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Would You Choose A Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Over A Land Cruiser?

Summary

  • The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT concept showcases rugged off-road features like elevated suspension and chunky tires, hinting at a potential future production model.
  • Hyundai is targeting outdoor enthusiasts with the new Santa Fe, featuring a boxy design and accommodations for rooftop tents.
  • The XRT concept could be the start of a new performance wing for Hyundai, similar to their successful N division, aimed at delivering off-road capabilities and appealing to adventure seekers.

Hyundai already offers the XRT badging as a rugged trim choice for some of their models such as the outgoing Santa Fe, Palisade, Tucson, and Santa Cruz. This concept build foreshadows a potential future production model, which could look similar or better. The off-road concept of this new mid-size SUV boasts chunky off-road tires, an elevated suspension, and an array of additions like a rooftop cargo carrier and a tailgate-mounted ladder.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is debuting with a brand new, striking boxy design that caters to the adventurous persona of SUVs. This new design trend can also be seen in the all-new 2024 Land Cruiser. Hyundai is leaning into the SUV’s adventurous persona and is targeting outdoor enthusiasts. The Santa Fe XRT concept seems to have the Land Cruiser 2024 in its sight.

The concept showcases an elevated ride height, robust BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, and enhanced approach and departure angles. The XRT is furnished with a range of augmentations, including an enhanced roof rack with a cargo carrier and spare tire, a tailgate-mounted ladder, and cargo containers affixed to the side windows. The adventure look is completed with a pair of Go-Pros mounted on either side on nifty surfaces.

Recently, Toyota introduced the inaugural hybrid edition of its Land Cruiser, set to be released in 2024. The Santa Fe XRT Concept seems to be aiming to compete with this legendary off-roader.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has been a revelation since its unveiling. It presents a distinct SUV with angular lines and a complete interior overhaul. The latest iteration introduces a third row, expanded rear cargo space, and increased legroom. The Santa Fe is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 277 horsepower and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Santa Fe’s boxy design is tailored to accommodate rooftop tents, attracting outdoor enthusiasts. The seating arrangements for the U.S. market are yet to be disclosed, but Korean-spec models offer options for either second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat, accommodating six or seven passengers.

The Relaxation Seat, first introduced in the Ioniq 5, makes a return in the Santa Fe, providing an ideal space for quick naps on long road trips. The ground clearance remains relatively consistent at 8.2 inches, but Hyundai has indicated suspension enhancements for improved stability.

The rear cargo entrance of the Santa Fe is impressively spacious, and the second row can be completely folded down, resulting in a generous, level cargo space. This is optimal for accommodating large camping gear and/or luggage.

The Santa Fe XRT concept fully embraces the off-road aesthetic of the new Santa Fe. It showcases off-road tires, enhanced suspension, and functional accessories like roof racks and ladders. Hyundai’s XRT branding could potentially become a new performance wing, similar to their successful N division.

In addition to the Santa Fe XRT concept, Hyundai is also introducing an XRT trim for the Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz XRT features fender flares, metal side steps, and sturdy bed rails for a more rugged appeal. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

Hyundai’s venture into the rugged realm with the Santa Fe XRT Concept signals a promising step towards meeting the demands of adventure enthusiasts. The XRT concept holds the potential to establish itself as a prominent player in the rugged performance vehicle market.

The XRT concept answers the question of how outdoorsy the redesigned Santa Fe is. It seems that Hyundai is committed to fully embracing the off-road aesthetic and catering to the needs of adventure seekers. Whether the XRT concept transitions into a production model is yet to be seen, but it demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and functionality in the SUV market.

News

Exclusive: Hyundai Santa Fe Takes a Design “Risk”

SangYup Lee, the design head of Hyundai and Genesis, takes us on a tour of the new Santa Fe, which features a drastic departure from its predecessors and other Hyundai models.

This seven-seater SUV has a more robust and less rounded stance compared to Hyundai’s previous 4x4s and SUVs.

“It’s a big change compared to the previous model,” says Lee. The design direction of the new Santa Fe represents a “risk” that was later justified by the introduction of modern SUVs such as the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco.

According to Lee, this model is one of Hyundai’s largest and its success is crucial. “Four-and-a-half years ago, we first started this project,” he explains. “We always check big data information to forecast future trends. This was before the pandemic, and one key word that stood out was how ‘outdoors’ culture had become mainstream. We chose the direction to cater to both urban and outdoor lifestyles.”

“When you have a box-style SUV, the proportional balance is crucial,” says Lee. “It features a simple body surface with ample volume, supported by up to 21-inch wheels, which is unheard of in this segment.

“Despite its boxy shape, we wanted to add more precise detailing. Aerodynamics posed a challenge. From an aero engineers’ perspective, a boxy car is considered an ‘aero disaster.’ So, this was one of our challenges.

“The car achieves a 0.29Cd drag coefficient. We put a lot of effort into aerodynamics. It is equipped with an active aero shutter on the front, which is unusual for this segment. Additionally, it has a vertical air curtain that assists in aerodynamics, and the round wheel openings contribute significantly to improved aerodynamics.

“It’s like back in the day with the Porsche 993: the rear fender flare has a softer shape towards the back. Originally, it had a more angular design, but we realized it didn’t enhance aerodynamics.”

