When the Hyundai Santa Fe crossover is redesigned in 2010, it will be offered with a four-cylinder engine for the first time, the automaker announced on Monday. The decision was made on account of high gas prices and will give buyers a more fuel-efficient option when considering the Santa Fe for purchase. All Santa Fes will also get a six-speed automatic transmission as an option to help raise mpg numbers, replacing the current 5-speed auto.
The Sante Fe is currently only available with either a 2.7- or 3.3-liter V6, but the new crossover will add Hyundai’s 2.4-liter inline four to the options list, according to Automotive News reports. Rated at 175 horsepower, the second-generation Theta engine was introduced in the 2009 Sonata sedan.
At the same time, John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America’s vice president of product planning, said the next-generation Tucson SUV will drop its 2.7-liter V6 option when it bows in 2010 or 2011. The Automotive News report suggest a turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder could take its place, and we’re betting it’d be a version of the same engine slated for the Genesis coupe.
Hyundai is otherwise focusing on increasing fuel economy of its line-up. The Accent subcompact, for example, receives a tuned version of its 1.6-liter engine to deliver a 2mpg increase in fuel economy.
“We are focusing on fuel-efficient cars,” Krafcik said. “We have a much greater capacity now for 1.6- to 2.0-liter engines.”
All of Hyundai’s four-cylinder engine are imported from Korea until a new plant in Alabama comes online later this month, which will produce the 2.4-liter Theta engine.
07/07, 12:12 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Almost 4,000 lbs vehicle hooked to a 4 cylinder sounds promising. Hyundai need to put on diet first to loose at least 10% of its heft.
07/07, 12:35 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
It’ll do just fine with the 4-banger. The 2.7 six is anemic and very very thirsty anyways. There’s like a 10hp difference between the two… and probably 5MPG. More gear ratios and a better overdrive in that 6-speed tranny will keep the 4-cyl in its power band better and return good mileage on the highway. A win-win for Hyundai.
07/07, 12:48 PM
posted by:
Carwatcher
The are probobly going to turbocharge it…..I hope.
07/07, 12:56 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Possible… but doubtful. Turboing would require a significant investment… testing… etc. Just so it doesn’t overheat and blow-up like the Audi’s did. Plus I don’t think they want to jack their price up any higher than it already is.
07/07, 1:06 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I can buy a Jeep Patriot that weighs about 600lbs less with the same motor for thousands less. And it’s offered with a 5 spd manual. So have a ball in your Fyundai flatlanders. Let me know when you’re finished climbing that steep uphill stretch at 5,000 feet how many cogs the tranny went through before you wheezed past the Winnebago.
07/07, 1:25 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Johnny… that Jeep Patriot won’t be around much longer. It’s yesterday’s news… just like the Compass. Beside you know as well as I do that 99% of these vehicles will never have more than two wheels off of pavement in their entire lifespan. They are just oversized city-cars. You don’t need a huge engine when you are stuck in crawling traffic going 35-45 from stoplight to stoplight every day. It’s not 5000 feet to the nearest grocery store… little lone any change in altitude.
07/07, 11:45 PM
posted by:
02WRXPSM
I’ve got zero complaints about the 4-cylinder turbo in our RDX. It has extremely quick spool and amazing torque for a little 2.4-liter motor. Honda needs to make more turbos, they are good at it.
Anyone who buys a Hyundai crossover or SUV (their lineup is surprisingly heavy in this area) deserves what they get — look at the crash test ratings and MPG. I think they stepped into that market before they were ready.
07/08, 9:19 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
the crash test ratings are fine, whats your point? not to mention all hyundai & kia models come with a ****load of airbags…