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Image credits: © Hyundai.
MSRP: $23,225-30,925
Invoice: $22,325-29,025
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe news, pictures, and information | ||
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TWO ALL-NEW 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE MODELS MAKE WORLD DEBUTS AT 2012 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
• All-New Santa Fe Lineup Defies the Status Quo and Reinvents the CÚV Landscape wîth 'Fluidic Sculpture' Design, Sophisticated Engineering and Efficient Powertrains• First Non-Luxury CÚV wîth Torque-Vectoring Cornering Control and Driver Selectable Steering for Outstanding Driving Dynamics
Designed to delight shoppers and defy convention, two all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe models make their world debut today at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The third-generation Santa Fe crossover family introduces the two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe Sport and the long wheelbase (LWB) three-row, seven-passenger model called Santa Fe. The all-new Santa Fe family showcases the brand's cutting-edge capabilities through 'Fluidic Sculpture' design, impressive fuel economy and a host of features to delight drivers and passengers wîth high expectations for functionality and comfort. The all-new 2013 Santa Fe Sport will go on-sale late this summer, wîth the larger Santa Fe introduced to dealers in January 2013.
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.
NO LINES STANDING STILL
The 'Fluidic Sculpture' exterior of the Santa Fe crossover family invokes the impression of irrepressible motion through a new design concept called Storm Edge, which captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm. To create the illusion of constant motion, Hyundai designers use a three-bar hexagonal front grille, LED accents, low stance, rising beltline, black trimmed optional roof rails and wraparound taillights. These cues let people know immediately that Santa Fe is a Hyundai. Design elements also include standard chrome grille and door handle accents, bodycolor mirrors, rear spoiler, aggressive exhaust outlets as well as lower bumper, wheel arches and door trim in contrasting paints. In addition, 19-inch wheels are standard on Santa Fe Sport 2.0T.Hyundai designers crafted Santa Fe Sport and LWB Santa Fe together, wîth the signature differentiating element being the side view daylight opening (side window shape) - the larger Santa Fe features a shape that highlights the increased passenger and cargo room behind the third row seat. Santa Fe also has its own bodyside character lines from the B-pillar back, grille design, 18-inch Euroflange alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips and a flush-mounted tow hitch design.
Both Santa Fe models feature the same flowing interior look, designed for passenger functionality and comfort. From the heated rear seats and available eight-way power driver seat, to a standard 40:20:40 folding rear seat back, both boast flexibility and a pleasant cabin for all. Also new for 2013 – and standard on all Santa Fe models wîth cloth seating – is a YES Essentials seat fabric treatment that provides soil-resistant, anti-odor and anti-static properties for added longevity and livability. Special care and attention went into other interior details, such as an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin, and premium window switch trim. Available on 2.4-liter models and standard on Turbo and LWB models, is a push-button starter wîth proximity key and a Supervision Cluster wîth TFT LCD screen. A heated §teering wheel and sliding second row seats are optional first-class touches on Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe Sport 2.0T. The heated §teering wheel is also optional on the LWB Santa Fe.
The three-row Santa Fe increases second-row legroom by 1.9 inches and cargo capacity 5.6 cubic feet and houses second-row HVAC controls and vents to increase family comfort, while also offering a standard 50:50 split folding third-row bench seat wîth 31.5 inches of legroom.
CHOICE OF THREE POWERFÚL, FÚEL EFFICIENT ENGINES
Santa Fe Sport buyers have the choice of a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Engine (GDI) engine or a turbocharged 2.0-liter 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 wîth 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.
THETA II GDI 2.4-LITER ENGINE
The Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine wîth a GDI fuel delivery system contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions in Santa Fe Sport. This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery, allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher-than-normal 11.3 compression ratio for increased power. When compared to naturally-aspirated engines, this power plant delivers best-in-class four-cylinder horsepower, best-in-class torque and best-in-class power-to-weight ratio. The high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing.
