Looking for a new car that combines adventure-ready style with everyday practicality? The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT might be exactly what you need. Hyundai has taken its popular midsize SUV and given it a rugged makeover, with off-road-inspired design elements, extra ground clearance, and a tough, all-terrain look.

But does the Santa Fe XRT offer more than just bold styling? How does it compare to competitors like the Honda Passport or the Santa Fe Hybrid? More importantly, is it worth the price for drivers who want a capable SUV?

What Makes the XRT Trim Unique?

The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a solid midsize SUV, but the XRT trim takes things up a notch with a bolder, more rugged design. If you like the idea of an SUV that looks like it’s ready to hit the trails—but still handles city driving like a pro—the XRT might be your perfect match.

Rugged, Head-Turning Exterior

At first glance, the Santa Fe XRT looks tougher than the standard model. Hyundai added matte black cladding, skid plates, and side steps to give it a more off-road-ready vibe. The exclusive 18-inch dark alloy wheels and roof rails add to the adventure aesthetic, making it feel like it belongs both on the highway and in the great outdoors.

These features make it stand out compared to the standard Santa Fe SEL or even the upscale Santa Fe Calligraphy. While it may not be a full-fledged off-road SUV, it’s built to handle gravel roads, campgrounds, and light trails with ease.

Interior: Sporty and Comfortable

Inside, the Santa Fe XRT keeps things practical yet stylish. It doesn’t go overboard with luxury, but it feels solid and well-designed for drivers who want comfort with a hint of sportiness. Expect durable cloth upholstery, a spacious cabin, and plenty of cargo space—great for road trips, grocery runs, or weekend adventures.

The front seats are designed for comfort on long trips, and the driver seat offers multiple adjustments to find the perfect position. The Santa Fe XRT doesn’t have a 3rd row, but it makes up for it with plenty of second-row legroom and cargo space, making it a great option for families who don’t need extra seating.

While the XRT doesn’t have the ultra-luxurious materials of higher-end Santa Fe trims, it still feels premium for the price. You’ll get a well-thought-out dashboard, an intuitive infotainment system, and enough tech to keep everyone entertained on long drives.

Performance & Capability: Is It Adventure-Ready?

The Santa Fe XRT looks the part, but does it actually perform like an adventure SUV? Let’s break down what’s under the hood and how this trim handles different terrains.

Power & Drivetrain: A Balance of Strength and Efficiency

The Santa Fe XRT comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, putting out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Now, this isn’t a high-performance off-roader, but for everyday driving and light adventuring, it holds its own. The 8-speed automatic transmission keeps things smooth, whether you’re cruising through Waco or heading out for a weekend getaway.

You can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). If you plan to stick to highways and city roads, FWD will do just fine. But if you want better traction for dirt roads, gravel, or rain-slicked streets, AWD is the way to go.

The EPA-estimated fuel economy (mpg) for the Santa Fe XRT is around 25 mpg combined (22 city / 28 highway) for FWD models and slightly lower for AWD versions. If you need towing capability, the XRT’s towing capacity is up to 2,000 pounds, which is great for small trailers or boats.

Ground Clearance & Off-Road Capability

The XRT gets a slight ground clearance boost compared to standard Santa Fe trims, making it a little more forgiving on rough terrain. While it’s not a hardcore rock crawler, it can handle unpaved roads, campgrounds, and mild trails with ease.

Its off-road-inspired features, like skid plates and side steps, are mostly aesthetic—but they do add a layer of protection. If you’re the type to hit some backroads or navigate bumpy terrain, you’ll appreciate the added confidence.

Handling & Ride Quality

One of the best things about the Santa Fe XRT is how well it balances rugged styling with everyday comfort. Despite its adventure-ready looks, the ride is still smooth and composed—perfect for highway driving, long commutes, or road trips. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps, and the steering feels responsive without being overly sporty.

If you’re looking for a hardcore off-roader, this isn’t it. But if you want an SUV that looks adventurous, handles light off-road situations, and still drives like a dream on pavement, the Santa Fe XRT delivers.

Technology & Safety: Does It Keep Up with the Competition?

Alright, we know the Santa Fe XRT looks rugged and drives well, but what about the tech? Hyundai is known for packing its vehicles with user-friendly infotainment and advanced safety features, and the XRT is no exception.

Infotainment & Connectivity: Stay Connected on Every Adventure

The Santa Fe XRT comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen—not the biggest screen Hyundai offers, but it’s responsive and easy to use. It also comes with:

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (wireless!) – No need to mess with cables.
Bluetooth connectivity – Hands-free calls and music streaming.
USB charging ports – Keep devices powered up on road trips.

If you want a bigger screen, higher trims offer a 10.25-inch display with built-in navigation, but for most drivers, the XRT’s setup is more than enough.

Driver-Assistance & Safety Features: Peace of Mind Comes Standard

Hyundai doesn’t skimp on safety, even in the XRT trim. You get Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver-assist features, which includes:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist – Warns you (and brakes if needed) to prevent crashes. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist – Helps keep an eye on those hard-to-see spots.
Lane-Keeping Assist & Lane-Following Assist – Keeps you centered on the road.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist – Super useful in parking lots.
Adaptive Cruise Control – Makes highway driving easier and smoother.

This means the Santa Fe XRT isn’t just a good-looking SUV—it’s a smart one, too. Whether you're commuting through Waco traffic or heading out on a weekend adventure, these features make driving safer and less stressful.

How Much Does the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Cost?

The Santa Fe XRT starts at around $35,000, making it a mid-range trim. While it’s more expensive than the base SE and SEL trims, it’s more affordable than the premium Limited or Calligraphy models.

Like all Hyundai models, it comes with one of the best warranties in the industry:

5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty

10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty

7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty

This extensive coverage adds significant value, ensuring that your new car is protected for years to come.

What Do You Get for the Price?

For the price, the XRT delivers a rugged-looking SUV with solid features. Here’s what makes it stand out at this price point:

→ Unique exterior styling with skid plates, side steps, and blacked-out trim

→ Strong safety package with Hyundai SmartSense

→ Comfortable interior with spacious cargo room

→ Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

→ A solid balance of performance and efficiency

It’s worth noting that the XRT doesn’t add performance upgrades—you get the same engine as lower trims. The price increase is mainly for its bold, off-road-inspired styling and a few extra features.

Who Is the Santa Fe XRT Best For?

The XRT is ideal for drivers who want an SUV with a rugged look but don’t need extreme off-road capability. It’s perfect if you:

→ Want a bold, adventure-ready SUV without paying for a high-end off-roader

→ Like the practicality of the Santa Fe but want something with more personality

→ Need a vehicle that handles everyday driving but looks ready for a weekend escape

If you’re after true off-road capability, you might want to look at alternatives like the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Subaru Outback. But if you want a stylish, practical SUV with just enough ruggedness to stand out, the Santa Fe XRT is a great choice.

Find the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT at Waco Hyundai

The new Hyundai Santa Fe XRT brings rugged styling, a comfortable ride, and solid safety features at a reasonable price. While it doesn’t transform the Santa Fe into a full-fledged off-roader, it offers a unique look and feel that separates it from the standard trims.

If you want a new Santa Fe with a little more edge, the XRT is a smart choice. The best way to know if it’s right for you? Take one for a test drive at Waco Hyundai and see for yourself.