Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai’s second entry into Mudfest was the less-sporty Santa Fe, which seats up to seven depending on the configuration. The exterior styling of the Santa Fe is identical to the shorter Sport version, except for a differently-shaped rear that makes room for a third row of seats. Infotainment technology includes the same eight-inch touchscreen-based navigation system though, so we won't rehash it again.
Aside from its additional seating, the Santa Fe swaps the Sport’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for a more conventional 3.3-liter V6 derived from the Hyundai Lambda architecture (the same one that birthed the 3.8-liter motor in 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track: Telematics And Infotainment). The greater displacement gives the Santa Fe more power to move the vehicle's additional heft. A six-speed transmission mates with the V6 and drives all four wheels using the same Magna Dynamax AWD system as the Sport. The 4-high lock mode is available on the Santa Fe as well.
The Santa Fe's AWD system performs competently on pavement and dirt. We engaged 4-high lock mode on the dirt course and experienced no understeer at all. A weight difference is certainly noticeable after driving the Sport, but Hyundai's vanilla Santa Fe still rides comfortably.
I did spend some time in the Santa Fe's third row, since it was used as a shuttle for journalists between DirtFish and the hotel. Really, it's probably better-sized for kids. But it works for adults in a pinch, too.
| Vehicle Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe |
| Trim level | Limited AWD |
| Engine | 3.3 L GDI V6 |
| Transmission | Six-speed Automatic w/ Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | Active On-Demand AWD w/ AWD Lock |
| Infotainment | Navigation System w/ Eight-inch Touchscreen |
| Notable features | Driver-selectable steering modes (DSSM)Downhill brake controlHill-start assist controlRear-view camera |
| Fuel economy | 18 city, 24 highway, 20 combined MPG |
| MSRP | $38,730 |