2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Crossover Spotted Undergoing Final Testing in the Desert

We recently caught this long-wheelbase, seven-passenger 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe crossover testing in the Mojave Desert. While Hyundai has already released info and images of the three-row crossover, this one had camouflage all over the rear end, suggesting the automaker is still tweaking the Santa Fe before it rolls into showrooms in January 2013.

Though the five-passenger 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport may have gone on sale in August, we wonder what Hyundai could be testing on this seven-passenger 2013 Santa Fe. Pricing has yet to be released on the seven-passenger Santa Fe, but we do know the crossover will be powered by a 3.3-liter V-6 making 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic, the Santa Fe is estimated by Hyundai to be EPA-rated at 19/26 mpg city/highway.

When we asked why the back was camouflaged, the testers simply said, “They told us to do it.” It’s possible, but unlikely, that Hyundai decided to tweak the rear styling of the crossover this close to its on sale date. Could Hyundai be testing a 2013 Santa Fe with the 264-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 available in the Santa Fe Sport? Whatever the case may be, Hyundai appears to be putting some finishing touches on the three-row Santa Fe.

Read our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport First Test right here.