2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe had its reveal at the New York Auto Show in April 2012, and it's a complete redesign. Instead of offering one model with various configurations, Hyundai will offer the Santa Fe in two versions: a long-wheelbase, three-row version that replaces the discontinued seven-seat Hyundai Veracruz, and a shorter-wheelbase, two-row, five-passenger standard version. 

All models have new drivetrain options. The smaller Santa Fe will come with Hyundai's direct-injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 181 pounds-feet of torque. A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is also available, and will crank out 264 horsepower and 269 pounds-feet of torque. The three-row Santa Fe model will come standard with a direct-injected 3.3-liter V6 (shared with the new Hyundai Azera family sedan) that makes 290 horsepower.

Fuel economy is improved across the range. Hyundai estimates that the base 2.4-liter will deliver 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine will deliver an excellent estimated 22 mpg city and 31 mpg city. The 3.3-liter V6 in the longer wheelbase version is expected to deliver a good 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.

Finally, exterior styling is more distinctive and modern than in the previous generation, while the interior carries forward the well-received quality and design of other recent Hyundais.

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is launching now, and we'll update this report once full reviews become available. (Only short first-drive feedback from a staged Hyundai launch event is available at this time.)