Used 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe for sale 

There is not much confusion in this field as Hyundai offers only two trims for the Santa Fe. They include GLS and Limited trim models. Both the models come standard with a front-wheel-drive setup but an all-wheel-drive system is all available. Pricing for the Santa Fe starts at $28,600 for the GLS trim and $33,350 for the Limited trim. Some of the standard features of both the trims are listed below.

Buying Advice

The base GLS trim has a starting price of $28,600 and includes standard features like the Blue Link infotainment system, power mirrors, scuff plate, a six-speaker sound system, etc. If you need an extra flavor of premium features then switch your taste to the Limited trim. 

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine is capable of making 290 horses of power and 252 pound-feet of torque. The V6 has enough horsepower but its high 5,200 rpm torque peak means off the line, it’s a little lacking.

That said, a low curb weight aids acceleration, and the tow rating is a solid 5000 pounds. There’s a simple uncomplicated quality to its road manners. The ride is compliant without being excessively squishy and the vehicle handles with predictability and competence. 

Thanks to its low curb weight, the Santa Fe sprints with a quick acceleration. The similarly-powered Ford Explorer takes more than one second late to achieve the milestone. Meanwhile, the heavy Toyota Highlander is the slowest SUV while the Ford Explorer has decent acceleration for its size. 

The Hyundai Santa Fe boasts good fuel economy for its size. Despite housing a powerful engine, it sits atop in its class for its good fuel estimates. Fuel economy sits at 18 mpg in the city in the mid-20s on the freeway. Opting for the optional all-wheel-drive system carries with it a minimal fuel efficiency penalty. It reduces the combined mileage by one mpg. 

Just like the Santa Fe, the Nissan Pathfinder flaunts a decent fuel economy. It has a combined mpg of 22. The fuel estimates of the Toyota Highlander are quite low when compared to its rivals. The Ford Explorer stands right in between them. 

The exterior fluid styling of the Santa Fe continues to the interior. There are a premium and eerie feel to the cabin and generally, the fit and finish are great but it’s let down by a few cheap and nasty plastics around the place. All three rows are catered in terms of air conditioning. Upfront, the driver and the passenger have dual-zone climate controls, the second-row has vents while the third-row has an individual fan. 

Storage throughout the cabin is great and upfront, you get two cup holders, a little storage cubby, a deep center console, a generously-sized glovebox, and deep pockets in the doors with bottle doors as well. When you think of bigger SUVs, you think head and legroom, and the Santa Fe delivers it. The second-row also slides backward and forward which is pretty handy when you’re trying to fit passengers in the car. But it’s the boot that really shines with 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space. It then expands to a mammoth 71.5 cubic feet with second-row folded. 

The passenger space offered by the rivals in the first and second rows is quite competitive. In the third row, the Ford Explorer offers 33.2 inches of legroom which is the best compared to other rivals. It also leads the pack in terms of cargo capacity. Close to it is the Nissan Pathfinder while the Toyota Highlander is stuck in the last place. The interior features of the Santa Fe are listed below:

• Rear center armrest with cup holders
• Scuff plate
• Simulated wood center console
• 8 cup holders
• Keyless entry
• Leather steering wheel
• Push-button start

How intuitive is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe’s infotainment system?

The Santa Fe is jam-packed with entertainment features that surround a 7-inch color touchscreen while an 8-inch screen is an option. It houses navigation and also all the audio functions.

It is easy to use and comes with traffic monitoring as well. Audio functions are limited to the CD player, Bluetooth audio streaming, auxiliary and USB inputs. Six speakers are standard for both models. Some of the other features include:

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Bluetooth connectivity
• SiriusXM
• AM/FM stereo
• Auxiliary audio input
• Navigation system

The folks at Hyundai call the buzz phrase ‘ Fluid at precision’ and that’s when it comes to exterior styling. If you take a look at this SUV, it borrows some of the best features from the German and Japanese SUVs currently on the road.

The new Santa Fe is sporty, sharper, and more aggressive. In fact, chrome and LED accents are now standard on the vehicle. You can see improved aerodynamics through the bumper design, underbody cover, and rear spoiler. It’s going to give a lot of vehicles on the road some competition.

The Santa Fe is the lightest vehicle in this segment with a curb weight of 3946 pounds while its rivals have above 4000 pounds. With a wheelbase of 114.2 inches, the Nissan Pathfinder’s interior is more spacious than its rivals. The Toyota Highlander’s 8-inch ground clearance is great for 0ff-roading purposes. Some of the other exterior features include:

• Chrome grille
• Roofline spoiler
• Chrome door handles
• Halogen headlights
• LED taillights
• Power mirrors

For 2013, NHTSA did not rate the new Hyundai Santa Fe for its crashworthiness. However, it managed to bag a ‘Top Safety Pick’ award from IIHS for its impeccable performance in all the crash tests. For passenger’s safety, the Santa Fe is loaded with seven airbags, stretched in all the rows. Some of the standard safety features include:

• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Brake Assist
• Traction Control
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Anti-Theft System

The Hyundai Santa Fe may not have a rich history as a mid-sized competitor but it has plenty going for it. A thoughtful design, attractive interior styling, lots of neat features, and a generous warranty make the Santa Fe an appealing interest for buyers. The midsize SUV establishment would be smart to take note of. There’s a formidable opponent in their midst and it happens to wear a Hyundai badge.