Hyundai replaced its long-running Santa Fe SUV model with two new models for the 2013 model year. The "Santa Fe Sport" matches the proportions of the outgoing model and offers two rows of seating for five passengers. The longer wheelbase model "Santa Fe" adds about four inches of wheelbase and 8.5 inches of overall length to accommodate three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. With three rows of seats the Santa Fe is larger than the Kia Sorento and roughly the same size as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. The Santa Fe has more legroom than these models sacrificing a little bit of cargo volume. The standard 3.3l V6 engine has more power than these models but also has a higher fuel economy rating of 19/26 for the front-wheel-drive model. The Santa Fe is offered in two trim levels: GLS and Limited. The Limited model includes all features as standard equipment but only seats six replacing the second row bench seat with two captain's chairs.

The 2015 has a revised suspension and steering. Minor equipment package name changes.