Santa Fe XL Limited: stretched for success
The recently redesigned Santa Fe is selling about as well as the previous-generation did at end of its product cycle. However, the reasons for buying one have changed.
The second-generation model was introduced for the 2007 model year, but it took a couple of years before sales took off. Actually, that’s when the Korean manufacturer started to slap on heavy rebates and 0% financing, and customers seeking a good deal responded.
The third-gen 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, however, is alluring buyers for its sophisticated good looks, muchimproved interior finish and all-around versatility. The company’s decision to replace the sevenpassenger Veracruz with what is basically a stretched version of the Santa Fe – ok, it’s a little more than that – can be considered a strategically logical one.
Sport vs. XL
First, let’s clear things up: the fivepassenger version is called the Santa Fe Sport, while the seven-seat edition is the Santa Fe XL. They basically share the same front end, with their prominent inyour-face grilles and squashed headlights. However, you can tell them apart by looking at the different grille slats and fog lamp designs.
At the rear, the Sport’s window line rises upwards at its rear doors, while the XL gets a less dynamic profile, and their taillights are shaped differently, too. In addition, the Sport boasts a single exhaust with dual tips, while the XL flaunts a dual exhaust setup.
As for cargo space, the XL can accommodate up to 2,265 litres of volume (12% more than the Sport model), which is about the same as in the 2013 Ford Explorer and the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, yet less than in the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse.
Two extra pistons
While the Sport model features four-cylinder engines (naturally aspirated and turbocharged), the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL gets a direct-injected 3.3L V6 that develops 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque as well as a six-speed automatic. The XL accelerates effortlessly and the engine is quiet at highway speeds.
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL also includes tons of features, even in the base model. However, our Limited trim benefits from luxury items such as HID headlights and LED taillights, a sound system upgrade, navigation with an 8-inch touchscreen, an intelligent key, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated wheel, a power tailgate, side window sunshade blinds, rear-seat climate control, a huge panoramic sunroof as well as leather upholstery.
Our tester also featured the Saddle Leather option. However, the colour of the seat upholstery looked more like orange – maybe terra cotta – than brown. Cowboys don’t put orange saddles on horses.
Priced to sell
Then again, at $43,199 before freight and delivery charges, this loaded XL Limited offers a lot. Actually, it undercuts a comparably-equipped Ford Explorer Limited and a Chevrolet Traverse LTZ, but it’s a little more costly than the bargain Nissan Pathfinder SL.
With rugged looks, plenty of room for road trips with the kids, reasonable fuel economy and packed with features, the Santa Fe XL is quite a deal, and we’re a lot more pleased with this Hyundai three-row crossover than the last one. And we’re not alone; a greater number of people are visiting Santa Fe than Veracruz. Hyundai’s plan to create a spinoff of their successful utility vehicle is working.