2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

South Korean company, Hyundai, brought out the Santa Fe SUV in 2001 and after twelve years on the market, it’s more than ready for its third generation. In the past few weeks, there have been plenty of spy shots of the new Santa Fe, but it’s time now to see it in real life. The new Santa Fe has made its debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

For the 2013 model year, the Santa Fe will be offered in three versions: Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, and Santa Fe LWB. Customers will also get to choose between three different engines: a 190 HP direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 264 HP turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a 290 HP 3.3-liter direct-injection V6. The three engines can be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel drive system.

UPDATE 04/05/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images of the Hyundai Sante Fe.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe</i>.

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).

Hyundai Blue Link

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

The new Hyundai Santa Fe will go on sale later in 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

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

	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