Topic: Preview: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

[Autos_Editor]

It's the crossover so nice, Hyundai designed it twice: the 2013 Santa Fe will be offered in two distinct models, one with five seats and another with up to seven.

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[Frontier1]

Needless to say another Hyundai hit in the making, very nicely done.

[JohnnyMac]

Being an owner of the current model (2010 Limited) I think I should weigh in on this subject.  Personally I think this is a great vehicle.  The reason me and my wife bought this vehicle is because it was the best all arounder.  Meaning that it wasn't the winner in any one category but was very strong in all the categories that truly matter.  This new one seems to be a step up from our vehicle.

This article completely missed the mark though because they didn't mention the most important part of this redesign.  It's significantly lighter than the previous model.  I've heard that it's in the 200 pound range lighter.  That's huge because that will help in all aspects.  I love that they made the base 4 cylinder more powerful, and that should have been done a long time ago with the engine out of the Sonata available.  Personally I would rather have a V6 than a turbo 4 cylinder but I understand the thinking of it (fuel economy).  I am disappointed that they are basically scrapping their 3.5L V6 that they just made back in 2010 for the refresh of this model.  I thought for sure that they would have gave it direct injection and class leading fuel efficiency and power with over 320 hp.  Instead they took the engine out of the new Azera (which I love but for some reason isn't sold in canada) to give it better fuel economy but only average power with the Explorer and Durango (both that I feel are direct competitors with the longer Santa Fe).

I fully predict that this vehicle will do very well and keep the Santa Fe sales in the top 10 in Canada.  A clever thing is that by axing the Vercruz and basically replacing it with a longer Santa Fe that should increase the sales automatically.

[jaman]

I hope they no longer install fake wood interior trim in the base model (from the pics I've seen that seems to be true). That was one thing that really turned me off from the previous model, otherwise I might have pulled the trigger back last Sept.

The 200 pound weight loss mentioned seems promising, only good things can come from that.

[DarkHelmet]

I hope they no longer install fake wood interior trim in the base model (from the pics I've seen that seems to be true). That was one thing that really turned me off from the previous model, otherwise I might have pulled the trigger back last Sept.

Ditto on the fake wood.  I test-drove the 3.5L and absolutely loved everything, but couldn't get past the trim and decided to wait it out. 

Can't wait to see the new model(s)!

[nlm]

The 7-passenger looks like a cross between an Explorer and Sienna.

The style for both Santa Fe's are a big step in the right direction from the previous gen. I wonder if there will be confusion between the 'Sport' and the 7-passenger model.

[Jaeger]

They'll do real well with this.  I like the engine options and the fact that you can choose 5 or 7 seats.  And that the 7-seater is actually a stretched long wheel base version - they didn't just stuff two rumble seats in the cargo bay of the 5 seater.

Jaeger

[CanuckS2K]

Agreed that Hyundai will do very well with this new one.  That is an extremely nice looking CUV.  And like Jaeger mentioned, I think it was very smart of them to actually extend the wheelbase on the 7 seater.  Well done Hyundai!

[jaari]

Incorrect the current Santa Fe 4 cylinder is a 2.4, not a 2.5 Canadian Driver.

[jyarkony]

Thanks!

[redman]

I like that 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a 4cycl in both turbo and non-turbo versions (albeit different sizes) and a V6. As much as I like the Hyundai 4 cylinder turbo which does not have to use premium fuel, I'm not assured about turbo I.C.Engines and longevity. If I were leasing this vehicle 3-4 years I would go with the turbo. If I was planning to keep it longer or do high mileage I would go with the non-turbo, if mostly city driving I'd choose the 4 cyl and if highway or hauling some weight the 6 cyl would be my choice.

I can see Hyundai doing well with this new style and engine options. With each sound product they produce the public becomes more confident with the brand.

Based on pictures I'm liking this over the new 2013 Ford Escape. Understanding that pictures are nothing like the real thing.

[Shnak]

Wow. I'm liking that extended wheel base version and its 3.3L DI engine. I definintely will put this vehicle on my list of if it's got good cargo room when its rear seats are folded down. Any idea on price yet?

[5 Wheel Drive]

IMHO, I think the 5 seater looks a little Murano-ish from the side.  I really like the look of the longer 3 row version.  4 captain's chair available?  Can't wait to see that!  The front looks great.  I'm looking forward to seeing this one in person.

[sacrat]

  A clever thing is that by axing the Veracruz and basically replacing it with a longer Santa Fe that should increase the sales automatically.

I was wondering about this as I read the article. If true, it really should be mentioned in the article that the LWB model replaces the Veracruz.

[conwelpic]

very limited info on the Hyundai website http://santafehyundai.ca/index.php it says the 5-seater available fall this year and the 7-seater early 2013

[nsmyhte]

Wow, the extended wheelbase version looks identical to the Maxda CX-9.  Thats a pretty nice vehicle to copy, though.

[JRM]

They both look good to me. However, the Sport, having such a huge C pillar, should be the one with the available blind spot monitor imo.

[SMMN]

As the owner of a Veracruz, Hyundai has lost me as a customer unless they field a Genesis or similar replacement for it.

While the long wheelbase Santa Fe is made to fill the gap of the departing Veracruz, I don't want to drive a Santa Fe. They are as common around here as Cavaliers and it was always nice to drive something that was differentiated from the Hyundai line-up.

[carcrazed]

As the owner of a Veracruz, Hyundai has lost me as a customer unless they field a Genesis or similar replacement for it.

While the long wheelbase Santa Fe is made to fill the gap of the departing Veracruz, I don't want to drive a Santa Fe. They are as common around here as Cavaliers and it was always nice to drive something that was differentiated from the Hyundai line-up.

SMMN, what don't you like about your Veracruz? 

I like both models, but I would like an option to have only 5 seats in the extended wheelbase model for more storage w/o added weight of the 3rd row seats.
That would also provide some sort of hiddle storage compartment under the floor too.

Great job on Hyundai with their nice designs as of late

[TheKnownSpace]

they know what they are doing, i'll give Hyundai that. Dropping the manual (who bough that?), and making the LWB model a V6-only (so the journos cannot complain about another big, somewhat underpowerd CUV...and (thankfully) instead of making both versions entirely different models (which they easily could have  ), they bucked the industry trend and kept the the 2 vehicles under 1 nameplate instead of just trying to market "niche vehicles", i am a fan of this.

Imho i think the LWB version is the nicer looking of the 2 (hate the C-pillar on the short one) but both are much better looking than the previous generation...which was just toyota highlander levels of bland.

Of all the technological knickknacks in cars nowadays, i'm intrigued by the "DSSM" feature. If it turns out that this system can legitimately make a difference in steering feel to suit the preferences of different drivers then i am so ready to see that feature trickle down into many other automaker's offerings. I like the idea behind this because i find that the helm in many new/newer vehicles i drive to be ridiculously over-boosted to the point where it may as well be a video game and i plug my xbox controller into a port where the steering wheel should go