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Hyundai

The Last Hurrah: Hyundai Santa Fe XL

January 28, 2019 by admin

Hyundai no longer trails the competition in all things crossovers. Just a few years ago, the Korean automaker offered the compact Tucson along with two-and three-row versions of its midsize Santa Fe.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
The 2019 Santa Fe XL is Hyundai’s roomiest crossover.

This year, the automaker will double its SUV offerings when the large Palisade crossover joins the product line. Soon, Hyundai will offer subcompact (Kona); compact (Tucson); midsize, two-row (Santa Fe); and midsize, three-row (Palisade) models.

The 2019 model year is the transition point between what was and what soon will be. The previous Santa Fe Sport was renamed the Santa Fe and redesigned. We reviewed that model here. As for the previous Santa Fe, it is still around and now sports a new name: Santa Fe XL. The XL allows Hyundai to buy some time as it readies the Palisade, its replacement model.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Overview

Hyundai, of course, doesn’t want SUV shoppers to forget about its current 7-passenger SUV and that’s why one was sent my way early in the new year. The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL comes in just two trims: SE ($31,895) and Limited Ultimate ($40,595). Prices include the $1,045 destination charge. Add $1,750 for all-wheel drive.

Other than the name change, the only other changes for 2019 involve packaging. Otherwise, this model is carried over for its final year.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

A Matter of Design

The Hyundai Santa Fe XL has one of the more wagon-like designs of any crossover available. Its silhouette suggests a tall wagon as its corners are more rounded and its profile free flowing.

Up front, the familiar trapezoidal grille dominates and is flanked by upswept headlamps with LED accent lights. A smaller, lower grille opening and side pockets for the available LED fog lamps are also present. The look is at once elegant and sporty. The XL’s profile features a high beltline, a long roofline and the usual chrome and character line embellishments. Pretty wheel choices put the accent on style here. From the rear, the XL is adorned with a liftgate spoiler, wraparound tail lamps, and diffuser-like trim with a pair of exhaust ports.

Standard features include automatic headlight control, heated side mirrors, roof rack side rails, and alloy wheels. Upgrades include a panoramic sunroof, roof rack cross rails, keyless entry, and a hands-free liftgate. The latter opens automatically as you approach the liftgate with your key fob present.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Inside, the cabin seats six or seven, depending on the model. Our test XL Ultimate model was a six-seater with middle-row captain’s chairs replacing the standard bench seat. This arrangement ensures that every seating position is quite good, although legroom is a bit limited with the third row.

The swoopy curves of the exterior are brought inside, but are more dramatic here. The dashboard has a layered look with sharp curves and a blend of soft and firm materials evident. Even the vents add drama with their wing-like shape amplifying the center stack.

The driver’s seat is firm, yet comfortable. The XL has excellent sight lines and the controls are easy to find and decipher. If you can get by with six-passenger space, the captain’s chairs are excellent, rivaling the front seats in comfort.

Standard features include cloth seats, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and climate control. Upgrades include push-button start, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather seats.

With the second- and third-row seats folded, the Santa Fe XL has 80 cubic feet of storage capacity available. That’s in line with the Ford Explorer (80.7) and GMC Acadia (79.0), but well behind the Chevrolet Traverse (98.2).

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Safety & Technology

Standard safety features include a rearview camera, hill start assist, and stability and traction control.

Features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist, are bundled within a Premium Package ($3,650) offered with the SE trim. This package also brings in front LED fog lights, dual power-controlled side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry with push-button start, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, manual rear side window sunshades, premiums door sill plates, and a third-row USB outlet.

If you want advanced driver-assist features, then the Tech Package ($2,100) available only with the Limited Ultimate model is the way to go. Here, you’ll find smart cruise control with full stop and go, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. This package also includes HID headlights, dynamic bending light technology, high beam assist, and an electronic parking brake.

Hyundai equips the Santa Fe XL with a six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, USB ports, and an auxiliary jack. You’ll also find smartphone compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 7-inch display audio system is also standard. Upgrades include an Infinity audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, and a 115-volt power outlet in the cargo area.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

On the Road

Hyundai has always divided the Santa Fe by more than just rows. For instance, the two-row variants have four-cylinder engines, while the three-row is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 good for 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most power-dense engines available in this segment. Power is routed to the wheels by means of a six-speed automatic transmission.

And the V6 gets the job done, as it offers ample step-off acceleration and passing power. There is no boosting at work, so power kicks in early and delivers consistently. The automatic transmission shifts seamlessly and never hunts for gears. We could wish for a more efficient eight-speed, but that’ll have to wait until its replacement model rolls out.

Like any crossover, this one has its share of body rolls as you navigate twisty roads or pull out of a turn. On the plus side, the XL supplies a comfortable ride and a quiet interior. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s in line with the Toyota Highlander, although 1,000 pounds under the Nissan Pathfinder.

