
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe gives crossover buyers a choice, compact utility or spread-out space.
That means it competes with some of the better five-passenger and seven-passenger crossovers on the market, including the Ford Explorer, which features lots of technology options, from MyFord Touch's LCD- and voice-driven controls to blind-spot monitors.
The Explorer also offers good fuel economy with the four-cylinder EcoBoost engine--but the Santa Fe promises better towing capacity.
The new Nissan Pathfinder scores better gas mileage too, and in size and feel, it's almost in the league of the GM three-row utes (Acadia, Enclave, Traverse).
Then there are the compacts.
With lots of cargo space and a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, the Chevy Equinox is a major contender in this segment, and the only other entry with a sliding second-row seat.
We can't forget about the Toyota Venza, which offers both four- and six-cylinder engines not to mention a track record for durability.
Finally, the Santa Fe has some kinship with the Georgia-built Kia Sorento, another five- or seven-passenger crossover packed with value and with an available V-6 engine, no matter which seating configuration you choose.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe splits its identity in two: the three-row ute goes V-6 only, while the five-passenger Sport leans on turbo power, a flexible second-row seat and a cushy ride to make its best case ever. |
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is a good, affordable choice for cost-conscious families, but it doesn't skimp on comfort, safety, or the latest connectivity features. |
The Ford Explorer trades some trail-riding and towing for on-road driving lessons, and comes out fluent. |
It's an easy call among crossovers: the 2013 Kia Sorento has the right features, the right fuel economy, and the right size. |
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is in a new place that's just right for families who want a big, comfortable, sensible wagon, but it's given up some of its path-finding heritage to get there. |
The Toyota Venza gets substantial improvements in entertainment and connectivity for 2013; otherwise it remains a comfortable, practical, and somewhat stylish pick for those who don't need a rugged SUV. |
MSRP From | |||||
$24,700 | $24,225 | $29,100 | $23,150 | $28,650 | $27,850 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
18 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Gas I4 | Gas/Ethanol I4 | Gas V6 | Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Style Name | |||||
FWD 4-Door Sport | FWD 4-Door LS | FWD 4-Door Base | 2WD 4-Door I4 LX | 2WD 4-Door S | 4-Door Wagon I4 FWD LE (GS) |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Crossover | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | Wagon |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2013 Chevrolet Equinox | 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2013 Ford Explorer | 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2013 Kia Sorento | 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder | 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2013 Toyota Venza |