2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Review: Hyundai’s Adventurous SUV

The Hyundai Santa Fe has long been a favorite in the SUV market, known for its blend of reliability, comfort, and modern features. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, so too does the Santa Fe, with Hyundai introducing the 2024 Santa Fe XRT, a model that aims to push the boundaries of what an SUV can offer. The XRT is not just another trim level; it represents Hyundai’s commitment to catering to drivers who crave adventure while still wanting the daily practicality of a family vehicle. This detailed review will explore everything that makes the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT a standout in its segment, from its rugged design to its performance capabilities, advanced technology, and more.

Rugged Yet Refined: The Exterior Design

When you first set eyes on the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, it’s clear that this SUV means business. Hyundai has crafted the XRT with a rugged, adventure-ready aesthetic that sets it apart from the standard Santa Fe. The exterior design is a perfect blend of form and function, with every element serving a purpose.

Bold Front Fascia

The front end of the Santa Fe XRT is dominated by a large, aggressive grille that immediately catches the eye. This grille isn’t just for show; it features a mesh pattern that enhances airflow to the engine, aiding in cooling during off-road adventures. Flanking the grille are slim, high-mounted LED headlights that give the SUV a futuristic and somewhat intimidating look. These lights are designed to provide excellent visibility in all conditions, a crucial feature for those who plan to take the XRT off the beaten path.

Protective Skid Plates and Side Cladding

To reinforce its off-road capabilities, the XRT comes equipped with skid plates on both the front and rear. These plates not only protect the undercarriage from rocks and debris but also add to the SUV’s rugged appeal. The side cladding, finished in matte black, provides additional protection and complements the overall tough aesthetic.

Robust Wheels and All-Terrain Tires

The XRT rides on 18-inch alloy wheels that are both stylish and functional. These wheels are paired with all-terrain tires, designed to handle everything from smooth highways to rocky trails. The tire tread is optimized for grip, ensuring that the Santa Fe XRT can maintain traction even in challenging conditions.

Functional Roof Rails and Crossbars

Adventure enthusiasts will appreciate the functional roof rails and crossbars that come standard on the XRT. These features make it easy to mount extra gear, such as bikes, kayaks, or rooftop tents, making the Santa Fe XRT a perfect companion for outdoor excursions.

Interior Comfort and Advanced Technology

Step inside the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, and you’ll find an interior that is as versatile as it is comfortable. Hyundai has designed the cabin to cater to both the driver and passengers, ensuring a pleasant experience whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a weekend adventure.

Durable and Comfortable Seating

The Santa Fe XRT features seats upholstered in a combination of cloth and synthetic leather, offering the best of both worlds: durability and comfort. The front seats are power-adjustable, allowing drivers to find the perfect position with ease. For added comfort, the front seats are also heated, a feature that will be particularly appreciated during colder months.

User-Friendly Infotainment System

At the heart of the Santa Fe XRT’s interior is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system is intuitive and user-friendly, with a responsive interface that makes it easy to navigate through various functions. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle. Whether you’re streaming music, using navigation, or making hands-free calls, the infotainment system has you covered.

Superior Audio Experience

Hyundai has equipped the XRT with a premium audio system that delivers crisp, clear sound. Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist or catching up on podcasts, the audio quality is top-notch, making long drives more enjoyable.

Practical Storage Solutions

The Santa Fe XRT is designed with practicality in mind. The cargo area is spacious, offering ample room for luggage, sports equipment, or camping gear. The hands-free power liftgate makes loading and unloading a breeze, especially when your hands are full. Additionally, the interior features numerous storage compartments, allowing you to keep smaller items organized and within easy reach.

Dual-Zone Climate Control

To ensure that everyone stays comfortable, the XRT comes with dual-zone automatic climate control. This system allows the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures, ensuring a pleasant environment for all occupants, regardless of the weather outside.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Safety is a priority for Hyundai, and the Santa Fe XRT is no exception. The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind.

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): This system uses sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and can automatically apply the brakes if necessary, helping to prevent accidents.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): LKA helps the driver stay within the lane by providing gentle steering corrections when necessary, reducing the risk of unintentional lane departures.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA): BCA monitors the vehicle’s blind spots and can intervene to prevent a collision if another vehicle is detected.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): RCCA alerts the driver to approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space and can apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW): DAW monitors the driver’s behavior for signs of fatigue or distraction and provides alerts to stay focused on the road.

Performance and Powertrain

Performance is where the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT truly shines, offering a blend of power, efficiency, and off-road capability. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring rugged trails, the XRT is equipped to handle it all.

2.5-Liter Inline-4 Engine

Under the hood, the Santa Fe XRT is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, a workhorse that strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. This engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, delivering smooth and responsive acceleration. While it may not be the most powerful engine in its class, it provides adequate power for most driving scenarios, whether you’re merging onto a highway or climbing a steep hill.

Smooth 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently. The transmission is designed to optimize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance, making the Santa Fe XRT a great choice for both city driving and longer road trips.

HTRAC All-Wheel Drive

One of the standout features of the Santa Fe XRT is its HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, which comes standard. This system enhances traction and stability on a variety of surfaces, from wet pavement to loose gravel. It also includes a terrain mode selector, allowing drivers to adjust the vehicle’s settings for different conditions, such as snow, mud, or sand. This feature is particularly useful for those who enjoy off-roading or live in areas with challenging weather conditions.

