2017 Hyundai Santa Fe XL – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

Fresh Looks with An Attitude

Welcome to an era where cars are expected to “do it all”. From fuel efficiency, to performance, and styling to convenience; it was really the cross-over SUV platform that transformed such ideal concept into pure reality. With that said, Hyundai certainly caught on early in development with its Santa Fe. And with the help of former Audi Designer, Peter Schyler sitting on the throne of the Korean automaker powerhouse, there’s certainly good things to be expected.

The standard 5-passenger sports hatchback extends its passenger capacity to 7 with the Santa Fe XL while offering equal entertainment amenities and safety features with the exception of a larger 3.3L V6 engine producing 290 horsepower. For the 5-passenger model, choice of engines are a 2.4L V4 engine producing 185 horsepower, or a 2.0L Turbo, boosting its power ratings up to 240 hp. Both models are available in AWD for harsh climate proofing, or standard FWD system.

New features in the latest and greatest 2017 model gets a refreshed front fascia design with enhanced “brush style” front grille design, new headlight more sophisticated wheel patterns and added interior amenities including an available enlarged 8″ infotainment system, QuantumLogic® Surround and Clari-Fi™ Music Restoration Technology, and Android Auto software support. Powertrain upgrades also get a configurable drive model selector in either Eco, Normal or Sport mode.

An Interior Worth Being Satisfied

Although Hyundai is not marketed in the luxury realm, the panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front passenger seats, dual climate control system and the available 12-speaker Infinity Sound System might convince you otherwise. Interior styling and quality is not bad either. It’s clean, modern; but most of all, functional as well. Thanks to its well-laid out center console, and its standard 7″ infotainment system (available in the Santa Fe Sport model), the cabin space feels plenty spacious in both the front and second row passenger seating area as well. Seating in both front and second row passengers are comfortable with no shortage of legroom in the front, and a decent amount in the second row. Third row passengers will survive, but common to any other 7-passenger cross-over platforms, legroom and padding is diminished. Still, rear passenger climate control and available 800mm of legroom in the third row seats still provide ample room for the regular day to day drives.

Subtle Ride with a Fiesty Attitude

Strapping on our tester is a 3.3L V6 GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) producing a conservative 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. That is the only engine configuration available, and it’s relieving to say that it’s a good one primarily being that it’s smooth and quiet under relaxed driving conditions, but still capable of delivering an aggressive sprint on demand. Its smooth power and torque delivery is provided by a 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual shift mode. Fuel efficiency is not bad either with the FWD model scoring an EPA rating of 9.4 l/100km on the highway while its AWD gets 10.8 L/100km on the highway and 13.9 L/100km in the city. That; however, puts the fuel consumption performance under par with the competing Mazda CX-9 which gets 11.2 l/100km on the highway. Still, the Santa Fe XL fuel economy scores better in the city 0.4 l/100km less than the Mazda CX-9.

Our Santa Fe XL Luxury AWD (7-passenger) model comes priced in at $42,199 with all said and done. Opting in on the Luxury model gets you the enlarged 8″ infotainment screen, leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a smart-power automatic lift gate. With that said, that gives you a pretty good bang for the buck considering the majority of safety features including blind spot monitoring, lane de-parture and rear-view camera system is included. The higher Limited edition receives enhanced cosmetic treatment including larger 19″ wheels, a 12-speaker Infinity premium sound system, HID headlights and LED tail lights. Finally, the higher Ultimate edition gets the latest tech bells and whistles with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, autonomous emergency braking system, multi-view camera system, and lane departure warning system.

The Santa Fe XL provides a good balance of form and functionality. It’s smooth, quiet and powerful enough to meet engaging driving demands. Couple that with slick exterior looks, comforting cabin space and a price that won’t break the bank, there’s much to like about what the Hyundai Santa Fe XL has to offer. Though it certainly is not the only lone-wolf in the pack. The Mazda CX-9 proves itself as a strong contender in both price point, quality and performance. Same goes for the more eye-catching Kia Sorento, and throw in the Honda Pilot, and even the Toyota Highlander into the mix. With that said, there is stiff competition among the bunch, but strictly speaking, the Hyundai Santa Fe XL is a sharp shooter with no hidden surprises. You get what you see, and if what you see is what you want, then the Hyudai Santa Fe will certainly be a good score for its price point.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
• Model : Santa Fe XL Luxury AWD
• Vehicle Type : Cross-over SUV
• Seating Capacity : 2+3+ 2
• Engine : 3.3L V6 GDI
• Horsepower: 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque
• Transmission :  6 speed automatic
• Price as tested: $42,199

Pros

• Quiet and smooth engine performance at low RPMS.  But Capable of power on demand
• Stylish exterior and quality interior
• Practical and roomy cabin space
• Standard features on Luxury model at a medium price point is generous

Cons

• Limited leg room and cushioning in 3rd row seat