Hyundai RE:MIX LAB is back for another round of parties, music and tricked-out wheels. First stop: Chicago. Check out some highlights from the weekend, including an appearance by artist JC Rivera.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Hyundai Genesis Wins Best and Most Dependable Midsize Premium Car!
The Hyundai Genesis sedan is the highest-ranked model in the midsize premium car category in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Released today, the study also shows that Hyundai finished ninth overall, demonstrating that the company's commitment to quality translates into long-term dependability for owners. The Genesis sedan launched in the 2009 model year and earned Hyundai's first-ever North American Car of the Year honor. J.D. Power and Associates surveys original owners three years after their vehicle purchase, so 2012 was the first year Genesis was included in the VDS, and it was the only category award recipient in its first year of eligibility.
"Our goal is to design and build cars that meet and exceed consumers' expectations not only off the showroom floor, but through the duration of their ownership experience. Earning Hyundai's first-ever top 10 finish in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrates that our efforts are paying dividends," said Erwin Raphael, director of engineering and quality, Hyundai Motor America. "It's equally gratifying to see Genesis sedan, a content-rich model with all the features you expect of a premium car, outperform powerful competitors in its category. Long-term dependability translates to a positive ownership experience and brings customers back to the Hyundai brand in the future."
Genesis sedan tallied more than 20 top honors from the most prominent media outlets and automotive organizations in North America upon its launch as a 2009 model year. The trophy case includes awards from J.D. Power and Associates, Motor Trend, AutoPacific, Cars.com and leading consumer publications in addition to its North American Car of the Year honor.
Genesis is built on Hyundai's performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. Updated for 2012, the current model offers three powertrains: the Lambda 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine producing 333 horsepower; Hyundai's Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 385 horsepower; and the new Tau 5.0-liter direct injection V8 engine producing 429 horsepower, available on the Genesis 5.0 and Genesis R-Spec models. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, convenience features like push-button start and navigation system, and five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), it's clear that Genesis is among the best cars in the premium category. But at a starting MSRP of just $34,200, it's no surprise the competition was left in Hyundai's rear-view mirror.
Courtsey of PRNewswire
Monday, September 24, 2012
Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Service Scheduling
Check Engine Light On
Cleaning
Lights
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Check every 3 months/3,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Check Engine Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Check every 6 months/6,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Chassis Lubrication
Check Engine Light On
Polish
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades
Check every 9 months/9,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Check Engine Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Check every 12 months/12,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Brakes
Cabin Air Filter
Chassis Lubrication
Check Engine Light On
Polish
Coolant (Antifreeze)
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Spark Plugs
Steering and Suspension
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades
Vehicle System/Component Service Notes
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check fluid level with engine running and
transmission in park. If low, add the type
of automatic transmission fluid specified
in the owner's manual and/or on dipstick.
For maximum performance, change every
two years or 24,000 miles, or as directed
in owner's manual.
Battery and Cables
Battery should be securely mounted.
Battery connection should be clean, tight
and corrosion free. If the battery is three
years old or more, it should be tested and
replaced if necessary.
Belts
Check V-belts and serpentine belts for
looseness and condition. Replace when
cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs
of excessive wear. Replace timing belt per
interval specified in owner's manual.
Typically this is 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
Not replacing the belt as required could
cause a breakdown or serious engine
damage.
Brakes
Check the entire brake system every year,
including brake linings, rotors and drums.
Cabin Air Filter
Replace annually, or more often in areas
with heavy airborne contaminants or
whenever heating or cooling efficiency is
reduced.
Chassis Lubrication
Many newer cars are lubed-for-life; some
still require this service. Check owner's
manual. Replacement steering and
suspension components may require
periodic lubrication.
Check Engine Light On
If light comes on while driving or remains
on, your vehicle may have an emissions or
sensor problem and should be analyzed. If
light flashes, the condition is more severe
and must be checked immediately to
prevent catalytic converter damage.
Cleaning & Polishing
To prevent stripping the vehicle's wax
finish, use only automotive car wash
products, not dishwashing liquids. Polish
at least twice a year to maintain and protect the finish.
Coolant (Antifreeze)
Check level at reservoir. Never open a hot
radiator cap. If low, add 50/50 mix of
approved antifreeze and distilled water.
Change coolant annually on most vehicles.
