Editor’s note: In Canada, this three-row model was sold as the Santa Fe XL (as tested here). In the U.S., it was sold as the Hyundai Santa Fe, with different trim names such as GLS and Limited. The core vehicle is largely the same (all long wheelbase models compared to the 2-row Sport in both markets), so this review applies to used shoppers on both sides of the border.
Our insatiable appetite for the utility vehicle won’t seem to dissipate anytime soon. The SUV/CUV market is fairly saturated, and any environmental implications of the fuel-chugging refrigerators-on-wheels of days gone by (i.e., old-school Navigators and Escalades) are now countered by increasingly fuel-efficient powertrains, including hybrid-engine solutions that are gradually entering the sport-utility market.
But at the end of the day, it basically boils down to one thing: growing families are seeking the anti-Van offering cargo, safety, style, and overall efficiencies at an affordable price point. If automakers can offer all this, and still manage to step it up, well, then we’re talking. The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Luxury AWD certainly steps it up, hitting all the marks for a mid-size SUV. And quite easily, the best seven-passenger family CUV on the market…and you can throw some luxury mid-size sport-utilities into that mix.
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Three-Row Santa Fe vs. Santa Fe Sport
The Santa Fe nameplate is one of Hyundai’s most successful (goodbye, Veracruz), and for 2013, it is entering its third generation via the all-new 5-passenger version released late 2012. Followed by the release of the all-new seven-passenger in early 2013. I can’t speak for the five-passenger, but its larger version is pound-for-pound the best CUV in its class. With eight trims to choose from, my 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe tester arrived in the second-highest trim: XL Luxury AWD.
Related – 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Review
| Market | Model Name | Typical 2013 Trims | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Santa Fe XL | FWD, Premium AWD, Luxury AWD, Limited AWD | Three-row Santa Fe; tested here in Luxury AWD trim |
| United States | Santa Fe | GLS, Limited | Three-row Santa Fe; similar core vehicle with different trim names |
| Canada / U.S. | Santa Fe Sport | 2.4L and 2.0T trims | Shorter two-row model; not the same as the three-row Santa Fe |
Styling: Hyundai’s Big SUV Glow-Up
While many mid-size CUVs and SUVs in the current market share seemingly similar design cues, often undifferentiated from afar, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe truly stands out. It’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ styling adds refined lines yet overall retaining a very bold, almost aggressive appearance. Strong shoulder lines running front to back, coupled with a larger grill and fog lights, the Santa Fe Premium can stand toe-to-toe with the more luxe, $65K+ CUVs on the roads today in terms of styling.
“Auto makers love to throw the ‘premium without premium price tag’ line at consumers, but the 2013 Santa Fe truly offers world-class, segment-only features that families can appreciate and take advantage of.”
Designers at Hyundai worked on the two-row Santa Fe and three-row Santa Fe XL simultaneously, with the main difference being the side window shape. Larger of the two, the 2013 Santa Fe seven-passenger XL features styling that highlights the extra passenger and cargo space behind the third-row seat.
Add new alloy wheels, dual chrome integrated exhaust outlets, and a flush-mounted tow hitch design, it’s clear why the 2013 Santa Fe won both AJAC’s 2013 Best New SUV/CUV $35k-$60k and Best New Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year (the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T won both categories). Never mind the accolades, my wife points out that the 2013 Santa Fe Premium trim has no blind spots! Happy wife, happy life.
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Engine and AWD: V6 Power for Family Duty
- Engine: 3.3L V6
- Power: 290 hp
- Torque: 252 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD or AWD (AWD tested here)
Powered by a 3.3L GDI V6 engine, the 2013 Santa Fe XL produces 290 hp and 252 lb.ft of torque. Benefits of the high-pressure gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine include a higher than normal compression ratio, significantly increasing power and torque while reducing emissions and fuel consumption.
“The 3.3L V6 is generally the engine you want in this three-row model, but higher-mileage examples should still be checked carefully for oil leaks, timing-chain noise, rough running, and any outstanding recalls or service campaigns.”
The competing 2013 Highlander, 2013 Pathfinder, and 2013 Pilot all find a 3.5L MPI V6 engine, yet the Santa Fe’s 3.3L GDI V6 still produces 30-20 additional horsepower, with overall better torque figures as well. Granted, the Santa Fe does weigh the least of the bunch, with the Pilot outweighing them all. And for those planning to tow, the Santa Fe XL’s V6 provides a maximum towing capacity of 2268 kgs, or 5000 pounds.
