2001-2005 Hyundai XG350: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

South Korea's biggest automaker moved upscale for 2001, with a new U.S. flagship sedan positioned above the compact Sonata in size, price, and features. Essentially a stretched Sonata with different styling, the XG300 held a 192-horsepower, 3.0-liter version of the compact's 2.5-liter V6. The sole transmission was a five-speed automatic with a manual shift gate. Dimensionally, the XG300 was similar to the midsize Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, with a base price close to those rivals' V6 sedans. Nissan's Altima was another competitor. Standard equipment included front side airbags, antilock all-disc brakes, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a CD stereo, cruise control, and 15-inch alloy wheels. An option package transformed the XG300 into an XG300L, adding a power moonroof, heated front seats, CD/cassette stereo, leather/wood steering wheel, and auto-dimming inside mirror. The XG300 had gone on sale several years earlier in South Korea, and more recently in Europe. By introducing this model, Hyundai hoped to attract new customers while improving its stature and striving to boost resale values. Hyundai's basic warranty was among the industry's longest: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, and 10/100,000 powertrain.