Motorsport

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: More Power and Options for US Market

After the recent unveiling of the fifth-generation Santa Fe by Hyundai, fans have eagerly awaited the release of the model’s specifications. Today, some of these details have been made available during the official launch of the 2024 Santa Fe in Korea. This SUV, anticipated to hit the US market in the first half of next year, will also make its North American debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

In North America, Hyundai will offer two powertrain options for the Santa Fe. The first is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 277 horsepower (or 281 metric horsepower) and 311 pound-feet (or 43.0 kilogram-force meter) of torque. This powertrain is coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 8.0 seconds.


Motorsport

Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Concept Debuts As Rugged Take On New SUV

Hyundai has unveiled the Santa Fe XRT Concept, which enhances the standard model with a range of equipment for outdoor adventures.

The new Hyundai Santa Fe features a boxy exterior design that gives it a more chiseled appearance compared to previous generations.

Hyundai Santa Fe (2023) new pictures

The XRT Concept is described by Hyundai as “a concept model tailored to cater [to] diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts.” It is based on the Calligraphy trim level and incorporates various additions, such as a roof rack with a spare tire, a rear ladder, and a small storage case at the rear side. The customized SUV also features more rugged tires and black five-spoke wheels.

Unfortunately, Hyundai has not provided any images or details about the XRT’s interior. It remains unclear whether there are any modifications inside to complement the rugged exterior components.

It is also unknown whether Hyundai intends to offer the XRT parts as factory accessories or if they are purely for display purposes on this vehicle.

The new Santa Fe is available in the United States with two powertrain options. One is a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The other choice is a hybrid-assisted turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine enables the Santa Fe to accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 8.0 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph. The hybrid 1.6-liter achieves 0-62 mph in 9.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 118 mph.

The full details of the Santa Fe for the US market will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, including a comprehensive presentation, executive interviews, and related information, according to a Hyundai spokesperson.

Motorsport

Next-Gen 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Set to Debut on August 10

Although Hyundai has already unveiled the new design of the 2024 Santa Fe, there is still much we don’t know about this model. The worldwide premiere of this crossover will take place on Thursday, August 10, where we can expect to discover more about the extensively revamped Santa Fe, including its powertrain specifications.

The redesigned Hyundai crossover represents a significant departure from the current-generation model. The upcoming Santa Fe embraces a square and boxy appearance, featuring unique H motifs in its lighting units.


Motorsport

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Introduces New XRT Trim with Stylish Upgrades

Hyundai is launching a new trim for the 2024 Santa Cruz. The automaker is replacing the SEL Premium grade with the rugged and stylish XRT trim. This trim has already been added to other Hyundai models such as the Palisade, Santa Fe, and Tucson.

The 2024 Santa Cruz XRT comes with several distinctive upgrades, including fender flares, side steps, bed rails, and lower door garnishes. It also features orange wheel center caps, black door handles, black mirror caps, and an XRT tailgate emblem. Additionally, it has a dark chrome grille and tailgate handle trim, matte black “Santa Cruz” tailgate lettering, and dark front and rear fascias, all of which enhance its visual appeal.

The new Santa Cruz XRT will be positioned below the Santa Cruz Limited in the lineup and builds upon the SEL with Activity Package. The interior boasts black H-Tex seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Under the hood, the Santa Cruz XRT features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters and Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system. This powertrain delivers 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

In terms of color options, the 2024 Santa Cruz will offer the same palette as the 2023 model, including Sage Gray, Phantom Black, Blue Stone, Atlas White, Hampton Gray, and California Sand. LED projector headlights will come standard on all 2024 Santa Cruz models, while dual-zone automatic temperature control and auto defogger will be included on the SEL trim level and higher.

Every trim level of the Santa Cruz will also come equipped with steering wheel haptic feedback for the lane-keep assist and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist systems. Navigation will be available on the SEL with Activity Package grade and above.

Pricing details for the 2024 Santa Cruz have not been released yet. However, it is expected to have a slight increase compared to the SEL Premium trim it replaces, which starts at $38,935 (including the $1,335 destination charge). The Santa Cruz Limited trim currently costs $41,905. The XRT trim is also available on other Hyundai models, such as the Palisade.

The Santa Cruz has been performing well in sales, with a 10 percent increase in the first six months of 2023. Hyundai sold 20,050 Santa Cruz trucks so far this year. Ford’s sales figures for Q2 2023 have not been released, but the company reported 21,478 Maverick sales in the first three months of the year, and Q2 sales are expected to add to that number.

Motorsport

New Hyundai Santa Fe Shows H-Shaped Light Signature In Spy Shots

The upcoming new model of the Hyundai Santa Fe is expected to have a radical redesign compared to its current version. Despite being covered in heavy camouflage, it is clear that the midsize SUV will adopt a boxy shape, providing a roomier interior. The windows appear to be generous, suggesting that the fifth-generation model will be longer, wider, and taller.

Our spy photographers were able to get a close look at a prototype, which showcased its unique “H” daytime running lights that also function as turn signals. The Hyundai test vehicle seemed to have the complete production body, as evident from the cutouts in the camouflage for the front parking sensors, as well as the camera and radar located above and below the license plate, respectively.