is available in front- or all-wheel drive.

With a selling price in the range of $24,450 up to $29,450, the Santa Fe came to the market ready to compete against the likes of models like the Nissan Murano->ke552 and the Ford Flex->ke2467, but it still has a huge disadvantage: most competing models have V-6 engines available, where the new Santa Fe came with nothing bigger than a 2.4-liter four-cylinder. So, do the exterior and interior enhancements bring enough to encourage buyers to spring for the Santa Fe over other competing models? Check out the full review below to find out.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

Just like all of the other Hyundai models recently launched, the new Santa Fe is defined by the company's latest 'Fluidic Sculpture" design language combined with a new design concept called Storm Edge, which captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm.

The new Santa Fe features a three-bar hexagonal front grille, LED accents, a low stance, rising beltline, black trimmed optional roof rails, and wraparound taillights. Hyundai is offering a chrome grille and door handle accents, bodycolor mirrors, rear spoiler, aggressive exhaust outlets, a lower bumper, wheel arches, and door trim in contrasting paints as part of the standard equipment package.

The interior gets heated rear seats, eight-way power driver seat, and a YES Essentials seat fabric treatment that provides soil-resistant, anti-odor and anti-static properties for added longevity and livability. The new Santa Fe also features an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin, and premium window switch trim. Models will come in a three-row configuration with increased legroom (by 1.9 inches) and increased cargo capacity (by 5.6 cubic feet).

Blue Link is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.Blue Link Assurance package:

-Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance

-SOS Emergency Assistance

-Enhanced Roadside Assistance

Blue Link Essentials package:Convenience:

-Remote Door Lock/Unlock

-Remote Horn and Lights

-Panic Notification

-Remote Engine Start

-Alarm Notification

-Quick Tips

-Location Sharing

-Voice Text Messaging

Vehicle Diagnostics:

-Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code

-Maintenance Alert

-Recall Advisor

-Web Vehicle Diagnostics

-Service Link

Safeguard:

-Stolen Vehicle Recovery

-Stolen Vehicle Slowdown

-Vehicle Immobilization

-Valet Alert

-Geofence

-Speed Alert

-Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:

-Turn-by-Turn Navigation Service

-POI Search by advanced voice recognition system

-POI Web Search and Download

-Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition

-Traffic

-Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices

-Eco-Coach

-Restaurant Ratings

-Weather

Engine

The 2013 Santa Fe will be offered with a choice of either a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Engine (GDI) engine or a turbocharged 2.0-liter GDI engine - both previously used in the Sonata. The 2.4 liter engine delivers a total of 190 HP and lb-ft of torque. This engine has an estimated fuel economy of 23 city and 33 highway.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged engine delivers 264 HP and 269 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai’s 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system, results in instantaneous power delivery.

The top version, the LWB Santa Fe, is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an output of 290 HP that is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control.

Prices

Model

Engine

Transmission

Drivetrain

MSRP

Sport

2.4 liter 4-cylinder

6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC

Front-Wheel-Drive

$24,450

Sport

2.4 liter 4-cylinder

6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC

All-Wheel-Drive

$26,200

Sport 2.0T

2.0 liter Turbo 4-cylinder

6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC

Front-Wheel-Drive

$27,700

Sport 2.0T

2.0 liter Turbo 4-cylinder

6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC

All-Wheel-Drive

$29,450

Sport 2.0T - Saddle Interior

2.0 liter Turbo 4-cylinder

6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC

Front-Wheel-Drive

$27,700

Sport 2.0T - Saddle Interior

2.0 liter Turbo 4-cylinder

6-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC

All-Wheel-Drive

$29,450

Competition

The list of competitors for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is long and includes models like the Ford Edge->ke409, the Kia Sorento->ke1321, and the Toyota RAV4->ke370.

2013 Santa Fe Sport (est.)

2012 RAV4 V6

2012 Equinox

2012 Edge

2012 Sorento

Engine

2.0-liter turbo GDI I4

3.5-liter V6

3.0-liter GDI V6

2.0-liter GDI turbo I4

3.5-liter V6

Horsepower

264

269

264

240

276

Specific output (HP/Liter)

132

78

88

120

80

Torque

269

246

222

270

248

Transmission

6-speed

5-speed

6-speed

6-speed

6-speed

Curb weight

3,602

3,529

3,825

3,998

3,781

Weight-to-power ratio

13.64

13.11

14.48

16.65

13.69

Fuel economy

22/31/25

19/27/22

17/24/20

21/30/24

20/26/22