As for off-roading, this utility vehicle is designed for light-duty work only. You can tackle the gravel trail, but you’ll want to avoid mud and rocky terrain.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Auto Trends Recommends

So, should you wait for the Palisade or jump in and purchase a Santa Fe XL? If you absolutely cannot wait, the XL delivers the goods and at a reasonable price point.

We recommend the Ultimate edition as it brings in everything this model has to offer. Opt for the Tech Package ($2,100) for advanced driver-assist safety features. With available all-wheel drive, your final cost will come in around $45,000, which is before discounting and aligns well with the competition.


2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Specifications

  • Sticker price from $31,895 (including $1,045 destination)
  • Price as tested: $44,530
  • Seats 6 or 7
  • 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine
  • 290 horsepower @ 6,400 RPM
  • 252 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,200 RPM
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 110.2 inches
  • Length: 193.1 inches
  • Width: 74.2 inches
  • Height: 66.5 inches
  • Passenger volume: 146.6 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 13.5/40.9/80.0 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds (5,000 pounds with trailer brakes)
  • EPA: 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 18.8 gallons
  • Curb weight: 4,017 to 4,178 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 7 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Montgomery, Alabama

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

See Also — First Drive: 2018 Hyundai Sonata


Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: crossover, Hyundai, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe XL, SUV, V6 engine

These Car Models May Soon Get the Axe

November 7, 2018 by admin 1 Comment

Sharply declining sales may spell the end for several car models.

The U.S. automotive market, indeed the entire global market has seen a shift away from cars to utility vehicles. Cars, while valued for their practicality and reasonable cost are yielding the market to utility vehicles, which offer an excellent combination of passenger space and cargo capacity. They’re also more profitable to automakers.

As such, manufacturers will soon lay the ax to several car models as the market shift continues. Soon, you may walk into a new car dealership and find no more than one or two car models available as utility vehicles, pickup trucks and an assortment of crossover-like conveyances take over.

Here’s our list of threatened models based on year-to-date sales figures through October 2018:

Chevrolet: Sonic and Impala

The bow-tie brand’s weakest models are its subcompact Sonic (hatchback and sedan) and its full-size Impala sedan. The two models were introduced or updated in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

Chevrolet Silverado
Like its top competitor’s Chevrolet’s best-selling vehicle is not a car.

Sonic sales are down 25.7 percent and will struggle to top 22,000 units this year. The Impala numbers aren’t as bad with Chevrolet selling 43,953 units, down 13.38 percent. We think the midsize Malibu sedan (-23.88%) will hang on for a while longer, mostly because it is rather new. The compact Cruze (-26.52%) numbers are way down too, but there is life left. Besides, it shares its platform with the plug-in Volt (-13.72%).

As for the Corvette (-21.23%) and Camaro (-25.87%), both models will soldier on with a mid-engined Corvette waiting in the wings. We can’t see Chevrolet killing the Camaro all over again, although sales now trail both the Mustang and Challenger.

Dodge and Chrysler: A Vulnerable Trio

Dodge and Chrysler are FCA’s two domestic car brands and both are hanging on. Dodge dropped the compact Dart sedan and Chrysler the midsize 200 sedans in recent years. What’s left is a trio of sporty models: The Dodge Challenger (+0.07%), Dodge Charger (-11.98%), and the Chrysler 300 (-12.83%).

Dodge Charger Hellcat
A succession of Hellcat models has kept the Charger and Challenger alive. But for how long?

The Chrysler is the most vulnerable of the three and will likely be replaced by a utility vehicle. We think Dodge will hang on to the Challenger and Charger for a few more years, making updates to keep these dated models fresh. But the tide is changing and we could see the Charger killed off first with the Challenger following a few years later. The Jeep and Ram brands are the big profit centers for FCA, thus every other brand is vulnerable.

Ford: Only the Mustang Remains

Ford has not been coy about its car models. Every single model except for the Mustang (-0.93%) is threatened. Already, the subcompact Fiesta (+1.05%) and compact Focus (-18.46%) are gone or will soon be gone from the U.S. market.

The midsize Fusion (-21.77%) and the full-size Taurus (-2.49%) will be the next to go, although one or more names may be affixed to a future crossover model. Yes, we’ve heard rumors of a four-door Mustang appearing, but all that noise is simply speculation.

2018 Ford Mustang GT
The Mustang “brand” is a blue oval success story.

Honda: Staying the Course

Sales of the compact Civic (-10.32%) and midsize Accord (-14.16%) may be down, but they’re not out. Indeed, Honda may very well sell as many as 250,000 Accords and 300,000 Civics this year. Even if sales continue to slide, both models are safe.

