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The all-new Santa Fe Sport and LWB Santa Fe are the final pieces in Hyundai’s 7/11 product initiative (seven new or redesigned models in 11 months in the 2012 calendar year).

The first three vehicles in the initiative were Azera, Veloster Turbo and refreshed Genesis Coupe. The fourth and fifth vehicles were Elantra GT and Elantra Coupe. All feature outstanding fuel economy, significant lightweighting actions, and Hyundai’s signature “Fluidic Sculpture” design language.

Hyundai Santa Fe engines


New Hyundai Santa Fe Sport buyers have the choice of a 2.4L Gasoline Direct Engine -GDI engine or a turbocharged 2.0L GDI engine.

Both engines have been well tested in the Hyundai Sonata and provide more than enough power for city or highway driving and have the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

With 190 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque (estimated), Santa Fe Sport 2.4 still manages outstanding fuel economy of 23 city and 33 highway (estimated). This powertrain truly combines power and fuel efficiency with refined driving dynamics.

The higher output 2.0-liter turbocharged engine found under the hood of Santa Fe Sport 2.0T increases horsepower to 264 (estimated), while also delivering excellent fuel economy. The top-of-line LWB Santa Fe is powered by the highly acclaimed 3.3-liter V6 engine, which is also found in the Hyundai Azera.

Six-speed automatic gearbox for the 2013 Santa Fe

All the engines are mated to Hyundai’s six-speed automatic transmission withmanual control. This transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that suits the engine’s characteristics. An automatic transmission warmer is included to keep the transmission oil at its optimal temperature, which improves real-world fuel economy.

Additionally, all models have an Active ECO System that modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and increase real-world fuel economy.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe dimensions

New Hyundai Santa Fe Sport rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, with an overall length of 184.6 inches, height of 66.1 inches and width of 74.0 inches.

The larger Santa Fe rides on a 110.2-inch wheelbase, which is 3.9 inches longer than the Santa Fe Sport’s wheelbase. Its overall length is 193.1 inches compared with Santa Fe Sport’s length of 184.6 inches.

The 74.2-inch width is slightly wider than Santa Fe Sport. The LWB Santa Fe’s overall height is 66.5 inches, which is 0.4 inches higher than Santa Fe Sport.

Santa Fe safety

The LWB three-row Santa Fe offers Hyundai’s first Blindspot Detection System (BDS). This system identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blindspot and provides a warning that a vehicle is approaching.

All FWD models have a standard Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which optimally manages Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS). VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction.

VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eight Newton meters of counter-steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering. AWD drive models integrate torque and brake vectoring.

Santa Fe Sport and LWB Santa Fe feature seven airbags, including side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. All Santa Fe trims have rollover sensors for the side curtain airbags. When the sensors detect a potential rollover, the control module triggers the head-curtain side airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners to help protect passengers against serious injury.

Santa Fe Sport and LWB Santa Fe also feature a state-of-the-art braking package.

The package includes four-wheel disc brakes (12.6 inch front and 11.9 inch rear), an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.

Additionally, Santa Fe Sport and the longer Santa Fe offer impressive passive safety features including a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for children’s seats and three-point seatbelts for all positions.