Engine Air Filter
Inspect filter at each oil change. Replace
annually or when leaking, torn, water or
oil soaked, dirty or showing other signs of
wear.
Engine Oil and Filter
Check level with engine off at every fill
up. For maximum engine life, change oil
and filter every three months or 3,000
miles or as directed in your owner's
manual. Use specified oil grade and weight.
Exhaust
Inspect for leaks, damage and broken
supports or hangers if there is an unusual
noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous
and must be corrected without delay.
Fuel Filter
Inspect filter at each oil change. Replace
if restricted or water contaminated or
once a year on cars with carburetors. On
cars with fuel injection, replace filter
every two years or 24,000 miles.
Hoses
Inspect hoses at each oil change and
replace when leaking, brittle, cracked,
rusted, swollen or restricted.
Lights
Replace bulb immediately if light is out.
Check fuses first.
Oxygen Sensor
Replace at interval as recommended in
owner's manual or when other conditions
dictate, such as failing an emissions test.
Some cars have an oxygen sensor
replacement light that appears when
oxygen sensor replacement is needed.
1996 and newer cars have more than
one oxygen sensor.
Power Steering Fluid
Check the fluid with the car warmed up.
Add correct type of fluid if low. If
frequent topping off is required, inspect
for leaks and replace if contaminated.
Spark Plugs
Typical replacement intervals range
between 30,000 and 100,000 miles,
depending on the vehicle and type of
spark plug. Always consult your owner's
manual for your specific vehicle.
Steering and Suspension
Inspect system annually, including shock
absorbers, struts and chassis parts, such
as ball joints, tie rod ends and other
related components. Replace if leaks,
damage and loose mounting hardware
are found. Symptoms of worn suspension
include uneven tire wear and excessive
bouncing after bumps.
Tire Inflation and Condition
Check the pressure of all tires, including
the spare, at every oil change. Check the
tread for uneven or irregular wear and
cuts or bruises along the sidewalls.
Inflate tires and maintain at
recommended pressure. Replace tires if
worn or damaged.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Check fluid level monthly. Some vehicles
have two reservoirs. Do not use water.
Use washer fluid only.
Wiper Blades
Replace every six months or when
cracked, cut, torn, streaking or
chattering.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Hyundai Formula Drift: Round Six Las Vegas Motor Speedway featuring Genesis Coupe
After a third-place win in Seattle and a record-breaking run at Pikes Peak Hills Climb, Rhys Millen and the 2013 Genesis Coupe lead Team Hyundai through a series of epic battles in Las Vegas for a first-place finish.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Come in for a test drive today!
Our certified pre-owned vehicles will be sure to make both your need for speed and your wallet smile!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Hyundai introduces charismatic new coupes
The Veloster Turbo gets an engine fitting for a car with a stand-out muscular form. Performance wasn’t the focus with the original Veloster, motivated by a 138-horsepower engine, but the Turbo version gets a kick. It packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline-direct-injection four-cylinder, cranking out 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,750 rpm.
Other numbers the Veloster Turbo delivers are 125.6 horsepower per liter, 14 pounds/horsepower weight-to-power ratio and up to 26 miles per gallon city and 38 mpg highway with the six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic paddle shifting is a $1,000 option.
The turbo used is a twin-scroll unit that provides efficiency advantages in combustion and low engine speed. Sport-tuning the engine intake and exhaust note — bellowing from larger, round, twin center-exiting outlets — boosts the Veloster Turbo’s performance character. Steering also is sport-tuned, calibrated to provide quicker response. The suspension system is a carryover design, which teams with distinctive 18-inch turbine-style five-spoke alloy wheels with chrome inserts and P215/40VR-18 tires. Other exterior changes upping its performance character are an aggressive front fascia with more-prominent grille, bold fog lights, rocker sills and rear spoiler. Buyers can push the bad-boy-look envelope with a Hyundai-first Matte-Gray paint, adding $1,000 to the price tag. Inside, the Veloster Turbo’s well-bolstered seats are upholstered with leather, and “Turbo” is embossed on the seatbacks. The driver benefits from a larger, clearer Supervision Cluster that delivers information in an interactive format. Elantra Coupe gets up to 40 mpgThe Elantra Coupe, available in base GS and sportier SE versions, is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 148 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 131 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. It’s mated with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic and an Active Eco System.
