Test Drive

New Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is a giant leap forward: Finally a SUV crossover that can compete

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the third generation of the popular crossover, and this model is in a different league of design and performance from its predecessor. Which is good, because it's fighting in one of the most competitive segments around, against freshly-revamped crossovers like the Toyota Rav4 and Ford Escape.

What's under the hood?

The Sport comes standard with a 2.4L inline-4 that makes 190 horsepower. If that's not enough, buyers can opt for a 2.0L turbocharged four-pot that produces 264 horsepower that provides plenty of go.

Observations

Driving

Hyundai has worked hard to sort out the ride quality, and while this crossover is excellent on the freeway and around town for the most part, it's harsh over rough pavement and speed bumps.

Hyundai has added a clever feature called "Driver Selectable Steering," which allows you to select the weightiness of the steering input from three presets (Comfort, Normal and Sport). The differences are noticeable — it's one more way a person can get in feel as though the vehicle personalized to their preference.

The 2.4-liter engine feels linear and offers more than adequate power for everyday situations. We don't think anyone really needs the extra horsepower of the turbo engine, but the 2.0L turbo we drove last fall felt more refined and a bit less droney.

Styling

Hyundai's styling has often been overshadowed by its sister brand, Kia, in recent years, but the Santa Fe is the first new Hyundai that really shines from a styling perspective. The new design language is called "Fluidic Sculpture," and it is definitely both fluid and sculpted. It's taut, confident and has very few weak spots (the rear bumper comes down too low, visually, but it's probably a concession for fuel economy and cargo capacity).

Comfort

Inside, the front seats are too wide, and if you have a slim frame you may find yourself unsupported. Otherwise, it's comfortable and very spacious.

Utility

There's tons of cargo space in the Sport version we tested, and the longer-wheelbase six and seven-passenger Santa Fe has even more. The 40/20/40-split folding backseat is handy.

Efficiency?

The 2.4-liter engine with 2WD is EPA rated at 21 city and 29 highway.

How much does it cost?

The modestly-equipped Sport version we tested starts at $24,700. With a wide choice of engine and wheelbase options, AWD or front-wheel drive, you could spec a Santa Fe to be within a whisker of $40,000.

What's Good?

The rear seats have a recline function, just like front seats.

The 6-speed automatic feels seamless.

What's Not?

The kinked C-pillar creates an unavoidable blind spot in the rear, which is troublesome without the optional rear backup camera.

Our Verdict

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe represents a huge leap for Hyundai, and is a viable option compared to the usual suspects in this competitive segment. The versatile range of engines, seating configurations and trims make it a compelling choice for many different types of customers.

How we'd buy it:

Although the higher performance turbocharged engine would be nice, we would probably save the $3,250 and get the Leather and Premium Package instead.

The base engine is 2.4-liter, 190hp inline-four in the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

Photo by Kevin McCauley

The base engine is 2.4-liter, 190hp inline-four in the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

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improving emancipation park

Historic Third Ward park will receive $18.5 million in improvements

Courtesy of Emancipation Park Conservancy

The park's stage will be expanded and enhanced.

One of Houston’s signature parks is getting some major upgrades. Emancipation Park will receive $18.5 million in improvements that will strengthen its status as Third Ward’s favorite community gathering spot.

Emancipation Park Conservancy announced the plans at a press conference held on Monday, October 13. Scheduled to be completed in time for the park’s annual Juneteenth celebration in 2026, plans call for the following improvements:

New stage: The park’s existing performance stage will be expanded to 5,000 square feet and upgraded with climate-controlled storage, a new audio-visual tech room, and a green room for performers.
Cultural center renovation: The park’s cultural center will be remodeled to add a gift shop, “digital story telling capabilities,” and audio-visual capabilities for those who rent the facility for private events.

“This investment in Emancipation Park is about more than expanding a space; it’s about preserving history and creating a vibrant hub for cultural expression,” Emancipation Park Conservancy board chair Ramon Manning said in a statement. “It builds on the park’s improvements in 2014 by allowing us to increase programming capacity and ensure the park remains a central gathering place for performances, celebrations, and community connection.”

The Kinder Foundation, an organization backed by Houston billionaires Nancy and Rich Kinder, is serving as lead funder for the project with contributions from the Brown Foundation and the Cullen Foundation. EPC is working to raise the remaining money necessary to complete the project.

“Kinder Foundation is proud to continue supporting Emancipation Park, a place with deep cultural and historic significance,” said Nancy Kinder. “The park’s upgrades, including the stage expansion, will ensure Emancipation Park remains a place of community and celebration for generations to come.”

During the construction, the stage, cultural center, and the lawn between the cultural center and recreation center will be closed. All of the park’s other facilities — including its playground, splash pad, and sports courts — will remain open.

Famously founded in 1872 by a group of Black community leaders on a 10-acre plot of land they purchased for $800, Emancipation Park has served as the center of Houston’s Juneteenth celebrations ever since. The new upgrades build on the success of a $34 million renovation project that transformed the park when it was completed in 2017.

“Emancipation Park is a valuable treasure for our community, and its history is an integral part of Houston's history,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire added. “The significant upgrades will ensure that it continues to play a vital role in Houston's future. I thank Nancy and Rich Kinder for their generous investment, and I appreciate the conservancy for its dedication to the stewardship of Emancipation Park. I look forward to seeing everyone enjoying the park once construction is completed.”

Courtesy of Emancipation Park Conservancy

The park's stage will be expanded and enhanced.

parks emancipation park