Hyundai Santa Fe XL 2019 Review

Overall rating

For 2019, Hyundai has changed the name of its three-row crossover, the Santa Fe, to the Santa Fe XL. This is not to be confused with the redesigned Santa Fe Sport, which is now called the Santa Fe. Now that we've got that out of the way, let's get down to business. Is this 2019 Santa Fe XL worth considering for a three-row family hauler? Indeed, the XL has seating for six or seven passengers, whereas the regular Santa Fe seats just five. The XL also offers a relatively spacious interior, a comfortable ride quality and an affordable price tag. A 3.3-liter V6 is standard, and it offers respectable power along with a standard tow rating of 5,000 pounds. The Santa Fe XL's V6 is a bit less fuel-efficient than the turbocharged four-cylinder engines found in competitors, but it's still a likable engine.

On the inside, the Santa Fe XL offers plenty of standard and optional equipment for tech-savvy buyers. First- and second-row seating should be plenty for adults. And third-row seating, while not the most spacious in the class, will work just fine for kids.

There are a few downsides, though. Cargo capacity behind the seats is limited compared to class leaders such as the Honda Pilot and the Volkswagen Atlas. Also, the latest advanced driver safety aids are only available on the most expensive Santa Fe XL trim level. Most other top SUVs give you the opportunity to get these safety features at a more affordable price. Overall, though, we think the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL is a viable choice for a three-row family hauler.

Hyundai Santa Fe XL models

The Santa Fe XL is a six- or seven-passenger midsize SUV that's available in two trim levels: SE and Limited Ultimate. Both are available in front- or all-wheel drive. Every 2019 Santa Fe XL comes with a 3.3-liter V6 (290 horsepower, 252 pound-feet of torque), a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.MatoCar Latest Hyundai Santa Fe XL News2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 First Drive: As Great to Drive as It Is to Look At

The base Santa Fe XL SE starts you off with LED running lights, heated side mirrors, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 40/20/40-split folding second-row bench seat and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Electronic features include a 7-inch infotainment display, a rearview camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Bluetooth, a USB port, Hyundai's Blue Link communications, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

Optional on the SE is the SE Premium package that adds LED foglights, leather seating, heated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a third-row USB port, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, proximity key with push-button start, a hands-free liftgate, and rear side window sunshades.

The Limited Ultimate gets all of the SE Premium package's equipment plus 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, second-row captain's chairs (instead of a bench), a heated steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, an upgraded 12-speaker audio system, a 115-volt power outlet in the cargo area, rear parking sensors, and a multiview parking camera system.

A Tech package available for the Limited Ultimate adds a suite of safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and xenon headlights with automatic high beams.