2.0-LITER THETA II TÚRBOCHARGED ENGINE
The new Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is the first Hyundai crossover to have both GDI technology and a turbocharger. This option provides more horsepower than many of the V6 competitors, yet delivers gas mileage similar to competitive four-cylinder models.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine in the 2013 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T produces 264 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque wîth regular fuel. (concept carz) Hyundai's 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined wîth the GDI system, results in instantaneous power delivery. The Ford Edge, like the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T, uses a turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine. However, the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T has upped the ante wîth 26 more horsepower, a better power-to-weight ratio and higher fuel economy numbers.
Twin-scroll turbocharger designs have two exhaust gas inlets that are divided by split walls inside the turbine housing wîth both gas passages controlled by a waste-gate. A twin-scroll turbo recovers even more energy from the exhaust than a single-scroll turbocharger, thanks to a divided manifold. The twin-scroll design separates the cylinders whose exhaust gas pulses interfere wîth each other, resulting in improved pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger's turbine.
For example, at the start of the intake stroke of cylinder one and when both the intake and exhaust valves are open (valve overlap period), cylinder three already begins its exhaust stroke wîth an open exhaust valve. If the exhaust passages of cylinder one and three were connected, the exhaust gas pulse from cylinder three would increase the back pressure of cylinder one - reducing the induction of fresh air and increasing the amount of hot residual gases inside the cylinder. However, wîth the twin-scroll turbocharger setup, this interference is minimized. The result of this superior scavenging effect from a twin-scroll design leads to several advantages over the traditional, single-scroll turbocharging systems, including:
•Better pressure distribution in the exhaust ports
•More efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger's turbine
•Greater valve overlap for improved quality/quantity of air charge entering each cylinder
•Ensures each cylinder is packed wîth a denser and purer air charge
•Improved combustion efficiency
•Low engine-speed efficiency
•Kinetic exhaust gas energy is not wasted or trapped
•Cooler cylinder temperatures
•Lower exhaust temperatures
•Leaner air/fuel ratio
Santa Fe Sport 2.0T's twin-scroll turbo has superior handling of exhaust gas separation at the turbine, leading to improved low-end torque and faster transient torque response.
Two key features of Hyundai's twin-scroll turbocharger setup are as follows:
•The stainless steel exhaust manifold and the twin-scroll turbine housing are cast in a patent-pending one-piece design
•The waste-gate for the turbocharger uses a motor-driven electrical controller instead of being mechanically controlled
Thanks to the integrated stainless-steel turbine housing wîth exhaust manifold, not only is the weight and cost of the casting dramatically reduced, but the durability of the turbine housing also improves. In addition, heat energy recovery and turbo efficiency significantly improve based on the fact that a traditional two-piece design effectively insulates some of the heat energy at the joint/gasket area.
By adapting the motor-driven electrical waste-gate, the boost pressure is precisely controlled. The back pressure is reduced when turbo boost is not necessary by opening the waste-gate, which improves fuel efficiency. During cold starts, the waste-gate remains open, which results in faster catalyst light-off for reduced exhaust emissions.
Direct injection also utilizes a 9.5 compression ratio in this engine, while achieving a best-in-class 133 horsepower-per-liter.
LAMBDA II 3.3-LITER GDI V6 ENGINE
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 2.4 L., 4-cylinder Power: 190 hp Torque: 181 ft-lbs Engine : 2.0 L., 4-cylinder Power: 264 hp Torque: 269 ft-lbs | |
6-speed Automatic | |
SIX-SPEED AÚTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
All the engines are mated to Hyundai's six-speed automatic transmission wîth SHIFTRONIC® manual 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.
DO ANYTHING CAPABILITY WITH Torque Vectoring Cornering Control
Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe Sport 2.0T and the LWB Santa Fe customers will feel the benefits of the optional intelligent active All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system and TVCC, which cooperatively controls torque and braking in conjunction wîth the Vehicle Stability Management System. This system can anticipate traction requirements and deliver additional stability through braking via continuous monitoring of driving conditions compared wîth other AWD systems, which can only react to conditions after they occur. All AWD Santa Fes access an intelligent control unit that continuously analyzes data from the vehicle controller, and through a multi-clutch plate distributes torque to any single wheel at a time. The coupling system is fully controllable via an electro-hydraulic actuation system. Braking force can also be sent to any single wheel at a time via the software. These processes are known as torque vectoring and torque braking. All this analysis is completely transparent to the driver.
