Hyundai Santa Fe vs Santa Fe XL: In-Depth Comparison Guide

Hyundai Santa Fe XL vs. Hyundai Santa Fe - CarsDirect

When it comes to choosing between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL, there are several factors to consider. Comparing the design, performance, pricing options, safety features and technology offerings of both models in-depth will help car enthusiasts and SUV drivers alike make an informed decision when deciding on either a Hyundai Santa Fe or Santa Fe XL.

Car aficionados and SUV drivers are continuously searching for the ideal ride to suit their needs, making it essential to understand how these two popular Hyundai models differ. This guide will provide you with all the information required to make an informed decision when choosing between a Hyundai Santa Fe or Santa Fe XL, by examining their exterior designs and interior features, as well as performance capabilities and handling characteristics.

In this blog post about HYUNDAI SANTA FE VS SANTA FE XL comparisons we will explore key aspects such as exterior designs and interior features that set them apart from each other. Additionally, we’ll delve into their respective performance capabilities and handling characteristics which contribute significantly towards your driving experience.

Table of Contents:

Size and Seating Capacity

The most significant difference between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL is their size. Both SUVs cater to different preferences and needs of potential buyers, with the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XL offering a total of 147 cubic feet of passenger space, accommodating seven people across three rows, while the new Hyundai Santa Fe provides seating capacity for only five passengers.

Passenger Space in Both Models

  • Santa Fe: The regular-sized version offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers within its two-row layout. This model is suitable for smaller households or those who don’t necessitate more seating often.
  • Santa Fe XL: With its larger dimensions, this model can accommodate up to seven passengers across three rows of seats. It’s perfect for bigger families or those who often need extra room during road trips or family outings.

Three-Row Seating in the Santa Fe XL

In addition to providing more overall passenger space compared to its smaller counterpart, one key advantage that sets apart the Hyundai Santa Fe XL from other midsize crossovers is its standard third row. This feature allows drivers to transport up to seven occupants comfortably – making it an excellent option if you frequently have multiple passengers riding along with you.
If your lifestyle demands additional seating capacity without sacrificing comfort and style, then test-driving a 2023 Hyundai Santa

When looking at seating capacity, it is important to take into account your individual requirements in order to determine which Santa Fe or Santa Fe XL model best suits you. When assessing the cargo capacity, it is essential to think about various elements before settling on a choice.

Cargo Space Comparison

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL offer ample storage options for drivers, making them practical choices for families or individuals who need extra room for their belongings. Nevertheless, there are some disparities in storage capacity between the two Hyundai SUVs that may affect your choice.

Storage Options in Each Model

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a generous 35.9 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seating, which can be extended to 71.3 cubic feet when those chairs are folded down – sufficient for daily tasks such as grocery shopping or carrying sports equipment. This is more than enough room for most daily needs such as grocery shopping or transporting sports equipment.

In comparison, the larger Santa Fe XL offers even more room with its three-row seating configuration. Behind the third row, you’ll find 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space – perfect for storing smaller items like luggage or groceries without compromising passenger comfort. When both rear rows are folded down flat, this expands to an impressive maximum cargo volume of 80 cubic feet – ideal if you frequently need extra storage during road trips or family outings.

Maximum Cargo Volume Differences

  • Hyundai Santa Fe: With all rear seats folded down – 71.3 cu ft
  • Santa Fe XL: With both second and third-row seats folded down – 80 cu ft

If having additional cargo capacity is crucial to your lifestyle needs, then it’s worth considering the Hyundai Santa Fe XL over its smaller counterpart. However, it’s essential to weigh this advantage against other factors such as price and fuel economy when making your final decision.

For a deeper analysis of the cargo room supplied by these two sport utility vehicles, it is recommended to either look into Hyundai’s website or chat with knowledgeable salespeople at your local Hyundai store.