6-speed transmission standard with the 3.3L V6 engine
A six-speed automatic transmission is standard in all models, including an always-handy manual mode that adapts quickly to provide easy shifts when needed (and, if used correctly, can increase fuel efficiency, too). The ActiveECO system (found in all Santa Fe models) also improves fuel figures; essentially, modifying the engine and transmission to level out throttle response.
While front-wheel drive comes standard in this full-size CUV, most families will (or perhaps should) opt for the all-wheel-drive system, as with my AWD tester. Hauling 5 to 7 passengers, safety is paramount, and the sophisticated AWD found in the new Santa Fe should put most families at ease. The system distributes power only to the front wheels under normal driving conditions, constantly analyzing vehicle data and allocating power where and when needed, always optimizing traction.
Add the Santa Fe’s Active Cornering Control (ACC) and Vehicle Stability Mgmt (VSM) system to manage acceleration and braking when taking corners, and the 2013 Santa Fe will put the driver at ease.
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2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior
The ‘premium product without premium price’ mantra is perhaps most evident in the cabin, where families will appreciate it the most. Indeed, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has a huge list of standard features; it’s the premium features that set this CUV apart, including a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, and ventilated front seats; power adjustable front seats with memory; and a power liftgate, to name a few.
We can’t forget about the huge panoramic sunroof — a must-have option found in many luxury utility vehicles, including my 2013 Range Rover Sport test vehicle following this Santa Fe, where my passengers would gawk at the Rover’s expansive upper-glass, I’d simply tell them, “dude, you can get this same panoramic sunroof in the Santa Fe! Oh, and you can literally buy like 7 Santa Fe’s for the price of the Rover Sport, if you’re wondering.”
A 40:20:40 split-folding, sliding, and reclining second-row bench seat is available, or six-passenger seating with second-row captain chairs. Fortunately, the third row folds flat with a 50:50 split. For the messy households, and new for 2013 in all cloth-seated Santa Fe models, is a YES Essentials seat fabric treatment providing anti-odor, anti-static, and soil-resistant protection. It may seem minor, but for a family mover, this not only provides durability and protection, but it also adds longevity.
Legroom between the front and second-row seats is ample and comfortable. Compared to the five-passenger Santa Fe, this Santa Fe XL finds an extra 50mm of legroom in this space. Rear passengers now also find standard HVAC controls and vents, and with rear under-floor storage and a power-operated lift gate, Hyundai has evidently thought of pretty much everything a family would need and desire.
As for audio and entertainment, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with the usual radio/Satellite radio/CD/MP3 setup with iPod/USB connectivity and six speakers. But you’ve got options — two options, to be exact, including the step-up audio system with a 4.3-inch colour LCD and rear-view camera, or the step-up-again premium system with navigation and boasting 12 speakers, a 550-watt Infinity Logic7 stereo, an eight-inch sub, external amplifier, Bluetooth, and XM satellite radio integrated into each head unit. Overall, the instrumentation is well laid out, and the display interface is easy to use and simple.
Takeaway: Is the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Worth It?
Today, if our growing family were to buy a new seven-passenger utility vehicle, it would likely be the Hyundai Santa Fe (perhaps the stylish Sport version). Props to the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer, but the Santa Fe really does hit all the marks.
Auto makers love to throw the ‘premium without premium price tag’ line at consumers, but the 2013 Santa Fe truly offers world-class, segment-only features that families can appreciate and take advantage of. Hyundai has slowly stepped up to the plate over the past ten years or so, to the point now where consumers need not question the Korean automaker’s quality or value anymore. For under $50k, a seven-passenger mover such as this, it’s almost a no-brainer if you can get past the logo. And by now, you should.
Reliability and Common Problems
As a used buy today, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe long-wheelbase model is worth considering, but condition and maintenance history matter more than the badge. Look for documented oil changes, smooth transmission shifts, working AWD, no warning lights, and a clean inspection of the suspension, brakes, tires, cooling system, and electronics. The 3.3L V6 is generally the engine you want in this three-row model, but higher-mileage examples should still be checked carefully for oil leaks, timing-chain noise, rough running, and any outstanding recalls or service campaigns. Before buying, run the VIN through Hyundai or Transport Canada/NHTSA recall tools and budget for the usual older-SUV wear items.
