COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 28, 2013 – Two new Hyundai models, the stylish 2013 Elantra GT and 2013 Santa Fe Sport, have been named best cars in their category by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine. The 2013 Elantra GT won Best New Car Under $20,000, besting stalwart competitors such as the Dodge Dart and Nissan Sentra. The Santa Fe Sport received the honor of Best New Crossover in the Midsize and Large Crossovers category, outclassing premium competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz GL, Infiniti JX, and Land Rover Range Rover.
The magazine named “Best Cars” winners in six different price categories. This isn’t the first time the Hyundai Elantra has been recognized by Kiplinger’s. In 2011, the newly-redesigned Elantra sedan received the “Best New Car” accolade in the same price category.
“The stylish five-door Elantra GT is no econobox,” said Jessica Anderson, associate editor, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine. “Standard features include heated front seats, cooled glove box, seven airbags and an extra outlet for plugging in gear, and the peppy 1.8-liter engine gets 37 mpg on the highway. The Santa Fe Sport comes similarly equipped with a host of standard features like reclining rear seats to keep the second row happy, and a driver’s knee airbag. The turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injected engine suits the car’s sporty nature, and with the help of a six-speed transmission, the Santa Fe Sport gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg on the highway.”
Cars in each category were judged on a multitude of criteria, including critical factors of performance, value, and safety. Overall value scores were calculated based on forecasted resale value, fuel efficiency, front and rear legroom, headroom, and cargo space.
“The whole concept behind both the Elantra GT and Santa Fe Sport is exceptional value without sacrifice in comforts, standard equipment or technology,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We’re very proud of both these vehicles; they deliver the driving dynamics, efficiency, and premium quality feel, without the premium price tag. Receiving these awards reinforces Hyundai’s commitment to its customers’ satisfaction and value.”