Too Good To Discount? Can The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Stand On It's Own Against The Competition?

Hyundai executives must have popped champagne corks when they signed off on the * * * 2013 Santa Fe Sport crossover. Not because it's the best vehicle Hyundai's ever developed -- that honor still goes to the Sonata midsize sedan, in my book -- but because it marks the first time the Korean automaker was confident enough to price a new vehicle at par with models from long-established automakers.

Hyundai built its reputation by offering more features per dollar than you'd get in a comparable model from Chevy, Ford, Honda or Toyota.

The company's leaders knew the brand image was dodgy. They aimed to overwhelm customers' doubts by offering longer warranties and more features -- navigation systems, leather, sunroofs, you name it -- than older, more respected brands did.

 

Agent009 - 4/4/2013 2:47:58 PM

-2 Boost

Look at the competition, it is pretty much the same in the class

nguyenvuminh - 4/4/2013 4:32:21 PM

+5 Boost

Just looking at the title and its insinuation and one can tell it's 009. You've been saying Hyundai beats the competition yet here you say "it is pretty much the same in the class"? Adding more electronic and convenience features doesn't make it a better car. At some point, say a year into the ownership, it will be judged on its primary factors, i.e. its driving characteristics like handling, fuel economy, dependability, etc. and that's where the Hondas, Toyotas and even VW will show their experience, research and racing heritage. The analogy would be seeing a girl at a nightclub all made up with mascara, sexy outfit. By the next morning and without those things, you'll be saying "ugghh".

HughJass - 4/4/2013 4:57:58 PM

0 Boost

It's sized as a Highlander but priced as a RAV4. What do you think?

HughJass - 4/4/2013 5:59:55 PM

+4 Boost

Jesus, the "wife" just had the nerve to tell me she wants to take the Santa Fe for a testdrive because it looks like a good baby mover. Asked her if that was supposed to be a joke.

Unless the Korean government is going to take 5 grand off, I'm waiting for the Highlander or getting her an Accord.

HughJass - 4/5/2013 6:24:08 PM

0 Boost

Hmmm, looks like Hyundai is following in the footsteps of Japan and gearing up to separate the Genesis and Equus from Hyundai. Saves them form having to hide the name all the time I guess.

Still find it shifty that they include the discount Genesis coupe to inflate Genesis sedan sales numbers. Why not just release a Genesis compact based on the Accent to really boost Genesis sales figures?
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/hyundai-to-create-new-premium-group-for-its-luxury-nameplates/