Drivers of the AWD Santa Fe realize the following advantages:
•Improved lateral stability while cornering
•Removal of unintended over- and under-steer by reducing unwanted traction to the front and rear axle
•High thermal capacity, which helps prevent overheating during hill climbs and trailer towing
In addition, greater efficiency is achieved through the intelligent control electronics that provide the torque needed for enhanced traction in a variety of driving situations. As a result, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions are achieved. The electronic components are also optimally sized for minimal energy usage. This intelligent system allows for even more driver control.
The 2013 Santa Fe models feature Hyundai's Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) to maximize control on steep hills. HAC minimizes rolling backwards on steep ascents while DBC helps the driver maintain vehicle control and speed on steep downhill descents. By selecting the DBC switch, the Hydro-Electronic Control unit manages the wheel speed sensors, §teering angle sensor and acceleration sensor to maintain control and speed on steep declines without having to use the brake.
FÚN-TO-DRIVE CÚV DRIVING DYNAMICS
For enhanced ride performance, Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe Sport 2.0T and the three-row Santa Fe employ a compact and light MacPherson strut front suspension and a fully independent multi-link rear suspension. Santa Fe Sport rides on 17-inch wheels and P235/65 R17 tires. Santa Fe Sport 2.0T sits on 19-inch wheels wîth P235/55R19 lower profile tires. The Turbo also has Mando (DFD) shock absorbers for more precise control. The front suspension has a 26.5 mm hollow stabilizer bar to save weight.The rear suspension uses a 21 mm solid stabilizer bar in the front wheel drive and 19 mm solid stabilizer bar in the all-wheel drive Santa Fe Sport. The larger Santa Fe sits on 18- or 19-inch wheels.
Behind the wheel, drivers benefit from Hyundai's all-new Driver Selectable Steering Mode, wîth three operating modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport. This innovative system allows drivers to adapt Santa Fe Sport and LWB Santa Fe's §teering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions. Comfort mode is ideal for city and parking environments, offering the greatest ease of §teering wîth a 10 percent decrease in §teering effort from Normal mode. Normal mode is ideal for a mix of driving conditions. Meanwhile, Sport Mode is optimized for higher-speed freeways or winding roads and increases §teering effort by 10 percent from Normal mode. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode not only adjusts power assistance levels in each mode, but also adjusts on-center build-up feel and §teering build-up curves throughout the §teering range, for a very natural and progressive feel. Steering damping characteristics, active return and friction levels have also been optimized in Santa Fe Sport and LWB Santa Fe. Even more impressive is the fact that Hyundai engineers have successfully tuned Santa Fe Sport's 35.76 ft. turning circle for easy parking and Ú-turns, despite a slightly longer wheelbase compared to the previous generation Santa Fe.
SANTA FE CABIN SPACE ADVANTAGE
The sleek design of Santa Fe Sport and LWB Santa Fe, combined wîth Hyundai's expertise in interior engineering, delivers a great presence on the road while improving functionality and convenience. The spacious cabin has more shoulder room than the previous generation and the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Edge. Three-row, seven-passenger Santa Fe also has more second row leg room than Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander and the full-size Chevrolet Traverse. Seating utility is also improved due to a standard 40:20:40 folding rear seat back. This seat back is perfect for seating five passengers comfortably or accommodating four passengers, plus long items like skis, golf clubs, snowboards or surfboards. Fold down two seats to seat three people and hold larger packages or fold all rear seats to maximize cargo space. Customers will also discover Santa Fe Sport has more cargo volume than Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Edge. The LWB Santa Fe also features a power liftgate for added convenience.
Santa Fe Sport and LWB Santa Fe include a number of convenient, standard stowage and storage features, including an overhead console sunglass holder, two front and two rear seat cupholders, door bottle holders, enlarged central storage console, front storage bin, front seat- back pockets and generous under-floor cargo storage.
Dual-zone climate controls ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants during long journeys. The dual-zone climate controls also incorporate an automatic defogging system, which detects humidity levels using a sensor and removes it from the windshield. Another premium feature is a CleanAir Ionizer that automatically cleans the air when the heater or air conditioner is running.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
Santa Fe Sport rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, wîth 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 wîth 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.