Fuel Efficiency

Despite its rugged capabilities, the Santa Fe XRT doesn’t compromise on fuel efficiency. It delivers an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, making it one of the more fuel-efficient options in its segment. This efficiency ensures that you can enjoy your adventures without constantly worrying about refueling.

Comprehensive Safety Features

Safety is a top priority in the design of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT. Hyundai has equipped this SUV with a host of safety features to protect both the driver and passengers, making it a reliable choice for families and adventure seekers alike.

Hyundai SmartSense Suite

The XRT includes the Hyundai SmartSense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which provides a comprehensive layer of protection. This suite includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and automatically applies the brakes if necessary.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps the driver stay within the lane by providing steering assistance.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA): Monitors the vehicle’s blind spots and can intervene to prevent a collision.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): Alerts the driver to approach traffic when backing out of a parking space and can apply the brakes if needed.
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW): Monitors the driver’s behavior for signs of fatigue or distraction and provides warnings to stay alert.

Additional Safety Features

In addition to the SmartSense suite, the Santa Fe XRT is equipped with several other safety features, including:

• High Beam Assist (HBA): Automatically adjusts the high beams based on oncoming traffic, ensuring optimal visibility without blinding other drivers.
• Safe Exit Assist (SEA): Alerts passengers to approaching vehicles when exiting the vehicle, preventing accidents when opening doors.
• Surround View Monitor (SVM): Provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and avoid obstacles.

Safety Ratings

While the 2024 Santa Fe XRT is still awaiting official safety ratings, it’s worth noting that the previous model year received high marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Given the extensive safety features on the XRT, it’s expected to maintain these high standards.

Competition: How Does the Santa Fe XRT Stack Up?

In the crowded mid-size SUV market, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT faces stiff competition. However, it holds its own against rivals, offering a unique blend of features that make it a compelling choice.

Toyota RAV4 Adventure

The Toyota RAV4 Adventure is a direct competitor to the Santa Fe XRT, offering similar rugged styling and off-road capabilities. However, the RAV4 Adventure is more expensive, and its interior isn’t as well-appointed as the Santa Fe’s. The Santa Fe XRT also offers a more comprehensive safety suite and a better warranty, making it a better value overall.

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is another competitor, known for its excellent off-road capabilities and practical design. While the Outback offers slightly better off-road performance, the Santa Fe XRT provides a more refined interior and a more powerful engine. Additionally, the XRT’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is more advanced than the Outback’s, offering better traction in challenging conditions.

Honda Passport

The Honda Passport is a solid choice for those who need a rugged SUV, but it lacks some of the advanced features found in the Santa Fe XRT. The Passport’s interior isn’t as modern or comfortable, and it doesn’t offer the same level of safety features. The Santa Fe XRT also has a more attractive price point, making it a better option for budget-conscious buyers.

Pricing and Value: A Smart Investment

One of the most compelling aspects of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is its value proposition. Priced competitively within the mid-size SUV segment, the XRT offers a lot of bang for your buck.

Standard Features

Unlike some competitors that require you to upgrade to higher trims for advanced features, the XRT comes well-equipped from the start. Features like the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, Hyundai SmartSense safety suite, and advanced infotainment system are all standard, providing excellent value.

Warranty Coverage

Hyundai’s warranty coverage is another major selling point. The Santa Fe XRT comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, one of the best in the industry. This extensive coverage provides peace of mind and adds to the overall value of the vehicle.

Ownership Costs

In addition to its competitive pricing, the Santa Fe XRT is expected to have reasonable ownership costs. Its fuel-efficient engine and low maintenance requirements make it an economical choice for long-term ownership. Hyundai also offers a complimentary maintenance plan, covering the first three years or 36,000 miles, further reducing the cost of ownership.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Worth It?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is a versatile and capable SUV that offers a lot to a wide range of drivers. Whether you’re an urban commuter who enjoys the occasional weekend adventure or a family looking for a safe and reliable vehicle, the XRT has something to offer.

Pros

• Rugged Design: The XRT’s exterior is designed to appeal to those who want a more adventurous look without compromising on style.
• Comfort and Technology: The interior is well-equipped with modern technology and comfortable seating, making it suitable for both short trips and long journeys.
• Performance: While the engine isn’t the most powerful in its class, the XRT’s all-wheel-drive system and terrain mode selector make it capable in various driving conditions.
• Safety: Hyundai’s comprehensive safety suite ensures peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
• Value for Money: Competitive pricing and strong warranty coverage make the Santa Fe XRT a great value proposition in the mid-size SUV segment.

Cons

• Engine Power: The 2.5-liter engine may feel underpowered for those who prioritize performance over efficiency.
• Limited Off-Road Capability: While the XRT is capable in light off-road conditions, it may not be the best choice for serious off-road enthusiasts.
• Interior Material Quality: Some rivals offer more premium materials in their cabins, which could be a consideration for those seeking a more luxurious feel.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is more than just a vehicle—it’s an invitation to explore new horizons. Whether you’re navigating the urban jungle or the actual wilderness, this SUV is ready to take on the challenge. With its rugged design, advanced safety features, and excellent value, the Santa Fe XRT is a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market. For those seeking a reliable, capable, and well-equipped SUV that doesn’t break the bank, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is certainly worth considering.