The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport marked a significant shift for Hyundai in the competitive mid-size SUV market. This all-new model wasn’t just a refresh; it was a complete reimagining of the Santa Fe, introducing two distinct body styles and a host of enhancements aimed squarely at families and active individuals. If you’re considering a reliable and versatile SUV, understanding the nuances of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is crucial. Let’s delve into the key aspects that made this vehicle a standout choice.
A Fresh Start: The All-New 2013 Santa Fe Sport
Stepping away from its predecessor, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport embraced Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language with a bolder and more assertive approach. This wasn’t just a subtle facelift; it was a ground-up redesign that immediately set it apart. The exterior styling injected a dose of ruggedness into the Santa Fe’s sleek lines, creating a visually appealing and modern SUV. Inside, Hyundai elevated the cabin experience, focusing on premium materials and an intuitive layout. From the redesigned dashboard to the meticulously crafted door panels and comfortable seating, the interior aimed to deliver a high-quality feel, a hallmark of Hyundai’s commitment to value.
Two Body Styles: Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe
A major departure for the 2013 Santa Fe lineup was the introduction of two distinct body styles: the five-passenger Santa Fe Sport and the longer wheelbase, seven-passenger Santa Fe. This strategic split allowed Hyundai to cater to a broader range of customer needs. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, the focus of this guide, provided a more agile and compact option for those prioritizing maneuverability and efficiency. The standard Santa Fe, with its extended length, offered increased cargo space, expanding from 71.5 cubic feet in the Sport to a generous 80 cubic feet. Furthermore, the longer model provided enhanced second-row legroom and a substantial 41 cubic feet of cargo capacity even with the third row seats in use. This dual approach ensured that the Santa Fe nameplate could appeal to both smaller families and those requiring more passenger and cargo room.
Engine Options: Power and Efficiency
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport offered a compelling choice of two four-cylinder engines, each designed to balance performance and fuel economy. The standard engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving. For those seeking more spirited performance, the available 2.0T variant featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, boosting output to an impressive 264 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged engine delivered noticeably quicker acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in around eight seconds. These engine options, shared with other Hyundai models like the Sonata, demonstrated Hyundai’s efficient use of its engine lineup and provided Santa Fe Sport buyers with choices tailored to their driving preferences.
Fuel Efficiency: Economical Performance
Hyundai prioritized fuel efficiency across the 2013 Santa Fe Sport range. All engine options were paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, contributing to optimized fuel economy. The 2.4-liter base engine achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, commendable figures for a mid-size SUV. Even the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine maintained respectable fuel economy, with only a slight reduction of 1 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway compared to the base engine. This focus on fuel efficiency made the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers without sacrificing performance.
All-Wheel Drive and Handling: Confident Control
Recognizing the importance of all-weather capability in the SUV segment, Hyundai offered all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option for the 2013 Santa Fe Sport across all trim levels. This accessibility to AWD, even on base models, was a notable advantage compared to some competitors. Beyond just AWD, the Santa Fe Sport could be equipped with Active Cornering Control, a torque vectoring system enhancing stability and handling during turns. Furthermore, drivers could customize the steering feel with an adjustable system offering comfort, normal, and sport modes for the electric power steering. These features contributed to a confident and controlled driving experience in various conditions.
Trim Levels and Features: Value and Upgrades
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was available in well-equipped trim levels, starting with a generous base model. Standard features on the base trim included air conditioning, power windows and locks, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port for the audio system, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system. Stepping up to the 2.0T trim brought further enhancements, such as upgraded gauges, larger 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, heated front seats and mirrors, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. This tiered trim structure allowed buyers to choose a Santa Fe Sport that matched their desired level of features and budget.
Optional Packages: Customization and Convenience
To further personalize the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Hyundai offered a range of optional packages. The Popular Equipment Package for the base model added desirable features like roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, fog lights, heated mirrors, and power driver’s seat adjustments. For those seeking premium amenities, the Technology Package (available on higher trims) included a surround sound audio system, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and a navigation system. These packages provided flexibility for buyers to equip their Santa Fe Sport with specific features that enhanced comfort, convenience, and technology.
Safety and Security: Peace of Mind
Safety was a key consideration in the design of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The vehicle boasted an array of standard safety features, including a driver’s knee airbag, dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags. Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and Anti-lock Brakes were also standard across the lineup. For enhanced driver assistance, the Santa Fe Limited trim offered an optional blind spot monitoring system. Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control were standard features, further bolstering safety in varied driving conditions. These comprehensive safety features contributed to the Santa Fe Sport’s reputation as a safe and family-friendly SUV.
Competition: Navigating a Crowded Segment
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport entered a highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. It faced established rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, known for their reliability and popularity. The Kia Sorento, from Hyundai’s sister brand, also presented in-house competition. To stand out, the Santa Fe Sport emphasized its modern design, powerful engine options, available AWD, and a strong value proposition. Its ability to offer a compelling blend of features and performance at a competitive price point was crucial in attracting buyers in this crowded market.
Replacing Two Models: Streamlining the Lineup
The introduction of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe lineup marked a strategic simplification of Hyundai’s SUV offerings. The Santa Fe Sport effectively replaced the previous generation, shorter wheelbase Santa Fe, while the longer wheelbase Santa Fe indirectly took the place of the larger Hyundai Veracruz, which was discontinued. This streamlined approach allowed Hyundai to cover a broader spectrum of customer needs with the Santa Fe nameplate, offering both a five-passenger and a seven-passenger option within a single model family. This strategic move demonstrated Hyundai’s efficient platform utilization and its focus on optimizing its product portfolio for the North American market.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Mid-Size SUV Class
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport emerged as a compelling option in the mid-size SUV segment. With its fresh design, choice of efficient and powerful engines, available all-wheel drive, and a range of trim levels and features, it offered a strong value proposition for families and individuals alike. Its focus on safety and modern amenities further solidified its position as a worthy contender against established competitors. If you are in the market for a used mid-size SUV, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport deserves serious consideration for its blend of practicality, style, and performance.