Últimately, the long wheelbase for both models allows for compact crossover efficiency wîth mid-size crossover comfort. An example of this is found in the long second row seat track, delivering more second row legroom. The three-row Santa Fe's cargo volume is 41.0 cubic feet.
IMPROVED RIGIDITY AND ÚLTRA-HIGH STRENGTH TENSILE STEEL
The all-new architecture incorporates a new design that not only improves distortion rigidity by 16 percent, it also incorporates a 30-percent increase in the use of ultra high-strength-tensile steel to improve collision energy management. High-strength steel also allows the suspension to work optimally and reduces weight. Últra-high strength tensile sheet metal has also been applied to the outer door panels for the first time in the company's history. In addition, anti-corrosion steel was applied to 70 percent of outer frame and floor structure.
New hot stamping and roll forming methods have also been applied to impact members, which provide added strength, reduces the number of body parts and makes the architecture lighter. The amount of structural adhesives has also been increased significantly for improved body rigidity, crashworthiness and durability.
WORLD-CLASS WEIGHT EFFICIENCY
World-class weight efficiency is an essential part of all Hyundai models and the new Santa Fe models hit their target. The new two-row, five-passenger 2013 Santa Fe Sport 2.4L FWD sheds a remarkable 266 pounds compared to the previous generation 2012 Santa Fe four-cylinder, while the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T cuts a whopping 300 pounds when compared to the 2012 Santa Fe V6 FWD it replaces. These reductions are the largest weight losses from generation to generation for any vehicle in Hyundai Motor Company's history, and demonstrate a key enabler of Hyundai's -leading fuel efficiency status.
Santa Fe Sport 2.4L FWD is also 539 pounds lighter than the Ford Edge and 318 pounds lighter than the Chevrolet Equinox. Even compared to premium brand vehicles like the 2012 Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro, which uses significant amounts of aluminum and magnesium in its architecture for weight savings, the 2013 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T AWD tips the scales 351 pounds lighter. Taking weight out of vehicles pays dividends in fuel economy and performance. This priority on weight efficiency allows Santa Fe Sport and the three-row Santa Fe to deliver carlike handling, outstanding acceleration and fuel efficiency. Curb weight for a FWD three-row Santa Fe is 3,861 pounds, wîth AWD models weighing 4,004 pounds.
NEW ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYÚNDAI'S ASSÚRANCE COMMITMENT
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 §teering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eight Newton meters of counter-§teering. 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.
THIRD-GENERATION NAVIGATION AND AÚDIO TECHNOLOGY
All Santa Fe models offer an optional multifunction eight-inch touch-screen display wîth navigation. (posted on conceptcarz.com) This third-generation display features a simpler user interface, enhanced voice recognition commands and improved navigation screens. The system is more intuitive to use for commonly used tasks. Simple pop up messages now appear to help pair a phone. The voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screens display speed limits and details the next three maneuvers. One or two button pushes now complete most functions.
HD Radio technology is also integrated into all Santa Fe displays. An HD Radio icon on the display appears next to the channel frequency to notify the user this station is broadcasting in HD.
All models are available wîth four audio systems. Standard is an AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system wîth six-speakers and iPod®/ÚSB/auxiliary input jacks. The upgrade audio system boasts a 4.3-inch full color LCD screen wîth HD Radio and rear view camera. The third system consists of the Gen 3.0 Navigation unit wîth Dimension audio wîth 10 speakers. Finally, the premium navigation system includes an Infinity 550-watt, Logic 7 audio system wîth 12 speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier is available. A XM Satellite Radio interface is integrated into each head unit and features channel logos and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system wîth voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming is also standard. Both navigation systems integrate rear-view camera output. Blue Link™ turn-by-turn navigation is standard on all Santa Fe models.
