(April 5, 2012) NEW YORK — Designed to delight shoppers and defy convention, two all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe models made their world debut Wednesday 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 with high expectations for functionality and comfort. The all-new 2013 Santa Fe Sport will go on-sale late this summer, with the larger Santa Fe introduced to dealers in January 2013.

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, body color 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.

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 fuel economy of 23 city and 33 highway (estimated). This powertrain truly combines power and fuel efficiency with 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). 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.

All the engines are mated to Hyundai’s six-speed automatic transmission with 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.