Santa Fe vs. Santa Fe XL: Which One?

Both the Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL are top sellers for Hyundai. While they share many similarities, there are a few key differences that might sway you toward one over the other, depending on your needs and preferences. When deciding between the Santa Fe and the Santa Fe XL, consider the differences in space, engine, features, trims, and availability.

Space

One significant difference between the two cars is the overall vehicle size. The Santa Fe XL is considerably larger, with three rows of passenger seats compared to the Santa Fe’s two rows. The added space in the XL translates to not just more seating but more headroom and cargo space.

In both vehicles, the back row folds down to accommodate large and bulky items. The Santa Fe, however, provides slightly more legroom for adult passengers in its back row than the Santa Fe XL does for its third row. Because of this, the Santa Fe XL’s third row is best suited for children.

Engine

Another key difference between the two vehicles is the engine specifications. The Santa Fe offers two engines, depending on the trim level. The base is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower, while the higher-level trims feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that gets 235 horsepower. The Santa Fe XL beats both of these engines with its 3.3-liter V-6 that produces 290 horsepower.

Standard Features

While both the Santa Fe and the Santa Fe XL come with an array of standard tech, convenience, and safety features, the Santa Fe offers a few more high-end elements with its base trim than the Santa Fe XL does with its base trim.

Standard features on the Santa Fe SE trim include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment center with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, pedestrian detection with automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control. In comparison, the Santa Fe XL’s base model only provides advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control as optional upgrades.

Trims

The 2020 Santa Fe comes in five trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL 2.0T, Limited, and Limited 2.0T. By contrast, the 2019 XL, the final model year, offers only two trim levels: SE and Limited Ultimate. Since the Santa Fe has more trim levels to choose from, buyers have increased options when it comes to standard and available features, price points, and customization.

New vs. Used

Hyundai phased out the Santa Fe XL after the 2019 model year and instead started producing the Palisade, a new three-row, full-size SUV. Because of this, anyone interested in purchasing a Santa Fe XL only has used options available. The Santa Fe, in comparison, is available in new and used models as it continues to receive updates and redesigns.

The Santa Fe and Santa Fe XL are both excellent vehicles that offer a variety of options and configurations to meet the preferences of individual drivers. Just keep their differences in mind while you think about which fits your lifestyle best. When you’re ready for a test drive, come down to Crain Hyundai of Bentonville, and we’ll help you find the car that’s right for you.

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