2013 Hyundai Santa Fe: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is an all-new third-generation model, and its biggest change is the split into a five-seat Santa Fe Sport and a longer three-row Santa Fe. This is a major redesign, not a mild update.
About the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
3rd generation, first year; 2013 launches both the five-seat Santa Fe Sport and the longer three-row Santa Fe under the same family.
Hyundai positions the Santa Fe family as a stylish family crossover that gives buyers SUV usefulness without the heavy, trucklike feel of older utility vehicles. The five-seat Sport targets everyday family duty with strong cargo flexibility and efficient four-cylinder power, while the longer Santa Fe aims at buyers who need third-row seating and stronger V6 towing ability. Across both, the core draw is roomy packaging, easy driving manners, and a feature-rich cabin for the class.
The Santa Fe Sport is the more maneuverable five-seat model, with either a 190-hp 2.4-liter engine or a stronger 264-hp turbo engine in the 2.0T. The longer Santa Fe focuses on family seating: the GLS seats seven, while the Limited seats six with second-row captain’s chairs. Limited highlights include heated leather seats, a power liftgate, and a touchscreen display for the rearview camera.
What changed, by category
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shftrnc | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shftrnc | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | 2WD | 2WD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 27 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 264 hp | 190 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 252 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 3500 lb | 2000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 80 cu-ft | 71.5 cu-ft | 71.5 cu-ft | 80 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.5 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 31.5 in |
| Seats | 7 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe redesigned?
Yes. The 2013 Santa Fe launched the third generation with a new body, chassis, styling, engines, and cabin layouts. It also split into a five-seat Santa Fe Sport and a longer three-row Santa Fe.
What is the difference between the 2013 Santa Fe Sport and the three-row Santa Fe?
The Santa Fe Sport is the shorter five-seat version, while the regular Santa Fe has a longer body and a third row. The three-row GLS seats seven, and the Limited seats six with second-row captain’s chairs.
What engines are in the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The five-seat Santa Fe Sport has either a 190-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 264-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The longer three-row Santa Fe has a 290-hp 3.3-liter V6. All use direct injection and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Which trims changed for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2.0T joined the lineup for 2013, and the former SE trim name changed to Base. The redesigned family also placed the GLS and Limited names on the longer three-row Santa Fe.
How much can the 2013 three-row Santa Fe tow?
The V6-powered three-row Santa Fe can tow up to 5,000 pounds with its towing-preparation equipment. That is a substantial increase from the prior Santa Fe GLS and Limited.