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.
17" graphite-colored alloy wheels.
Photo by Kevin McCauley
17" graphite-colored alloy wheels.
