2001 Hyundai XG300

Known here since 1986 for economy-oriented automobiles, Hyundai has raised the bar this season with its XG300. Positioned above the midsize Sonata sedan—which was itself redesigned for 2000—the South Korean auto company's new "flagship" is the largest and most luxuriously appointed passenger car it's ever sold in this country. Our test car was a "base" model XG300. Priced at $23,499 (plus $495 destination charge), its lengthy roster of standard comfort and convenience features includes power windows/locks/mirrors, leather-trimmed seats, climate-control air conditioning, trip computer, cruise control, keyless entry, foglights, and a CD stereo system. On the safety front, the XG300 comes with ABS-abetted 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and both front and front-side airbags with a Passenger Presence Detection system to control deployment. For those who need even more, Hyundai offers an L variant at $24,999. It adds a sunroof, heated seats, automatic day/night mirror, and a combination cassette/CD stereo.


Although based on a stretched version of the less-costly Sonata, the front-drive XG300 possesses its own unique personality. A host of more-upscale exterior styling themes aid in the quest for distinction, led by a substantial-looking vertical-bar grille that blunts any hint of budget-level motoring and gives the car a more formidable presence. That visual heaviness isn't entirely an illusion, by the way—the XG300 weighs some 500 pounds more than a Sonata. Measuring 191.5 inches long overall, the XG300 rides on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, figures that eclipse the Sonata's specs by 4.6 and 2.0 inches, respectively.

Matched with a 5-speed Shiftronic automatic, the 192-horsepower 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 gives the XG300 a very livable combination of performance and economy.

What's underhood matters even more in this step-up sedan league, and Hyundai's primo 4-door scores well in that area too. Its DOHC all-aluminum 3.0-liter V-6 develops 192 horsepower—22 more than the 2.5-liter Sonata V-6. The XG300's standard automatic transmission is also upgraded from four to five speeds and fitted with Shiftronic, a feature that permits manual selection of gears just by moving the shift lever forward or back. Although somewhat pressed to motivate this 3,604-pound sedan—0-60 mph takes 8.9 seconds—that combo does help the XG300 net EPA fuel-economy mpg marks of 19 city and 27 highway.


Chassis specifics include front double wishbones and multi-link rear hardware, all tuned by gas-pressure shocks and anti-roll bars. While the power rack-and-pinion steering isn't particularly quick or sporty, the XG does come with 205/55VR15 Michelin MXV4 Plus all-season radials wrapped around aluminum rims. Dynamically, the car merits above-average marks for ride and handling, although certain types of rough road surfaces do tend to impact its poise, especially as you approach the absolute cornering limit.

In many ways, the basic design flavor of the XG300's tastefully plush passenger compartment is more reminiscent of European than Asian offerings.

Inside, the XG300 boasts good room in both front and rear quarters, the sole caveat here being that overhead space is at a bit of a premium on editions equipped with a sunroof. The seats are reasonably comfortable and supportive, save for the center rear spot which is best used for short and short-term passengers. Displaying basic design cues more common to German than Asian cars, the XG300 complements its leather and faux-wood trim with highly legible white-on-black analog gauges and well-positioned controls and switchgear. Generous storage space is found in a wide, tapered glovebox and a two-section central bin that resides beneath the car's central armrest. Despite a narrow forward opening that compromises access somewhat, the XG300's trunk will swallow up a respectable 14.5 cubic feet of assorted cargo.