Topic: Long-Term Test Arrival: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

[Autos_Editor]

We embark on a four-month test of Hyundai's new seven-seat SUV, the Santa Fe XL in Premium AWD trim

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[carcrazed]

I'd like to see
- the amount of cargo space available with the 3rd row up
- usability of the 3rd row
- engine capability with people & stuff on board
- NVH level
- effect of not having a backup camera

[canuckystan]

I'll add towing ability (if possible), and a report on the beltline.  My 9 yr old was in an X1 and she had to stretch to see out the rear window!

[Spec5]

Really, no backup camera?! That seems really odd - especially for a Hyundai at this price point.

Anyway Johnathan I'd like to ensure that the test has your usual thoroughness of car seat usage throughout all vehicles. Particularly the scenario of having 2 car seats with an adult in between. (Or even of having the two child seats together and an adult on the other outboard seat)

[Northernridge]

Like it...one of the best looking CUVs on the road (I prefer the shorter one tho). Lots of vehicle for $37k.

I wonder if Hyundai will begin to shorten their warranty period now that they are competitive on pretty much every level...or raise prices for that matter.

[Spec5]

Like it...one of the best looking CUVs on the road (I prefer the shorter one tho). Lots of vehicle for $37k.

I wonder if Hyundai will begin to shorten their warranty period now that they are competitive on pretty much every level...or raise prices for that matter.

I think we're still a ways from that happening. For many people Kia/Hyundai is still a joke and only recently (maybe since the latest Sonata) have "the masses" really begun to finally concede that they're a legitimate big time player now.

[CanuckS2K]

Like it...one of the best looking CUVs on the road (I prefer the shorter one tho). Lots of vehicle for $37k.

Agreed!  I too think it's one of the best looking CUVs on the road.  I see quite a few of them on the roads around here. 

[jyarkony]

I'd like to see
- the amount of cargo space available with the 3rd row up
- usability of the 3rd row
- engine capability with people & stuff on board
- NVH level
- effect of not having a backup camera

here is a snapshot of how much cargo the trunk will fit with the third row up:

http://instagram.com/p/eLT-ZugHGy/#

even with all that baggage (though granted it was only with 2 adults and 2 small kids in addition to that), there was no shortage of pickup and I had no problem jumping ahead of traffic. I'll try to round up six adults for a max payload test...

The third row will definitely get tested.

Visibility isn't great because of the pillars, so i just spend extra time scanning the rear side windows. I've now gotten used to the large size without a backup camera, but i agree that if the Honda CR-V can put it in as base equipment on their CR-V, Hyundai should have it with this upgraded 35K model.

NVH is okay, but I only usually register this in a car if it's really bad - i tend to have the radio (free XM for three months!) on all the time, so it covers for a lot of noise. I'll make a note to check that out and report back.

as to the towing test, if someone has a trailer/camper in the 3000-4000 lb range, i can get a tow-hitch equipped version of this truck to test the towing... Volunteers?

[Jaeger]

Like it...one of the best looking CUVs on the road (I prefer the shorter one tho). Lots of vehicle for $37k.

Agreed!  I too think it's one of the best looking CUVs on the road.  I see quite a few of them on the roads around here.

Me too.  These things are all over the place - gotta be a good sign for Hyundai.  Wish I could figure out why the only place I see the gorgeous new Mazda 6 is at a Mazda dealer.

[revalations]

It is a great looking vehicle, by far my favorite Hyundai product thus far. They are very scarse aroung these parts though, I see tons of Elantras and Tuscons though.

[KD]

Like it...one of the best looking CUVs on the road (I prefer the shorter one tho). Lots of vehicle for $37k.

Agreed!  I too think it's one of the best looking CUVs on the road. I see quite a few of them on the roads around here.

Yeah, but would you pony up for one?   

[phazotron]

here is a snapshot of how much cargo the trunk will fit with the third row up:

http://instagram.com/p/eLT-ZugHGy/#

Maybe my eyes are just tired but I swear I only see two rows up in that photo you put up on Instagram. Aren't those the 3rd row seat belts next to the camo pattern suitcase on the left side and just visible on the right side of the blue one?

[sacrat]

I'd like to see
- the amount of cargo space available with the 3rd row up
- usability of the 3rd row
- engine capability with people & stuff on board
- NVH level
- effect of not having a backup camera

In particular, no backup camera with a power rear hatch 

Hyundai continues to underwhelm in this regard. The only Santa Fe model in Canada to get a backup camera without ponying up for nav is the Sport SE. This has me looking amorously across the street at UVO equipped Kias everytime a new model arrives

[jaari]

Yup I see it too, only the second row is up...
You can see the third rows seat belt on the left behind..
But the C/D review shows the cargo area with all three rows up anyways.

http://www.autos.ca/galleries/2013/index.php?level=picture&id=7228

[jyarkony]

here is a snapshot of how much cargo the trunk will fit with the third row up:

http://instagram.com/p/eLT-ZugHGy/#

Maybe my eyes are just tired but I swear I only see two rows up in that photo you put up on Instagram. Aren't those the 3rd row seat belts next to the camo pattern suitcase on the left side and just visible on the right side of the blue one?

D'oh, I was thinking third row down even though I read and typed up... Complete brain cramp. 

I'll try to get my hockey bag in the back with third row up tomorrow... We'll see how that goes.

It would be safe to say that it won't match any minivan, but we'll do a full comparison and see which SUV does that task best.

[blotter]

I'll add towing ability (if possible)

would love to see this, but don't have a trailer to offer.

[gotak]

Edmund's reports issue with the suspension bottoming out painfully over moderate bumps when partially (4 people and luggage) loaded.

You guys should see of that really is the case.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[jyarkony]

Edmund's reports issue with the suspension bottoming out painfully over moderate bumps when partially (4 people and luggage) loaded.

You guys should see of that really is the case.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Yeah, I noticed there were some pretty harsh clunks on one tight turn off a bit of a ramp. The suspension seems very good at the ordinary bumps and rough stuff, but in extreme situations it can be a bit unsettled.

And update on cargo space with the third row up: failed to cram in my hockey bag. Tomorrow it'll be a cases of beer test...

[dkaz]

We fit four guys, four bags, goalie pads, sticks, etc. in a 2002 Honda Odyssey and still had at least 24" above the top of all the gear. Still can't beat a minivan for just pure amount of space.

[sacrat]

Edmund's reports issue with the suspension bottoming out painfully over moderate bumps when partially (4 people and luggage) loaded.

You guys should see of that really is the case.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Yeah, I noticed there were some pretty harsh clunks on one tight turn off a bit of a ramp. The suspension seems very good at the ordinary bumps and rough stuff, but in extreme situations it can be a bit unsettled.

And update on cargo space with the third row up: failed to cram in my hockey bag. Tomorrow it'll be a cases of beer test...

99 bottles of beer in the hatch, 99 bottles of beer....C'mon, sing with me