Enhanced with the efficiency of Continuously Variable Valve Timing, estimated fuel economy with the manual transmission is 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. An electronic push-button start, combined with proximity key entry, is available.
In comparison with its Elantra sedan sibling, steering is tuned for a more-responsive feel. Those looking for a sportier driving experience can opt for the more-aggressive-looking SE model, base priced at $19,745, which rides on a firmer suspension, calibrated for its 17-inch alloy wheels and lower-profile P215/45R-17 tires. The GS rolls on 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped with P205/55R-16 tires.
Along with fuel efficiency and performance, Hyundai focused on providing passengers with improved cabin space and interior quietness. Cloth is the standard upholstery for the GS model and the SE gets a leather upgrade. Cargo space is expanded with fold-down 60-40-split rear seatbacks. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition is standard, and a 7-inch touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod/USB inputs is available. Hyundai’s Elantra Coupe and Veloster Turbo stack up well against competitors, offering eye-grabbing styling, efficient powerplants, an impressive list of standard features and affordable pricing.
Courtesy of Chron
"Drive a few miles to O'Hare Hyundai!" We love our customers and they love us too.
- Sean
Monday, September 17, 2012
Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Car Starter Problems
starter is one of its more important engine components. It is a small electric motor that engages the engine when the driver turns the key. Once the engine begins to run, the starter disengages. A bad starter is just one possible reason an engine won't start, but there are symptoms that can help pinpoint a problem with a starter. Clicking
-
One of the most common symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when turning the key to the "on" position. The clicking comes from under the hood and should be clearly audible since the engine won't even begin to turn over. If the engine does begin to turn over but never starts or if there are multiple clicks until the driver releases the key, the starter is actually functioning and the problem is elsewhere.
Headlights
-
Headlights that are dim before trying to start the engine indicate a bad battery and the starter might be fine. However, when the lights shine at full brightness but become very dim when the driver turns the ignition key, the starter is almost certainly the problem. In this situation, the alternator is sending electricity to the starter, reducing that available for the lights. Even with the boost, the starter is unable to start the engine.
Smoke
-
Smoke coming from under the hood can also indicate a faulty starter. This can occur when the starter motor burns out. If possible, open the hood and try to pinpoint the source. It may be possible to see smoke coming from the starter, which is in a metal cylinder mounted on the engine. Even once smoke clears, the starter may have a burnt smell.
Heat
-
A faulty starter can cause battery terminals or wires to heat up. Like the dim headlight symptom, this comes from the alternator trying to send extra electricity to the starter. Always exercise care when handling battery terminals. If they cool down after the driver releases the key, the likelihood of a starter problem increases.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
2013 Veloster Turbo Introduction with Brandon Ramirez
Hyundai's senior group manager of product planning, Brandon Ramirez takes you through all the details of the 2013 Veloster Turbo. Aggressive styling, sport tuned suspension and a 201-hp GDI engine are just a few of the features that set the twin-scroll turbo Veloster apart.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
We would like to thank our happy customer for the kind words. It was a pleasure to have helped you
Remember 9-11-01
Monday, September 10, 2012
Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Driving with Pets
84% of pet owners say they travel with their pet in automobiles
Source: American Pet Product Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2006 National Pet Owner Survey
If you're planning to take your pet with you on trips in the car, start early when the pet is young to get used to the routine. Short jaunts across town and back or easy day trips will get your pet used to the ride. A carsick pet can make the trip miserable for everyone.
A seat upholstery protector, such as a pet hammock or waterproof seat cover will make clean-ups easier in case your pet does get sick or has an accident.
Be sure to bring along cleaning supplies to avoid having to search out a place to purchase them at the last minute.
Make your pet travel experience fun and enjoyable by following these simple, common sense pet travel tips:
- Safely secure your pet while traveling. An unrestrained pet can become a deadly projectile in the event of a sudden stop or crash, causing serious injury (even death) to passengers. For example, an unsecured, 25-pound dog in a 40 mph crash becomes a 1,000-pound mass (half a ton) flying uncontrollably inside the vehicle.
- Dogs should be restrained with either a seatbelt or harness designed for pet travel. Smaller dogs can be secured in pet car seats, which allow them to also see out, while being properly restrained.
