Los Angeles, CA — Earlier this year, alongside the next-generation 2024 Santa Fe, Hyundai unveiled the off-road-ready XRT Concept variant, and the Korean now officially debuts the production version at the 2023 LA Auto Show. A boxy, futuristic-looking mid-size SUV the company delcared was “designed to ignite the ultimate adventure spirit and focuses on unleashing the desires of those seeking the thrill of the wild.” Here’s what separates the XRT from the pack.
Rugged Aesthetics, Adventure-Ready Presence
The XRT flosses a rugged, ready-for-anything stance. Dark chrome and black trim elements and strategic cladding redefine the exterior aesthetics, giving the XRT an adventurous appearance. Black roof rails with cross bars add a touch of practicality, so get that rooftop tent ready. The 30-inch all-terrain tires in 245/60R18 further solidify its off-road prowess for families heading off the grid. All Santa Fes come with a broader liftgate as well.
A Higher Perspective, Adequate Towing Capacity
One of the standout features of the XRT is its 1.4 inches of additional ground clearance. An enhancement that conquers both suburban parking lots and off-road terrain equally. In terms of towing capacity, the Santa Fe XRT is rated at 4,500 lbs. towing capacity when properly equipped with the towing package. This is enough for anything smaller than large RVs and trailers, but remember, this thing isn’t a full-size hauler.
Santa Fe XRT Power and Performance
- Standard: 1.6L Turbo Hybrid Electric (6-speed AT) with 232 hp and 271 lb.-ft. of torque
- Optional: 2.5L Turbo (8-speed DCT) with 277 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque
Related – First Drive: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Review
The same two powertrains across the Santa Fe lineup, including the Calligraphy trim, are offered with the XRT. But with a burlier SUV like this, the standard 1.6L turbocharged hybrid from the Gamma III engine family, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, probably won’t cut it. It does make an impressive 232 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque, most XRT buyers will likely opt for the optional 2.5L turbocharged engine from the Theta III family, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering an estimated 277 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb.-ft. of torque in the range of 1,700 – 4,000 rpm.
The new Hyundai Santa Fe goes on sale in early 2024, with pricing still to come. Meantime, here are some other family-friendly off-road SUVs worth checking out.
| Specifications | 2024 Santa Fe |
|---|---|
| Engine | Gamma III 1.6L Turbo Hybrid Electric (6-speed AT) |
| – Total combined system output: 232 HP @ 5,600 rpm | |
| – Total combined system torque: 271 lb.-ft.@1,000 – 4,100 rpm | |
| Theta III 2.5L Turbo (8-speed DCT) | |
| – Maximum engine output: 277 HP @ 5,800 rpm | |
| – Maximum torque: 311 lb.-ft. @ 1,700 – 4,000 rpm | |
| Dimensions | Length: 4,830 mm |
| Width: 1,900 mm | |
| Height (Roof / Roof rack): 1,760 mm / 1,770 – 1,780 mm (Calligraphy Trim), 1,795 mm (XRT trim) | |
| Wheelbase | 2,815 mm |
| Headroom (Normal / Sunroof) | Front: 1,045 mm / 1,020 mm |
| 2nd row: 1,030 mm / 1,007 mm | |
| 3rd row: 958 mm | |
| Leg Room | Front: 1,052 mm |
| 2nd row: 1,075 mm (HEV = 1,055 mm) | |
| 3rd row: 761 mm | |
| Shoulder Room | Front: 1,511 mm |
| 2nd row: 1,475 mm | |
| 3rd row: 1,360 mm | |
| Cargo Capacity / Liftgate Opening Width | 1,148 mm / 1,275 mm |
