The 2012 New York Auto Show today played host to two new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe crossover models – a two-row, five-seater Santa Fe Sport, and a three-row, seven-seater Santa Fe. Both the Santa Fe model showcases Hyundai’s now famous “fluidic sculpture” design principle, and boasts of impressive fuel economy numbers, while setting sky-high expectations with regard to comfort and functionality. We expect the 2013 Santa Fe Sport to hit Hyundai dealerships later this summer, while the larger Santa Fe is expected to make it to showrooms by January 2013.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport comes with two engine options – a Theta II 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine that can generate up to 190 hp, with a highway fuel economy of 33 mpg, and a higher-output Theta II 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine that generates up to 264 hp, with a highway fuel economy rating of 31 mpg. Meanwhile, the long wheelbase Hyundai Santa Fe comes equipped with a Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine that can generate up to 290 hp. All the engine options come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control.

The Santa Fe Sport rides on 17-inch wheels, while the larger Santa Fe will come with 18- or 19-inch wheel options. Drivers will be greeted to three different operating modes – Comfort (city and parking environments), Normal (for a mix of driving conditions) and Sport (higher-speed freeways and winding roads). Both models come with optional eight-inch multifunctional touch screen display with an upgradable navigation system and voice recognition. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Blue Link telematics will come as standard (one year complementary trial) – which offers three different packages – Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.