The all-new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offers a unique blend of rugged styling and family-friendly functionality, making it a standout choice in the midsize SUV category.
With its bold, boxy design that channels a Land Rover Defender vibe, the XRT trim is sure to catch attention. Hyundai has clearly gone for a more adventurous aesthetic here, adding 1.3 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires for light off-road capability, giving it a bit more capability on trails. Hyundai has also added a lot of H’s, in addition to the Hyundai logo. You’ll see this theme on the grille, headlights and taillights. It gives it a more modern look, while also making a bold statement.
Inside, the Santa Fe XRT impresses with a spacious cabin, three rows of seating, and an attractive, tech-savvy layout. Two 12.3-inch displays make the driving experience feel modern and convenient, while thoughtful features like a dual charging pad ensure everyone stays connected. Although the third row can be tight, it’s still a useful option for smaller passengers, making this SUV a solid choice for families with varying needs.
The good news is that both the second and third row seats fold flat providing ample cargo space for all your gear. If you need to put some gear on the roof, a unique C-pillar grab handle helps you get up there easier.
Under the hood, the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, enough to tow up to 4,500 pounds. The Santa Fe XRT comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The Santa Fe performs capably on the road, providing a smooth and quiet ride; however, it does prioritize comfort over sportiness. The suspension is tuned for a softer ride, which means body roll is noticeable in sharp turns. Additionally, the transmission can sometimes feel slow to respond, making it less spirited than competitors in aggressive driving situations.
Fuel economy is another tradeoff with the XRT trim, achieving only 19 mpg in city driving and around 26 mpg combined. Real-world testing showed an average of 19 mpg in mixed driving conditions, so fuel-conscious drivers may want to keep this in mind. It’s also worth noting that there’s no hybrid option for the XRT trim, which could have helped improve efficiency.
The pricing for the base Santa Fe SE has a very reasonable starting price at $35,345, while the XRT trim level starts at $41,995.
At the end of the day, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT strikes a balance between rugged style and family practicality. With its upscale interior, three rows, and solid towing capacity, it’s well-suited for drivers who want a comfortable, adventure-ready SUV.