- Never attach a restraining device to the pet's collar. Always use a harness to prevent injury.
- Cats should be contained in a crate, cage or pet car seat that is secured with a seat belt. Never allow a cat to roam freely in the vehicle, as it could get tangled around the driver's feet or get in the driver's sight of the road.
- Do not allow your pet to ride with its head outside of the window. An obstacle close to the vehicle could potentially strike your pet's head, causing injury or death, or dirt particles could get into your pet's ears, nose, eyes, or throat, causing health problems.
- It's a good idea to stop every couple of hours for your pet and you to stretch and walk around. Be sure to have your pet's leash handy to have control and so your pet doesn't run away in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Have your own supply of cold water, as fresh water is not always handy or convenient when you need to stop.
- Have your pet consume small amounts of food and water, but don't allow to overeat or drink if you still have more traveling to do. Reserve your pet's main meal for the end of the day.
- Leaving a pet in a parked car is never a good idea. Temperatures in confined spaces in the summer time can heat up fast, causing heatstroke — even death — to a pet. Extremely cold temperatures in the winter can be just as threatening, so be sure not to leave a pet in the car if the temperature is near the freezing mark.
- A pet first-aid kit is an essential item to pack when venturing out and should contain things such as antiseptic cream, assorted bandages, tweezers, eye drops, gauge, tape, and the like. Phone numbers for your pet's vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435), and emergency pet hospitals in the areas where you plan to travel should be taken along.
- A travel tag on a pet's collar will help someone locate you should you and your pet become separated. The travel tag should contain information about where you are staying locally (while away from home), including addresses and phone numbers. A cell phone number is also a good idea since most people have one with them, especially when they travel.
Bus or Train
- State and local restrictions usually prohibit pets from riding on buses or trains unless they are assisting visually impaired or physically challenged persons. Always check in advance with these transportation providers to find out what regulations they may impose.
Courtesy of Pet Travel Center
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Third shift begins at Hyundai plant; automaker's sales set record for August
Hyundai Motor America sold 61,099 units in August, breaking the record the company set during the federal Cash for Clunkers program in August 2009. Sales of the Montgomery-made Elantra were up almost 3,000 units over August 2011.
“With today’s launch of the third shift at our Alabama plant where the Elantra and Sonata are built, and the launch of our all-new Santa Fe, built in Georgia, we’re feeling better about our ability to meet consumer demand for Hyundai cars and crossovers,” President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America John Krafcik said in releasing the figures.HMMA’s additional shift could be even more important to the company because Hyundai recently announced plans to halt expansions worldwide, despite problems meeting consumer demand, in order to focus on quality. In addition to the new Montgomery shift, Hyundai plans to open a 400,000-capacity plant in China. There’s also a new 150,000-capacity factory under way in Brazil and a 100,000-capacity expansion in Turkey.
“Once these are all online, that’s where we’re going to take the pause for a little while,” Hyundai Motor Co. global spokesman Frank Ahrens said while visiting the Montgomery facility earlier this summer.
Late last month, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo underlined the importance of Montgomery’s Hyundai facility when he traveled here to meet with its workers. Burns said Chung praised employees for the job they’ve done working long hours during the past two years before the new shift began ramping up.HMMA added 877 positions to support the addition of the third shift, bringing the total number of jobs created at the plant to more than 3,000. The goal is to increase 2012 production capacity by about 20,000 units, and Burns said HMMA is optimistic it can hit that target. HMMA produces most of the cars that the company sells in the United States, and America now has passed Korea to land at No. 2 in worldwide sales regions for the company. At 356,000 sales through the first half of 2012, the U.S. is “nipping on China’s heels” for first place, Ahrens said.Tuesday, September 4, 2012
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport - Expert Reviews
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Time had passed the Hyundai Santa Fe by. A once-great vehicle started settling for OK as the competition — and all of Hyundai's other models — got better. The automaker has enlivened its lineup during the past two years with fresh designs and new powertrains; now it's the Santa Fe's turn.
A major redesign pushes the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport to the front of the midsize SUV pack with a new turbocharged engine, dynamic styling and competitive pricing.
The third generation of Hyundai's midsize SUV is available for 2013 as the five-seat Santa Fe Sport (compare the 2012 and 2013 models here). A long-wheelbase version with seating for up to seven, called simply the Santa Fe, will be out early in 2013, replacing the brand's current seven-seater, the underperforming Veracruz. This review covers the Sport.
