The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe update new model

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport crossovers complete the automaker's ambitious 7/11 plan, to release seven all-new or significantly updated models in just 11 months. We knew the next-generation Santa Fe would be unveiled at the New York auto show, but didn't expect the addition of a short-wheelbase, two-row Santa Fe Sport model offering an available turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The two Santa Fes don't share a single powerplant. The shorter Santa Fe Sport goes for an all four-cylinder lineup, starting with a 2.4-liter 190 hp I-4 making an estimated 181 lb-ft of torque. The optional powerplant is Hyundai's now familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, which produces 264 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque under the hood of the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T. The 8.5-inch longer Santa Fe gets a slightly more potent engine - the 3.3-liter 290-hp V-6 ripped straight from the new Azera. All three engines are hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive with torque vectoring is available.

Fuel economy was a major focus with the 2013 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport. Though larger than before, thanks to the increased use of lightweight high-tensile steel, curb weight has dropped but fuel economy, for the most part, has improved. Hyundai expects front-drive Santa Fe Sports equipped with the 2.4-liter I-4 to achieve 23/33 mpg city/highway, and front-drive turbo models to get 23/31 mpg. Hyundai expects the V-6-powered Santa Fe to score 19/26 mpg in EPA testing. For comparison, the outgoing Santa Fe scored 20/28 mpg with the I-4, and 20/26 mpg with the V-6. All 2013 Santa Fes come standard with Hyundai's Active ECO system. Some of the more functional interior amenities include a second row that folds flat and splits 40:20:40, and is available with the ability to slide fore and aft. The three-row Santa Fe boosts 1.9 inches more second row legroom than the Santa Fe Sport. The Santa Fe's third row is split 50:50, can fold flat into the floor, and offers 31.5 inches of legroom. The short-wheelbase 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport will go on sale in July. Those looking for seven-passenger utility will have to wait until January 2013 to get their hands on the larger Santa Fe, which replaces the oft-forgotten Veracruz in Hyundai's lineup. Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but expect the 2013 Santa Fe Sport to start around $25,000, and the 2013 Santa Fe to carry a base price closer to $30,000.

Out back the larger Santa Fe has dual exhaust and large taillights. The Santa Fe Sport gets a more aggressive taillight design, and a twin-tipped exhaust that exits on the right side of the car. The base Santa Fe Sport rides on 17-inch wheels, while Santa Fe Sport 2.0Ts gets 19-inch wheels. The Santa Fe rides on either 18- or 19-inch wheels. The interior of the two Santa Fes have a flowing center stack that's typical of Hyundai. Both models offer Hyundai's third-generation navigation system on a multifunction eight-inch touch-screen display. Hyundai's Blue Link service (think OnStar) is standard on all Santa Fe models, while the long-wheelbase Santa Fe gets blind spot detection. Other available features include a panoramic sunroof, push-button start with keyless entry, and heated seats front and rear.