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a spacious cargo area, but the XL model has an even larger maximum volume. Both versions of the Santa Fe have been equipped with new motors and an 8-speed auto gearbox, offering increased power without compromising on fuel economy.

Key Takeaway: The Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL both offer ample storage options, but the larger Santa Fe XL provides more room with its three-row seating configuration. The maximum cargo volume of the Santa Fe XL is 80 cubic feet when both rear rows are folded down flat, making it an ideal choice for those who frequently need extra storage during road trips or family outings.

Engine Performance and Fuel Economy

The engine performance and fuel economy are crucial factors to consider when comparing the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL. While both SUVs offer powerful engines, there have been some notable updates in the regular-sized Hyundai Santa Fe that contribute to better fuel efficiency.

Updated Engines in the Regular-Sized Version

In its latest iteration, the Hyundai Santa Fe comes with two updated engine options. The Santa Fe’s base model is equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-four engine generating 185 horsepower, while an available turbocharged 2.0-liter option provides 235 hp for increased performance and fuel economy over prior models. The updated engines not only bring more power but also increase fuel efficiency compared to past models.

Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission Benefits

Beyond just updating their engines, Hyundai has also introduced a new eight-speed automatic transmission for the regular-sized Santa Fe lineup. This advanced transmission system allows for smoother gear shifts and improved acceleration response while driving on various terrains or under different load conditions. Additionally, this new transmission contributes significantly towards enhancing overall fuel economy by optimizing gear ratios for efficient power delivery during city or highway drives.

To put it into perspective, according to EPA estimates, front-wheel-drive versions of the standard Hyundai Santa Fe equipped with a 2.4-liter engine achieve up to 22 mpg city /29 mpg highway /25 mpg combined (source). In comparison, front-wheel-drive variants of the larger Santa Fe XL equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine deliver up to 18 mpg city /25 mpg highway /21 mpg combined (source). This demonstrates the clear advantage in fuel efficiency offered by the new Hyundai Santa Fe over its larger counterpart.

In conclusion, for drivers who prioritize better fuel economy without compromising on power and performance, the updated engines and eight-speed automatic transmission in the regular-sized Hyundai Santa Fe make it an attractive option compared to the Santa Fe XL.

The Hyundai Santa Fe’s revamped powertrains offer great efficiency and capability, making it an ideal pick for those who need a dependable ride. Moving on to safety technologies offered, let us compare the standard safety features between both models of the Santa Fe.

Key Takeaway: The Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL offer powerful engines, but the regular-sized version has updated engines that contribute to better fuel efficiency. The new eight-speed automatic transmission in the standard Santa Fe lineup allows for smoother gear shifts and improved acceleration response while driving on various terrains or under different load conditions, resulting in a clear advantage in fuel efficiency over its larger counterpart.

Safety Technologies Offered

When it comes to safety, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL have a lot to offer. Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL provide advanced safety features to protect passengers and aid drivers in avoiding potential accidents. In this section, we will discuss the standard safety technologies offered by both models as well as any optional upgrades that may be available.

Standard Safety Features Comparison

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL share many of their standard safety features, ensuring that no matter which model you choose, you’ll be driving a vehicle built with your protection in mind. Some of these shared technologies include:

  • Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

All trims levels of the regular-sized Hyundai Santa Fe come standard with these features; however, they may not necessarily be included within base packages for the larger Santa Fe XL.

Optional Safety Upgrades Availability

In addition to their impressive list of standard safety technologies, both SUVs also offer optional upgrades for those looking to enhance their vehicle’s protective capabilities even further. For example,

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Santa Fe XL offer a variety of safety technologies that make driving safer for all passengers. With price points and affordability being another important factor when considering these vehicles, let’s take a look at how they compare in terms of base model pricing as well as customization options available in each model.

Price Points and Affordability

The price gap between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL can be attributed mainly to their overall dimensions, including increased seating capacity. The Hyundai Santa Fe provides a cost-effective and configurable option when compared to the XL, making it an alluring selection for car lovers and SUV owners who desire a well-equipped ride without busting their bank account.

