The third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe launched August 17 in two versions: a five-passenger  model similar to the previous generation Santa Fe and to be known as the Santa Fe Sport; and a seven-passenger model with a longer wheelbase and room for seven passengers, to be known as the Santa Fe LWB.

The 2013 Santa Fe is 266 pounds lighter than the 2012, thanks to the use of high tensile steel in the crossover's construction increasing from 7.8 percent to 37.7 percent, as well as to torsional stiffness increasing by 15.7 percent.

In designing the new Santa Fe, Hyundai sought to incorporate size, versatility and functionality, a crossover "built for today's family, with flexible seating and cargo."  

Buyers of the 2013 Santa Fe Sport can choose between three engines. The Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection engine receives 190 horsepower with improved fuel economy and acceleration. Hyundai says that the 2.4-liter achieves the highest highway fuel economy (33 mpg) of any CUV/SUV with an automatic transmission.

A second engine option is the Theta II 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine, capable of 264 horsepower and EPA-estimated highway gas mileage of 31 mpg.

The Santa Fe LWB is powered by a Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine with 290 horsepower. Hyundai boasts that the LWB is the only midsize CUV with a standard direct injection V6 engine.

The engines are joined to a Hyundai-made six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2013 models also have active cornering control all-wheel drive.

Standard on the Turbo models and optional on 2.4-liter models is a push-button starter with proximity key, and an electrochromatic gauge cluster color LCD screen. There is also driver selectable steering mode, a rearview camera, and standard Blue Link infotainment system. The 2013 has a navigation and audio multimedia system, and an Infinity Logic 7 surround sound audio system.

Pricing for the 2013 Santa Fe starts at $24,450 for the Sport and $27,000 for the LWB.

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