Buyer’s Guide: 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

NEW FOR 2015:

– Retuned suspension and steering
– Blind spot warning enhanced with cross-traffic alert
– Auto up and down front passenger window
– Hands-free power tailgate and proximity key with push-button start standard on Premium and Luxury trims

Often overlooked, Hyundai’s full-size Santa Fe XL is a capable family hauler that’s well suited for family duty. Its spacious cabin is loaded with thoughtful touches and comes wrapped up in handsome if understated styling.

Although this year’s Santa Fe XL looks no different than last year’s, plenty of changes have taken place below the surface. Hyundai has upgraded the electric power steering setup for quicker response and more steering feel, while tweaks to suspension bushings and suspension geometry reduce body roll and improve ride comfort. Although the XL isn’t a sporty crossover, these changes should improve its already smooth road manners.

Also new to the equipment list is a hands-free tailgate system. Unlike systems from Ford and BMW which require you to wave your foot under the rear bumper, Hyundai’s setup will gracefully raise the tailgate provided you’re standing still for three seconds within three feet of the bumper. It comes standard on the mid-grade Premium trim, as well as the Luxury and Limited. In addition, cross-traffic alert functionality has been added to the blind-spot monitoring system. Unfortunately a reverse camera is limited to the top two trim levels, though parking sensors are standard on the mid-grade Premium trim.

With a standard towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and space inside for up to seven adults, the Santa Fe XL is competitive with the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Power comes courtesy of a direct-injected 3.3L V6 which makes 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. All models get a six-speed automatic as standard, as well as standard AWD – the only exception is the base trim, which comes standard with front-wheel drive.

Trims include FWD, Premium AWD, Luxury AWD, and Limited AWD.

Features on the FWD include 18-inch alloy wheels, Active Eco mode, Driver Selectable Steering, air conditioning, second-row vents, windshield wiper de-icer, front armrest with storage box and dual cup holders, sliding and reclining second-row seats with 40/20/40 split fold capabilities, illuminated vanity mirrors, six-speaker AM/FM/MP3 audio system, satellite radio, USB and aux-in jacks, Bluetooth hands-free, heated front seats, six-way manual driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar support, stain-resistant cloth upholstery, 50/50 split folding third row seat, power heated exterior mirrors, power windows with front window auto up/down, roof rails, remote keyless entry with alarm, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescoping steering column, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, chrome exterior door handles, rear spoiler, trailer towing wiring, dual chrome exhaust tips, solar tinted glass, rear privacy glass.

Premium AWD adds all-wheel drive, automatic headlights, automatic dual zone temperature control with interior air ionizer, 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar support, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, proximity key with push-button start, hands-free power tailgate, rear side window sunshade blinds, rear parking assist, third-row vents with air conditioning controls, and a 115-volt cargo area power outlet.

Luxury AWD adds four-way adjustable power front passenger seat, 4.3-inch display audio interface, blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert, reverse camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass, garage door opener, leather upholstery, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, panoramic sunroof, memory driver’s seat and mirror. Second-row captain’s chairs are an extra-cost option.

Limited AWD adds 19-inch alloy wheels, HID headlamps with auto-leveling function, LED tail lights, 10-speaker premium Infinity audio system, 8.0-inch TFT display with navigation, metal scuff plates, supervision instrument cluster, TFT LCD instrument cluster display, ventilated front seats. Second-row captain’s chairs are an extra-cost option.