The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Big on Style and Safety!

The 2013 Santa Fe Sport comes in two model types. By looking at the two different model options you may not be able to tell the difference. There are subtle cues in the design that you may be able to pick up on, including different grill designs, different light housing and even small bits of chrome inserts in the design. Even looking inside (other than the seating) they offer essentially the same features for their drivers. Side by side, you may not be able to tell the difference. But there is one main difference 3.9″ in the wheel base. And that whole almost 4 inches can make a world of difference.

The two model options are the Santa Fe Sport and the Long Wheel Base model of the Santa Fe. And only 4 inches outwardly different about them. However the Long Wheel Base model can seat up to 7, while the Sport model seats 5. The Long Wheel Base Model is still a prototype, and will officially unveiled at the LA Auto Show in November. Including all of the great features and options.

The 2013 Santa Fe Sport became available earlier this year and it has been making quite stir in the market. And as part of the event, we got the opportunity to drive the new Santa Fe Sport.

We were paired off, given a map and a destination and were sent on our way. I knew where our final destination was, and how to get their on my own, but followed the directions we were given. We were sent through small towns and communities I knew, and many I didn’t. Through curving roads in the rural areas, on the highway and down small town Main Street.

Why such an indirect route? Other than to give us time to drive the car, we also got to test how it did on curves. The new Sport model is 266 lbs less than previous models. Not only does that help with gas mileage, but it helps you make those tighter turns easier. The amount of curves we were going on also gave us an opportunity to test the Active Cornering Control AWD. A feature that provides optimal torque distribution and safety options with improved lateral stability on the tight turns.

The new Santa Fe features 7 airbags, including a driver’s side knee air bag. It has more airbags than any other model in its class.

Inside the Santa Fe Sport you will find several options, including options for a touch screen interface, GPS, Sirius Radio, hands free calling and volume control. It even has a quick iPod and USB connection that integrates with your system and displays your music selection.

To make sure that their drivers aren’t distracted, Hyundai has also put the controls to many of the features directly on the steering wheel. Everything the driver needs to control is within the reach of your fingers instead of having to reach across the dash to change the options.

The Sante Fe Sport seats five passengers comfortably. It has something I’ve never seen in rear seating – they are completely adjustable. Not only do they have a 40-20-40 split, meaning you drop down either side, or the center for carrying packages, luggage or construction supplies, but you can also move them around for leg room. The rear seats not only fold down for more space, but can be moved back and forth like front row seating to increase leg room.

So with all of these seats moving around you would think that the Santa Fe didn’t have a lot of storage space. However the Santa Fe has quite a bit of space for luggage and more. The Sport model comes with the privacy bar that is removable when not in use.

Not only does the Santa Fe offer a large amount of space for your luggage or groceries it features 2 under floor storage areas. One is custom made just for the privacy bar – so you can store it when not in use. The other has larger compartments to hide your valuables, while you’re away. They are large enough to hold GPS, Laptops and a lot more if you need to leave it in your vehicle while you’re away.

We were able to drive the Santa Fe for a little over an hour through various different situations and conditions. The car handled nicely and was a comfortable ride. We were able to focus on the small details and explore the car as we enjoyed our trip.

The 2013 Santa Fe Sport starts at $24,450 and is available now.

Hyundai doesn’t just make cars – they also have a large charity portion of their company. Since September is Childhood Cancer Month Hyundai has dedicated half of their national advertising to help fight the disease. By the end of the year Hyundai will have donated $57 Million to fight cancer. They have also established the Hyundai Cancer Institute at Children’s Hospital of Orange County.