The Santa Fe is in the midsize class, which includes crossovers like the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano. But at 184.6 inches long, it's on the smaller side of the segment and is better matched in both length and interior volume against entries like the Ford Edge and Kia Sorento. Compare all three here.
New Name, Fresh Look
Hyundai added "Sport" to the Santa Fe in both name and design for 2013. It adopts a more aggressive look, barely resembling the vehicle it replaces. A new aerodynamic shape with LED-accented, sweeping, angular headlamps, upswept bodyside lines and a rear spoiler give it a leaner, more fluid look. Hyundai says the crossover shed 266 pounds this year. Additional chrome trim and an updated hexagonal grille add some much-needed spunk.
The new Santa Fe is another example of Hyundai's move toward family styling. It looks a lot like its smaller sibling, the Tucson. The risk here is a dull lineup full of clones, but the Santa Fe wears its new face well. More assertive design cues distinguish it, but its new grille and wedgy, angular shape tie it to the family.
Going & Stopping
The base engine for the 2013 Santa Fe, borrowed from the Sonata sedan, is a 190-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder, an engine more powerful than the 2012's base four-cylinder. It wasn't made available for testing. I tested a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder trim level, called the 2.0T. Borrowed from the Sonata Turbo, this 264-hp power plant replaces the old Santa Fe's upgrade engine, a V-6.
At an elevation of 8,000-plus feet, the thin, power-sapping air in Park City, Utah, is not usually an engine's friend. But unlike myself — lethargic and thirsty — the 2.0-liter turbo had no problem digesting the oxygen-deficient high-altitude air.
The 2.0-liter and six-speed automatic transmission are a good match for the Santa Fe. It's lively from a stop, and if there was any turbo lag, I missed it. The responsive six-speed promptly snapped off shifts; even during hill climbs, the Santa Fe never felt underpowered.
The front-wheel-drive turbo is EPA-rated at 21/31 mpg city/highway, and the front-wheel-drive base 2.4-liter at 22/33 mpg. With all-wheel drive, which is optional with either engine, the gas mileage drops to 20/27 mpg and 21/28 mpg for the turbo and base models, respectively.
Standard on both engines is Active Eco mode. It alters acceleration and shift points to raise fuel efficiency by as much as 7 percent above the EPA rating, Hyundai says. It's engaged via a button next to the steering wheel, and the change is noticeable but not annoying.
Ford's Edge also has an optional turbocharged four-cylinder. Called the EcoBoost, the 2.0-liter makes 240 hp and gets 21/30 mpg, a smidge under the Santa Fe's best rating.
Highway cruising is a strong point. The Santa Fe's cabin is quiet and its ride smooth. Even during a quick jaunt on a dirt road, it demonstrated a high level of composure and bump absorption. It bounded over larger potholes but stayed buttoned-down over smaller imperfections. The standard Downhill Brake Control system got a workout during a few miles of hilly, unpaved terrain. Instead of requiring the driver to stand on the brakes during a steep decline, it automatically slows the car. The sound is jarring, but the effect is helpful.
The engine's noise is well-muted at takeoff and nearly silent at highway speeds. Hyundai says it added several pounds of sound-deadening material to the cabin, and it shows. It's impressively isolated; road noise is hushed. Though wind rush around the mirrors is noticeable, it's never intrusive.
In terms of handling, body lean could be better checked around corners, but the motion is never obnoxious. Newly standard is a unique driver-selectable steering system with three modes: Normal, Sport and Comfort. Sport feels dull and heavy; Comfort feels light and twitchy. Normal struck a comfortable balance between the two. I suspect the typical midsize SUV driver won't care for anything else.
Cabin Materials and Controls
Inside, cloth seats are standard; leather is part of a $2,450 option package. Several different color and texture combinations are available, and the two I sampled looked stylish. Though plenty of plastic is evident, it's cushy in all the right places. The use of the cheap-looking hard stuff is minimal.
With the black leather palette, the interior is dressed with satin metallic-looking painted plastic trim and smoky-toned imitation wood. The two-tone gray interior wears fake carbon fiber and thatched plastic trim and surfaces. It sounds busy, but the overall look is interesting and tasteful. Large, chrome-ringed gauges lend a sporty look.
