Hyundai Motor America just launched its third-generation Santa Fe, employing a new, unique two-wheelbase strategy for a crossover vehicle. This concept is usually only found in luxury sedans. First came the 2013 Santa Fe Sport, a five-passenger CUV with two four-cylinder engine applications - a 2.4-liter or a 2.0-liter turbocharged powerplant.
Enter the 2013 Santa Fe, replacing the outgoing Vera Cruz. It's available in two trim levels: a seven-passenger GLS and a six-passenger, more upscale Limited model.
Both new longer-wheelbase 2013 Santa Fe models with three seating rows come in either Front-Wheel Drive or an Active On Demand AWD system with AWD lock and Active Cornering Control configuration. Both are powered by a transversely front-mounted Lambda II 3.3-liter, DOHC, 24-valve Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) V6 engine, with Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing and a three-stage variable induction manifold. The 3.3-liter V6 produces 290 hp at 6,400 rpm, along with 252 lb ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. Motive force reaches the driving wheels via an electronically controlled, six-speed, automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual shift capability.
The new Santa Fe is tow rated at up to 5,000 lbs and comes with features such as: an Active Cornering Control AWD system; a wheel-mounted Driver Selectable Steering Mode with three settings (Normal, Comfort and Sport); Hill Start Assist; Downhill Brake Control; Brake Assist; Traction Control; a Panoramic sunroof (optional); seven standard airbags; heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel; power driver and front passenger seats; standard Hyundai Blue Link safety, service and infotainment telematics system; third-generation navigation and audio multimedia systems with an available eight-inch display; and a power liftgate.
The longer Santa Fe features a shape highlighting the increased passenger and cargo room behind the third-row seat. Santa Fe also displays its own unique bodyside character lines from the B-pillar back, a different grille design, standard 18-inch Euroflange alloy wheels (with available 19-inch alloy wheels), chrome-tipped dual exhaust and a flush-mounted tow hitch design.
SUMMARY: Hyundai categorizes the Santa Fe as ideal for families, and the Santa Fe Sport is skewed for use by empty nesters. If you want V6 power and third-row seating, go for the Santa Fe in either GLS or Limited Trim. If smaller is your cup of tea and you don't require third-row seating or V6 power, the Santa Fe Sport is the obvious pick - with your choice of two four-cylinder engines.
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is an extremely sleek (with a drag coefficient of 0.34) and attractive mid-size CUV with more than adequate power issuing from its 3.3-liter V6 (along with a pleasant note from its dual exhaust). The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly in either fully automatic or in the manual Shiftronic mode.
A notable difference exists in steering effort with the Driver Selectable Steering Mode. I preferred the Sport mode, which delivered a crisper, more on-center feel.
Since their first U.S. offerings, Hyundai has grown by leaps and bounds not only in styling and design, but in engineering development, mechanical advancements, dependability and reliability.
Bottom line, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe in either trim rates as a highly desirable and practical mid-size CUV.
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