HYÚNDAI BLÚE LINK
Blue Link combines safety, service and infotainment features to simplify owners' lives and reduce distracted driving. Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car wîth technology like voice text messaging, POI web search download, turn-by-turn navigation, and monthly vehicle reporting. Hyundai Blue Link telematics is standard on all Santa Fe models wîth up to a one-year complimentary trial period. Blue Link can be easily accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror, the web and via a smart phone. Blue Link is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.Source - Hyundai
2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE EARNS IIHS TOP SAFETY HONORS
The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest honor as a 2012 Top Safety Pick this week. Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in moderate overlap frontal, side, rollover and rear impact evaluations. Azera, Elantra, Sonata, Genesis, Equus, Tucson and Santa Fe are all 2012 Top Safety Picks.'Safety continues to be a top priority at Hyundai, so we are thrilled to see our brand new Santa Fe on this important and prestigious list,' said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. 'Hyundai is committed to developing and providing the best in both passive and active safety technologies. This IIHS Top Safety Pick confirms that the Santa Fe is both versatile and a safety and leader in its class.'
The IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer the highest level of crash protection. Santa Fe meets the Top Safety Pick rating criteria by earning good ratings in all four IIHS evaluations (front, side, rollover and rear).
The all-new 2013 Santa Fe is equipped wîth Hyundai's Active Driving and Safety Dynamics technologies that help drivers avoid accidents by giving them enhanced control in adverse situations. This includes the optional Active Cornering Control All-Wheel-Drive system, the Vehicle Stability Management System, Hyundai's Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control, and Hyundai's Driver Selectable Steering Mode which gives drivers three operating modes to select from – Comfort, Normal and Sport.Source - HyundaiTHE 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SPORT NAMED 2012 'COMPACT CUV OF TEXAS'
All-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe earns the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) award for best Compact CÚV.The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has been named the 2012 'Compact CÚV of Texas' by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). Issued at the 20th annual Texas Truck Rodeo near San Antonio, the award was determined by 50 leading journalists across two days of expansive driving.
'We are very pleased to hear that the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has been named 'Compact CÚV of Texas' for the first time,' said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. 'TAWA members have further confirmed the amazing versatility of this all-new crossover. This accolade proves that in a variety of environments, the Santa Fe will stay composed, safe and efficient.'
Comprised of 50 TAWA members, the 2012 Texas Truck Rodeo evaluated some of the 's leading trucks, SÚVs and crossover utilities. In order to put each vehicle through its paces, the famed Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch, Texas served as the event's proving grounds. With driving surfaces varying from bumpy pavement, loose gravel, slick mud, steep hills, jagged rocks and water crossings, each candidate stayed busy throughout the two days of testing.
'TAWA members overwhelmingly selected the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport as the Compact Crossover of Texas,' said Michael Herzing, TAWA President. 'Crossovers are important to Texans as they need vehicles that deliver on comfort, functionality and reliability. Hyundai exceeded those expectations and had the best product in the category.'
All-new for 2013, the third generation Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was named the 'Compact CÚV of Texas' for the first year ever. Entered into one of the most crowded §egmènts of the competition, the Santa Fe Sport beat out the likes of the 2013 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring AWD, 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i Limited and the 2013 Nissan Juke SL Midnight Edition. Hailed by journalists for its blend of value, mileage, capability and driving dynamics, the Santa Fe Sport found its way up rocky hills, down steep inclines, and around sweeping back-roads.
With two days of evaluation, TAWA members judged the vehicles on a variety of considerations. Aspects from exterior styling to road manners as well as pricing, fuel mileage, and off-road capability were all taken into account. Voting was conducted anonymously via electronic ballots.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is a new breed of crossover utilities wîth two trims, all-new powertrains and class-leading fuel economy. With five passenger capability, two gasoline direct injected engines, and up to 33 mpg on the highway, the Santa Fe Sport has rightfully earned the title 'Compact CÚV of Texas'. In 2.0T form, the turbocharged four cylinder engine makes 264 horsepower while class-exclusive features such as a 40:20:40 split folding rear seat, Blue Link telematics and Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM) separate the Santa Fe Sport from the crowd.