The standard cloth seats have fabric from Yes Essentials, and it is resistant to water, stains, odor and bacteria. I did a test spill of milk, and it quickly beaded up instead of absorbing into the fabric. Cleanup was easy so the risk of mysterious, lingering odors was minimized. The Yes upholstery isn't new — Chrysler uses it in a few of its vehicles — but it's new to Santa Fe, and parents will love it.
Another plus is the large touch-screen navigation system, optional on all models. The text on the 8-inch screen is large and easy to read, and its placement, high and flat on the dash, is ideal.
Functionality-wise, it could be more intuitive. For audio and navigation tasks, you use a combination of the touch-screen and panel buttons. Some functions must be done first by using the physical buttons and then completed via the touch-screen menu. For others, you can go straight to the screen. For example, the route button takes you directly to the touch-screen route menu.
Climate functions are separate and controlled through a large dial and clear buttons. Also available is a 4.3-inch touch-screen audio display with a backup camera.
People & Cargo
The Santa Fe Sport's cabin is roomy and, in models equipped with the optional panoramic moonroof, airy. Up front, head- and legroom were plentiful for my 5-foot 5-inch self and my 6-foot-2-inch passenger. There was enough wiggle room for us in the backseat, too. A little longer than the Edge, the Santa Fe offers about an inch more legroom but slightly less front headroom. The two also compare in the rear headroom and legroom departments, and both offer more room than the Sorento.
The driver and front passenger sit on bolstered seats, snug and comfy. The bottom cushions could be longer, though; taller passengers may want more thigh support.
A deep center console and large bin behind the shifter can hold a lot of small items. Cupholders are plentiful, too. There are two of them and two door-pocket bottle holders in front and two of each in back.
Backseat passengers get the benefit of a sliding and reclining bench seat — a nice perk that the Edge and Sorento don't match. The bench can slide 5.2 inches and folds in a 40/20/40 split, which affords more cargo and passenger flexibility than the traditional 60/40 split. The seats don't fold flat, and there's a gap between the seatback and the floor because of the sliding seat. The process is very easy, however; the seat folds with one hand after pulling two cargo-area handles or seat-mounted levers.
Behind the backseat is a fairly high load floor, but there are also underfloor storage areas. There are two compartments, and the larger one is divided into handy bins for keeping small items from rolling around.
The cargo volume behind the backseat is 35.4 cubic feet, much more than the Edge's 32.2, though the Sorento beats them both with 37.0 cubic feet. With the seats folded, Sorento wins again with 72.5 cubic feet, compared with the Edge's 68.9 and Santa Fe's 71.5 cubic feet.
Features & Price
In base 2.4-liter trim, the 2013 Santa Fe starts at $25,275 (all prices include destination charges). The 2.0T starts at $28,525. All-wheel drive adds $1,750 to either trim. The turbocharged Edge starts at $29,345, and four-cylinder versions of the Sorento start at $23,950. The latter also comes with a V-6 starting at $26,500.
Turbo to turbo, the Santa Fe looks like the better deal, but you must option it carefully. Many features only come bundled in pricey packages; there are few standalone options. For example, if you want the panoramic moonroof, it's available only in the $2,900 Technology Package and also requires you to first upgrade to the $2,450 Leather and Premium Equipment Package. That's an extra $5,350. Hyundai also doesn't offer a power liftgate on the Santa Fe; it's optional on the Edge.
Safety
As a new model, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport hasn't been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing.
It comes standard with a full complement of airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and side curtain airbags that cover both rows. One other notable standard safety item is Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, which is similar to GM's OnStar. Click here for a full list of safety features.
Visibility straight back is fine, but a high belt line and upswept windows partially obscure the view to the rear corners. A blind spot warning system isn't available, and a backup camera is optional.
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport in the Market
With the redesigned Sport, Hyundai has taken the Santa Fe from ho-hum to head of the class. It will be tough for shoppers in this segment to overlook the Santa Fe's newfound style and impressive powertrain. Prices are appealing, too, if you choose your packages wisely.
Hyundai is on a roll. As its products continue to improve, so do its sales, and it looks like the automaker has another hit in the making with the Santa Fe Sport.
Courtesy of Cars.com
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