Hyundai has consistently demonstrated its dynamism in the automotive industry, and the introduction of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe lineup, including the Santa Fe Sport, is a testament to this. This model year marked a significant update to Hyundai’s SUV offerings, with the Santa Fe becoming a pivotal vehicle in their showroom. Considerable effort went into designing and engineering the 2013 Santa Fe to ensure its competitiveness in the family-friendly SUV market.
Let’s delve into ten essential aspects you should know about the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
01. A Complete Redesign for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is not just a refresh; it’s a complete overhaul compared to the 2012 model. The difference is immediately apparent upon first glance. The new Santa Fe embraces Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design philosophy but with a bolder, more muscular approach than its predecessor’s sleek aesthetics. Inside the cabin of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, you’ll find a comprehensive redesign. From the dashboard layout to the door panels and seating, every element has been refined to enhance the premium feel that Hyundai is known for, even in their entry-level vehicles. This commitment to quality and design elevates the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport in its class.
02. Two Distinct Body Styles: Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport
A major departure for the 2013 Santa Fe lineup is the introduction of two distinct body styles. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is available in both five and seven-passenger configurations. The five-passenger version is marketed as the Santa Fe Sport, emphasizing its sporty appeal and slightly smaller footprint. An 8.5-inch difference in length distinguishes the two models. The larger, seven-passenger Santa Fe not only expands cargo capacity from 71.5 to 80 cubic feet but also provides additional legroom in the second row, catering to families needing more space. Even with all seats in use, the seven-passenger 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe still offers a generous 41 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, while more compact, is perfectly sized for those prioritizing maneuverability and sporty handling in a mid-size SUV.
03. Engine Options for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: Power and Efficiency
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport provides buyers with a choice of two efficient and capable four-cylinder engines. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, offering a good balance of power and fuel economy for daily driving. For those seeking more spirited performance, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerplant significantly boosts output to 264 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration time in the brisk eight-second range. The longer wheelbase Santa Fe, in contrast, is equipped with a more powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine. The availability of these engine choices allows 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport buyers to select the powertrain that best suits their driving needs and preferences.
04. Impressive Fuel Economy for a Mid-Size SUV
Despite its SUV size and available power, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is designed for fuel efficiency. All engine options across the Santa Fe range are paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, contributing to commendable fuel economy figures. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with the base 2.4-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Even upgrading to the more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T only slightly reduces fuel economy, to 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. This efficiency makes the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport a practical choice for budget-conscious families.
05. Available All-Wheel Drive for Enhanced Confidence
In today’s SUV market, all-wheel drive (AWD) is a highly sought-after feature for enhanced traction and control in various weather conditions. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers optional AWD across all trim levels, a notable advantage compared to some competitors that restrict AWD to higher trims. This accessibility to AWD in the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport makes it a versatile choice for drivers in regions with challenging weather. Furthermore, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport can be equipped with Active Cornering Control, which utilizes torque vectoring to improve handling and stability during turns. An adjustable steering feel feature also allows drivers to customize the electric power steering system with comfort, normal, and sport settings, tailoring the driving experience to their preference.
06. Trim Levels and Standard Features of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport comes in well-equipped trim levels, ensuring a strong value proposition. Even the base 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport trim includes a generous list of standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port for audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system. Moving up to the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T trim adds further enhancements, including upgraded instrumentation, larger 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, heated front seats and side mirrors, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. This comprehensive standard equipment list makes the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport appealing to a wide range of buyers seeking both value and features.
07. Optional Packages to Customize Your Santa Fe Sport
Beyond the trim levels, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offers a variety of optional packages and standalone features to personalize the vehicle. For the entry-level 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, the Popular Equipment Package adds desirable features like roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, fog lights, heated mirrors, and power adjustments for the driver’s seat. These packages allow buyers to tailor the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport to their specific needs and preferences without necessarily moving to a higher trim level, offering flexibility and value.
08. A Safe Choice for Families
Safety is a paramount concern for families, and the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport prioritizes occupant protection. It features an improved suite of safety systems compared to previous models. This includes a driver’s knee airbag in addition to dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags. Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and Anti-lock Brakes are standard across all 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe models. The top-tier Limited trim offers an available Blind Spot Monitoring system for enhanced driver awareness. Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control are also standard, providing added safety and convenience in hilly terrain. The robust safety features of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport contribute to peace of mind for families.
09. Competition in the Mid-Size SUV Segment
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport enters a highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. It faces established rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, as well as competition from within its own brand family with the Kia Sorento. The seven-passenger 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe model expands its competitive set to include vehicles like the Dodge Journey, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Traverse. These competitors offer a range of sizes, features, and capabilities within a similar price range. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport distinguishes itself with its stylish design, engine choices, value proposition, and available features, making it a strong contender in this crowded market.
10. Streamlining Hyundai’s SUV Lineup
The introduction of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe lineup marked a streamlining of Hyundai’s SUV offerings. The Hyundai Veracruz, a previous model, was discontinued, with the longer wheelbase Santa Fe effectively taking its place. By offering the Santa Fe Sport for younger families and the seven-passenger Santa Fe for those needing more space and seating, Hyundai consolidated its SUV strategy around a single platform. This strategic move simplified Hyundai’s North American SUV portfolio while providing updated and versatile options to meet diverse customer needs. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport played a key role in this refreshed and more focused SUV strategy.