An all-new 'Fluidic Sculpture' design gives the third generation Santa Fe the impact of constant motion while opulent interior features such as heated seats and a leather-wrapped §teering wheel give world-class comfort and amenities. Combined wîth 266 lb weight loss compared to the 2012 model and an IIHS 'Top Safety Pick', a base price of $24,450 keeps the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe competitive in a very crowded §egmènt.Source - Hyundai
2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE WINS ACTIVE LIFESTYLE VEHICLE OF THE YEAR AWARD
All-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Claims its First Title in 'Best Value On-Road' CategoryCOSTA MESA, Calif., October 26, 2012 –Vehicles are a necessity for the active lifestyle enthusiast. The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is proving fully capable of fulfilling those needs, claiming a win at the ninth annual ALV. A first for Hyundai, the Santa Fe edged out five finalists in the 'Best Value On-Road' category.
Sponsored by Carspondent.com, ALV is the only car-of-the-year program in the Únited States that combines the input of automotive journalists wîth elite athletes to determine which cars and trucks best meet the needs of buyers wîth active lifestyles. Únlike other competitions, vehicles are evaluated on their ability to enhance the active lifestyle. Performance handling, cargo capabilities and safety scenarios are key factors in voting.
The program, which attracted more than 100 athletes and journalists, took place in Chandler, Arizona. Participants and media were hosted to a series of manufacturer product presentations and on-and off-road vehicle testing.
'Authenticity is a very important aspect of this program,' said ALV co-founder, Nina Russin. 'We pick the athletes whose involvement in sports is significant enough to impact their car-buying decisions. Team leaders are considered opinion leaders in the active community. This year, we invited parents judging the family category to bring their kids along, allowing them to test drive the cars in the same way they might use their personal vehicles.'
An IIHS Top Safety pick, Santa Fe is an all-in-one package for today's active family that showcases the brand's cutting-edge capabilities through advanced safety features, impressive fuel economy and variety of features, setting the standards for functionality and flexibility.Source - Hyundai
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 | The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport's upscale and highly-functional interior was acknowledged by the editors of WardsAuto, which named it to this year's Ward's 10 Best Interiors list. This recognition follows the 2012 Accent and 2012 Azera being named to the list last year. 'The latest version of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the essence of a midsize family CUV: well-crafted, tastefully appointed and affordable, despite a decidedly upscale look and feel,' said Tom Murphy, executive editor...[Read more...] |
| 2014 MAZDA6 NAMED TO WARD'S ‘10 BEST INTERIORS' LIST | |
| The all-new 2014 Mazda6 today was named to WardsAuto World's 10 Best Interiors list, as chosen by the publication's editors. The redesigned mid-size sports sedan features Mazda's new design language called KODO 'Soul of Motion,' which translates muscular movement and power into agile proportions, detailed sculpting and expressive character. The Mazda6 also was recently named one of the top three vehicle designs in the world for 2013 by the World Car Awards. 'The automotive industry, regardl...[Read more...] | |
| All-new Dodge Dart and Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Named to 'Wards 10 Best Interiors' List for 2012 | |
 | • New 2013 Dodge Dart built with materials and precision craftsmanship typically found in more expensive vehicle segments • High-tech, unseen-in-the-segment features available on the Dart include class-exclusive customizable 7-inch gauge cluster, 8.4-inch Uconnect® touchscreen, heated steering wheel and illuminated floating island bezel in the instrument panel • All-new Chrysler 300 Luxury Series sedan is the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler vehicle ever • ...[Read more...] |
2013| Comparable Vehicles | |
| Buick Encore | ($24,950-27,460) |
| Chevrolet Equinox | ($23,755-32,265) |
| Ford Escape | ($22,475-32,125) |
| Jeep Wrangler | ($22,195-30,495) |
| Kia Sorento | ($23,150-33,400) |
| Mazda CX-5 | ($20,695-28,295) |
| Nissan Rogue | ($22,310-29,950) |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Kia | Scion |
| Suzuki | |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 2013 |
| Acura NSX Concept |
| Acura RDX |
| Acura TL |
| Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept |
| Aston Martin DB9 |
| Audi A4 |
| Audi Crosslane Coupé Concept |
| Audi Q5 |
| Audi R8 |
| Audi R8 China Edition |
| Hyundai: 2011-2020 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Hyundai History |
| Other models by Hyundai |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| 2012 New York International Auto Show |
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| Accent Azera / Grandeur | Elantra Entourage | Equus Genesis | Santa Fe Sonata | Tiburon Tucson | Veloster Veracruz |
