2004 Hyundai XG350 Review

Specifications

If Your Budget Says Midsize but Your Aspirations Long for Large Read On

Last week, parked in my garage, were two very different luxury cars. One, from a brand that typifies German luxury, was the new E500 sedan. The other, from a brand mostly known for its value priced economy cars, was a Hyundai XG350.

If youre not familiar with the XG350, thats probably because its a fairly rare commodity - at least compared to an Accent or Elantra. After all, up until it debuted in September of 2000 as the 2001 XG 300, the Sonata was the South Korean automakers largest and most luxurious car.

Other than the upgrade from a 190-hp 3.0-liter V6 with 192 pound feet of torque to a 194 hp 3.5-liter V6 with 216 pound feet of torque, not much has changed with the XG since its debut. Of course the typical refinements that any manufacturer makes to any car have been incorporated, making the 2004 XG a much improved machine over its earliest predecessor.

Styling enhancements specific to 2004 include a new grille, headlights, and air dam with integrated projector fog lamps, plus an updated rear decklid, taillights, bumper and CHMSL (center high-mount stop lamp) in the rear.

Under the skin, upgrades include larger diameter front brake rotors, increased from 10.9 inches to 12.1, rear reading lights, HomeLink, new woodgrain trim, and an electrochromic rearview mirror. Some very practical add-ons include a full-size spare on an alloy rim, gas-operated lifters for rear decklid and a cargo net. Lastly, the XG350L gets a 210-watt AM/FM/cassette/CD with Infinity speakers, heated front seats, leather and woodgrain steering wheel, heated mirrors, a power moonroof, and new 12-spoke alloy rims.

So with a new Mercedes-Benz in the garage, how much time do you think I spent with the Hyundai? Youd be surprised. Of course its my job to test every car at my disposal, so out of duty I have to drive each one enough to get a fairly good idea of its pros and cons. But it wasnt only out of duty that I drove the XG, its actually a nice car to drive.

It boasts all the me-too attributes of modern imported family sedans, such as a strong V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, fully-independent suspension with a double wishbone, coil sprung front and multi-link, coil sprung rear setup, four-wheel discs with four-channel, four-sensor ABS, electronic traction control, and the list goes on. Funny thing, add two more cylinders and I could just as easily have been describing the Mercedes parked to the right of the XG.

Of course the XG350 costs less than half the price of the E500, so its not fair to compare them side by side. Still, the XG offers a visual advantage in rear legroom, plus more shoulder and headroom all-round. I was actually once again surprised at just how much room Hyundais luxury sedan provides inside, and its trunk holds a very usable 14.5 cubic feet.

So what are the differences between the XG and a premium luxury car, or for that matter some competitive midsize sedans such as the Honda Accord or Volkswagen Passat? First of all, with regards to the tactile quality of materials used and general fit the Hyundai isnt finished off quite as nicely inside. Its good though, with the new woodgrain treatment looking much more realistic than the previous version. Theres more wood than I personally like, although some friends liked it a lot.

The power actuated front seats are reasonably comfortable, but heated cushions arent even offered - necessary in colder climes with standard leather seats. Also, I could have used more lumbar and lateral support, as I dont particularly like sliding around on slick leather surfaces while negotiating a fast turn.

On that last note the XG isnt exactly what I would refer to as a drivers car, or at least not an enthusiasts car. It handles the curves well, along with the usual body lean and nose plowing understeer when driven aggressively associated with cars set up to coddle occupants in comfort rather than exhilarate them in the high-speed slalom. To be totally fair, most XG buyers dont opt for the car because of its sporting nature, but more so for a comfortable ride and reasonably adept handling when called upon. To that, it delivers.

It sprints away from the line fairly well too, with an initial surge of power that makes it feel truly quick. Power tapers off toward the upper rev ranges, so its best to go for a smooth takeoff by keeping the revs lower in the 3.5-liter engines range rather than attempt to use the “Shiftronic” manual shift mode to hold it in gear all the way up to redline. Manual mode is great for keeping control through the corners mind you, but again the XG likes to take advantage of its generous torque so keep the revs at reasonable levels and youll actually make better speed.

My one big complaint with the XG is in the styling department. If viewed from behind initially, its distinctive upscale design becomes a bit of a letdown when passing by its profile and finally ending up staring at its nondescript front end. The grille, despite being updated for 2004, could be from any mid-90s domestic luxury car, with most onlookers mistaking it for a midsize Lincoln Continental. And this from an automaker that gives us the superb looking, extremely distinctive Sonata?

Making matters worse, Hyundai still doesnt include its badge at center, or anywhere on the front of the car for that matter. Ill repeat myself from a previous review in saying, “Hyundai, be proud of who you are. You make good cars. Be bold and attach an even larger version of your attractive stylized “H” on the front of your flagship.”

More important than styling, the XG350 recently received the highest possible safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.com). It was among five models tested to receive a five start front seat passenger and driver seat safety rating in the heavy car category, joining the Acura TL, Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car, and Mercury Marquis. In total twenty-one new cars were tested making the XGs accomplishment that much more impressive.

All in all, the XG350 should make Hyundai proud from an engineering standpoint. While not necessarily the class leader in refinement, it provides a nice balance of performance and luxury, combined with an impressive list of standard features, all for a very reasonable price of $23,999. Add the L package and the price rises by a mere $1,600 to only $25,599. After that, an 8-disc CD changer can be added for $500, plus $89 floor mats and $35 mud guards for a fully loaded total of $26,223.

What might be the XGs most intriguing argument is its 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Whats more, its comprehensive warranty covers the car for 5-years or 60,000 miles, while Hyundais roadside assistance package covers it for the same duration. While the program is extremely good, it doesnt offer the same flexibility that Hyundais Canadian buyers experience as it cant be passed on to future owners. Therefore the warranty doesnt benefit residual values and hardly helps dealers sell pre-owned XGs. Something to think about Hyundai.

Still, compared to the U.S. competition Hyundais warranty alone makes the XG worth a closer look. But even not factoring in this competitive advantage, the upgraded Hyundai flagship should definitely be on your list if your budget says midsize but your aspirations long for large.