2013 Hyundai Santa Fe: Used Car Review

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe lineup was broadened to include short- and long-wheelbase models. Based on an all-new platform, the short-wheelbase Santa Fe Sport and Sport 2.0T replace the previous year's 5-passenger model; the long-wheelbase Santa Fe GLS and Limited replace the 7-passenger Hyundai Veracruz. Both new Santa Fe versions incorporate Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design, greater use of high-tensile steel for reduced weight and stronger structure, and the latest infotainment and electronics. The 5-passenger Santa Fe Sport offers up to 71.5 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seat folded, and the 3-row long-wheelbase Santa Fe offers 80.0 cu ft. with both second- and third-row seats folded down. Max tow capacity with the 3.3-liter V6 is 5,000 pounds.

Standard safety gear includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist, dual front- and side-impact airbags, overhead airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and stability and traction control.

What We Like

Interior materials, fit and finish; 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty; second-row captain's chairs; third-row climate controls; generous storage; panoramic sunroof

What We Don't

Lacks power driver's seat memory option; no rear cross-traffic or blind spot detection

Fuel Economy & Engine Specs

The 5-passenger Santa Fe is available with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter or turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, while the 7-passenger Santa Fe comes with a 3.3-liter V6. All are teamed solely with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The base Santa Fe Sport's 2.4-liter 4-cylinder generates 190 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque on regular unleaded fuel. Equipped with front-wheel drive, the 2.4-liter has an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating of 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while 4-wheel-drive (4WD) versions are rated at 20 mpg city/26 mpg hwy.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is standard in the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T. It's rated at 264 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. On front-wheel-drive versions, the engine is EPA-rated at 20 mpg city/27 mpg hwy, while 4WDs receive a 19 mpg city/24 mpg hwy rating. Unlike with most turbo engines, Hyundai recommends regular unleaded fuel.

The 3.3-liter V6 in the 7-passenger Santa Fe makes 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. It is EPA-rated at 18 mpg city/25 mpg hwy with 2-wheel drive and 18 mpg city/24 mpg hwy with 4WD. Regular unleaded fuel is recommended.

Standard Features & Options

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is available in Sport, Sport 2.0T, GLS and Limited trims.

Sport is the entry-level 5-passenger. Standard equipment includes the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with remote audio controls, remote keyless entry, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with an MP3 decoder and iPod/USB jacks, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a security system, 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, a split fold-down rear bench seat, rear privacy glass, driver's seat adjustable lumbar support, an outside-temperature display, a trip computer, the Hyundai Blue Link emergency communication system and power locks, windows and mirrors.

Sport 2.0T upgrades to the 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, 19-in alloys, roof rails, automatic headlamps, electronic instrumentation, fog lamps, heated door mirrors, a windshield-wiper deicer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, push-button start, a compass, heated front seats and a power driver's seat.

GLS is the entry-level 3-row with 7-passenger seating. Standard equipment includes the 3.3-liter V6, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with remote audio controls, remote keyless entry, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with an MP3 decoder and iPod/USB jacks, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a security system, 18-in alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, a split fold-down second-row bench seat, a fold-into-floor third-row bench seat, rear privacy glass, driver's seat adjustable lumbar support, an outside-temperature display, a trip computer, the Blue Link emergency communication system and power locks, windows and mirrors.

The 6-passenger Limited upgrades the 3-row Santa Fe with leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, power driver's and front-passenger's seats, second-row captain's chairs, heated front and second-row seats, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a garage-door opener, a power liftgate, roof rails, a windshield deicer, fog lamps, push-button start, 19-in alloy wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass, electronic gauges and a rearview camera.

Available options include a navigation system with an 8-in touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, rear-window sunshades, and a 12-speaker Infinity surround-sound audio system.

Pricing

Well-equipped Sport 2.0T, GLS and Limited models carry the highest price tags, with non-turbocharged front-drive Sports offering the best bargains. That said, all-wheel drive isn't that much of an upcharge; with decent tires, the Santa Fe's front-drive system can handle most winter-weather driving.

To get a good idea of the 2013 Santa Fe's price range, check out KBB.com. You can also search the AutoTrader Classifieds to see which models are for sale in your area.

Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the following recall for the 2013 Santa Fe:

On Santa Fe Sport models with front-wheel drive and the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, the right front-axle shaft may fracture, creating a crash risk.

Recall repairs are required by law even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed, and if not, they will fix the car at no charge to you.

Safety Ratings & Warranties

NHTSA gave the 2013 Santa Fe Sport a 5-star overall rating, with five stars for frontal and side impacts and four stars for rollover performance. The long-wheelbase Santa Fe wasn't tested.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2013 Santa Fe a Top Safety Pick. It received Good ratings for side- and moderate-overlap front impacts, as well as head-restraint and seat performance.

Hyundai sold the 2013 Santa Fe with a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (for original owners only), a 7-year/unlimited-distance corrosion-perforation warranty and 5 years/unlimited miles of roadside-assistance coverage.

Hyundai certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles can't be more than 4 years old or show more than 60,000 miles. Every CPO Santa Fe undergoes a 150-point inspection. Each receives the balance of Hyundai's 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the vehicle's original date of sale. Also included are 3 months of SiriusXM satellite radio and a vehicle-history report.

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