NEW HYUNDAI XG350
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.96 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
9.46 |
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| Braking |
9.24 |
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| Handling |
8.26 |
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| Fuel Economy |
7.61 |
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| Interior Comfort |
8.91 |
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| Acceleration |
9.24 |
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| Dependability |
9.02 |
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| Fit and Finish |
8.59 |
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| Transmission |
8.26 |
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| Ride |
9.46 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
If upscale features are more important to you than tight handling and a mainstream name, the XG350 is worth a look.
Pros
Classy interior materials, long list of standard features, low price, excellent warranty.
Cons
Flaccid handling, easily confused automatic transmission, dated styling.
What''s New for 2004
Other than a few cosmetic enhancements, the XG350 remains largely unchanged for 2004. The front end was slightly reworked and projector-type foglights were added. The rear of the car looks slightly different as well -- the license plate is now housed in the rear deck lid rather than the bumper. Inside, the XG350 offers lighter tone wood grain trim, a new Infinity sound system and recessed child seat tethers. The only mechanical changes to the XG are larger front brake rotors and a trunk lid that is lifted by gas-charged struts rather than torsion bars. All XG350s now come with a full-size spare.
Overview
Introduction:
The XG350 was first introduced in 2001 as the XG300 (a larger 3.5-liter V6 made it the XG350 starting in 2002). Positioned as the company''s flagship model, the XG was meant to lead the automaker''s fleet proudly into the new millennium. Although vehicles like the Elantra and Santa Fe make compelling choices in their respective segments, Hyundai wanted to use the XG to garner serious consideration from consumers who weren''t necessarily limited by a strict budget -- consumers who could afford a Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat but might choose the Hyundai instead. Bigger than the four-door Sonata and about the same size as the Nissan Maxima, the XG350 seats five comfortably. Like other Hyundais, the XG is loaded with standard features and costs significantly less than comparably equipped competitors. Its V6 engine offers strong acceleration, though buyers might be turned off by its touchy throttle response and continually befuddled five-speed automatic transmission. Inside, styling is traditional to the point of anonymity, while materials quality is excellent for the price. Along with the transmission issue, handling is a weak spot for the XG350. The ride is certainly smooth enough to please commuters, but push the car even a little, and the suspension gives up, crashing over bumps and allowing plenty of body roll around corners. Moreover, the steering offers minimal road feel, thereby increasing the guesswork during turning maneuvers. If you''re not much of an enthusiast, however, you won''t find much to dislike about the XG350. Its combination of size, price and features makes it an intriguing alternative to more expensive mainstream cars.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Hyundai''s XG350 flagship sedan is available in two trim levels -- base and L. The base car comes with 16-inch alloy wheels; four-wheel antilock disc brakes; traction control; side airbags; leather upholstery; power seats; automatic climate control; a CD player; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; a 60/40-split folding rear seat; and power windows, locks and mirrors. The L adds a sunroof, seat heaters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, memory for the driver seat and mirror settings, a faux wood- and leather-wrapped steering wheel and front and rear reading lights. The L version also gets unique 12-spoke alloy wheels.
Powertrains and Performance:
Every XG350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 194 horsepower and 216 pound-feet of torque. This engine is smooth, quiet and powerful compared with other offerings in the family sedan segment, though touchy throttle response mars the driving experience somewhat. A five-speed automatic with a sequential-shift manual mode is standard. Despite the XG''s non-sporting personality, the manual mode actually works quite well. Good thing, since the regular Drive mode could use some fine-tuning, as the transmission continually hunts for the correct gear. Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, side airbags for front occupants and three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions are standard. The XG earned a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in IIHS'' 40-mph offset crash testing.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Overall, the cabin imparts a sense of traditional luxury. Materials quality is high, especially considering the price, and storage space is generous. Although roomy, the rear seats are contoured more for two passengers than three and toe room is tight. Still, backseat riders will appreciate the rear vents and 12-volt power point. The trunk offers solid capacity at 14.5 cubic feet and now has non-luggage-crushing external strut hinges.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The XG350 is suitable for the average driver who prefers comfort over performance as it provides a smooth ride over almost any surface. If you push it harder, however, its non-athletic personality is immediately evident, as its suspension wallows over bumps and ruts and allows plenty of body roll when cornering, and its steering maintains a limp, uncommunicative feel. While we think the XG is worth your consideration if a dressed-up cabin and a lengthy standard features list are your top priorities, we''ll readily acknowledge that it''s unlikely to please those looking for a fun-to-drive midsize sedan.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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