Base Model Price Comparison

The Hyundai Santa Fe starts at a significantly lower price point of $26,000 compared to the Santa Fe XL’s beginning cost of $31,000. This significant difference in cost makes it essential for potential buyers to consider which features they prioritize when choosing between these two models.

Customization Options in Each Model

  • Santa Fe: Available in various trims such as SE, SEL Plus or Limited editions with optional packages like Convenience Package or Premium Package that allow customers to add features according to their preferences.
  • Santa Fe XL: Offered primarily in SE or Limited Ultimate trims with fewer customization options available due to its already extensive list of standard equipment. However, some upgrades can still be made through additional package selections if desired by buyers.

In addition to differences in pricing and customization options between both models’ base versions; higher trim levels also showcase disparities regarding costs associated respective feature sets offered within each variant – something worth considering before finalizing any purchase decision based on individual requirements/preferences.

Ideal Choice Based on Lifestyle Needs

Both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL cater to different preferences and needs of potential buyers. The regular-sized version provides better fuel economy, lower price point with added customization options while still maintaining ample cargo space – making it an ideal pick for those seeking affordability combined with practicality within the midsize crossover segment market today.

Choosing based on family size

For those with a larger family or frequenting long-distance trips, the Hyundai Santa Fe XL’s three-row seating offers an ideal solution for practicality and affordability. With its ability to comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers, this SUV ensures that everyone has enough room during long-distance journeys or vacation trips alike.

Balancing affordability with practicality

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a more affordable option compared to its larger counterpart without sacrificing essential features and performance capabilities. This makes it an attractive choice for car enthusiasts and SUV drivers who are looking for a well-equipped vehicle without breaking their budget. In addition, its improved fuel efficiency can help you save in the long run as well.

To help you make an informed decision about which model best suits your individual preferences and budget constraints, consider test-driving both 2023 models available at Rosen Hyundai dealership near Orlando FL area residents eager to explore all possibilities offered by these two distinct yet equally impressive line-ups under the same brand umbrella. Visit our website newsuv.org today to learn more about new SUVs and prices.

Frequently Asked Questions Hyundai Santa Fe vs Santa Fe Xl

What is different about a Santa Fe XL?

The Santa Fe XL has a larger body, offering three-row seating for up to seven passengers, while the regular-sized version accommodates five passengers. Additionally, the XL model provides more cargo space and comes with a more powerful V6 engine.

Did Hyundai stop making Santa Fe XL?

Yes, Hyundai stopped producing the Santa Fe XL after 2023 as they introduced an all-new midsize SUV called Hyundai Palisade. The Palisade replaced the discontinued three-row variant of the popular crossover SUV lineup.

What year was the Hyundai Santa Fe XL made?

The first production year of Hyundai’s extended-length version of their popular crossover SUV was in 2014 when it debuted as Santa Fe LWB (Long Wheel Base). It became known as “Santa Fe XL” starting from its 2015 model year.

How long does a Hyundai Santa Fe XL last?

A well-maintained Hyundai Santa-Fe-XL can last over 200,000 miles or even longer. Proper maintenance includes timely oil changes, tire rotations, brake services and adhering to manufacturer-recommended service intervals outlined in your vehicle’s owner manual[source].

Conclusion

After comparing the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL, it’s clear that both models offer great value for their respective prices. The Santa Fe is an attractive choice if you’re after a reasonably priced mid-sized SUV with plenty of amenities and safety features. The Santa Fe XL may be a worthwhile option if you need more cargo room or want to upgrade your audio system. Ultimately though, when deciding between these two vehicles from Hyundai it comes down to personal preference and budget constraints – so make sure to consider all factors before making your final decision.

Discover the latest Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL models, compare prices, and find the perfect SUV for your lifestyle. Make an informed decision with our expert reviews and comparisons to ensure you get the best value for your money.