As for the subcompact Fit (-14.59%), sales aren’t likely to top 40,000 units this year. That said, Honda may keep the Fit around and not offer an update for some time. This automaker also seems committed to its Clarity and Insight electrified vehicles, though sales remain modest.

Nissan: Maxima on a Short Leash

Like Honda and Toyota, Nissan will keep its compact Sentra (-0.34%) and midsize Altima (-16.64%) sedans. The Altima is new for 2019 and will offer available all-wheel drive for the first time. Although the Sentra was last updated in 2013, we think a new model will eventually roll out.

Nissan Maxima models
The Maxima is one of Nissan’s strongest names, but it may not have long-term staying power.

What might not survive is the Maxima sedan (-36.18%), although it shares its underpinnings with the Altima. Like other flagship models, the Maxima may no longer have a place in the Nissan product line.

Also threatened is the subcompact Versa (-29.87%), the sporty 370Z (-24.44%) and the high-performance GT-R (-2.49%). The last two will likely sell just 3,000 and 500 copies, respectively. Those aren’t sustainable numbers no matter how you slice it.

Toyota: Several Models Might Get 86’d

Imagine Toyota without the compact Corolla (-11.35%) and its midsize Camry (-6.94%) if you would. That’s hard to fathom, right? Well, both models sell slightly better than their Honda counterparts, so they’ll be around for some time. Indeed, a new Camry arrived in 2018, followed by an all-new Corolla hatchback in 2019 (we’re expecting a new Corolla sedan in 2020).

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Toyota’s Corolla is hanging around and includes this sporty hatchback model.

The threatened Toyota models include the subcompact Yaris (-37.05%) and the hybrid Toyota Prius c. We doubt the Toyota 86 (-41.71%) will survive for much longer, although the nearly identical Subaru BRZ may soldier on. As for the full-size Avalon (+6.38%), it is also all new and gaining market share in a shrinking segment. We consider the Avalon the safest model in its segment by far.

Volkswagen: A Passe Passat?

Volkswagen has been undergoing intense changes these past few years following its diesel scandal. New or updated crossovers are taking a bigger slice of the sales pie and are driving sales. But models such as the subcompact Golf (-38.08%), compact Jetta (-32.77%), and the midsize Passat (-33.78%) are falling out of favor.

We think the Golf and Jetta will hang on, but the Tennessee-built Passat may give up its assembly line space to one or more new (and electrified) models planned. That transition may take a few years to complete, however.

Hyundai and Kia: Opportunity Lurks

Hyundai and Kia are joined at the hip, although the two Korean automakers largely operate as separate concerns. Hyundai supplies the vehicle platforms, then leaves each brand (plus Genesis) to decide how they will go.

In recent years, we’ve seen Hyundai do away with the Equus, Genesis, and Genesis coupe, along with the Azera sedan. Some of those models were replaced by Genesis brand vehicles when Hyundai rolled out its luxury brand.

Hyundai has also expanded its crossover offerings while bringing the electrified Ioniq (+37.69) to the market. We’re not sure the subcompact Accent (-51.12%) will survive, given that a new model rolled out in 2018. The compact Elantra (+4.06%) is performing well, but the midsize Sonata (-24.83%) has certainly seen better days. The sporty Veloster returned after a one-year hiatus and like the Elantra, it seems safe. Still, we think Hyundai will keep its car line in place as other automakers cut back.

2018 Kia Rio
Kia Rio sales are down despite a new model on hand.

As for the Kia, nearly the same can be said about it as we have said about Hyundai. Further, Kia continues to update even its slow sellers, such as the full-size Cadenza (-11.07%) and the luxury K900 (-26.14%).

A new subcompact Rio (+44.67) is performing well, although the compact Forte (-18.68%) and the midsize Optima (-5.74%) are not. Still, looking at Kia’s track record, we doubt any model will go away in the near future. In all, we think Hyundai and Kia may see opportunity in segments soon to be vacated by its competitors.

Looking Ahead

The shift to crossovers is, indeed, playing a large part in driving each brand’s portfolio. Two other factors, electrification, and autonomous vehicles, will play increasingly significant roles as we move forward.

The question not asked is this one: will manufacturers permanently adjust their portfolios? They may say yes, but market conditions can and do always change.

Witness Ford’s insistence a few years back that the Ranger pickup truck wouldn’t return. Beginning in 2019 we’ll see a new Ranger. And as for the Fiesta and Focus, both models will serve other markets and could at some point return to the U.S. if demand warrants it.

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: Chevrolet, CHEVROLET IMPALA, CHEVROLET SONIC, CHRYSLER, CHRYSLER 300, DODGE, DODGE CHALLENGER, Dodge Charger, Ford, FORD FIESTA, FORD FOCUS, Ford Fusion, HONDA, Hyundai, Hyundai Azera, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia, Kia Rio, NISSAN, Nissan Maxima, Toyota, TOYOTA AVALON, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Passat

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