Review: The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offers bold looks and a rugged attitude

Hyundai has made a dramatic statement with the all-new Santa Fe, and the XRT trim takes things a step further by injecting a dose of off-road inspired toughness. With its boxy, super stylish design, spacious cabin and adventure ready features, the Santa Fe XRT positions itself as a compelling option for those seeking a stylish yet practical SUV with a slight edge. 

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Bold new styling with an adventurous twist

The 2024 Santa Fe marks a complete departure from its curvier, jelly bean-esque predecessor, opting for a more squared off, rugged aesthetic. It honestly looks a lot like a Land Rover but for a lot less money. The XRT trim builds on this with exclusive features, including blacked-out trim, beefier all-terrain tires, skid plates, roof rails and increased ground clearance.

The front fascia is dominated by a wide grille and signature H-shaped LED lighting, which, we admit, looks very cool. The upright stance and large wheel arches give the XRT an outdoorsy vibe, making it stand out among other mainstream midsize SUVs.

While it’s not a hardcore off-roader, the XRT’s enhanced ground clearance and its approach and departure angles, coupled with the H-TRAC all-wheel drive system, make it well-suited for dirt roads and weekend getaways off the beaten path.

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Photo credit: Hyundai

A spacious, modern and surprisingly upscale interior

The Santa Fe’s interior redesign offers a refreshing blend of comfort and utility. Its boxier shape creates a more spacious cabin, offering generous legroom for both front and second row passengers — even if you’re on the taller side. The new dual 12.3-inch curved displays provide a tech-forward experience, and Hyundai’s latest infotainment system is easy to use and seamlessly integrates smartphones, including through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

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The third row is a notable addition to the model, making the Santa Fe more versatile than ever. However, it’s best suited for kids, as adults will find it a snug fit. Cargo space is also improved, with ample room for road trip essentials, camping gear or sports equipment, provided the third row isn’t in use. 

Performance and driving experience

Under the hood, the XRT carries the same turbocharged 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine found in other trims, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and offers strong acceleration and smooth highway cruising.

Photo credit: Hyundai

The ride quality is likewise excellent, whether bounding over pothole ridden roads or long stretches of freeway. Fuel economy is respectable, but not superb. We averaged just over 21 mpg during our testing.

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Final thoughts

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT brings a fresh, stylish, upscale and functional personality to the midsize SUV segment. Its bold styling, increased interior space and XRT features make it a standout choice for those who want more than just a commuter vehicle.

It’s honestly one of the coolest and most interesting midsize SUV options for sale today and looks far more expensive than its sub-$45,000 price. And while not a full-blown off-roader, the XRT delivers enough capability to handle mild dirt road excursions with ease. 

For buyers looking for a distinctive SUV that combines everyday practicality with a dose of stylish, rugged flair, the Santa Fe XRT is well worth a test drive.

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*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.