Hyundai eying rugged XRT variants for Australia

Hyundai Australia looks to be laying the groundwork to release a series of toughened-up SUVs in the near future following our discovery of two trademark applications relating around the XRT nameplate.

For those scratching their heads, ‘XRT’ is most commonly seen in the North American market, where the nameplate adorns the back of more rugged and/or rugged-themed Hyundai SUV models, specifically the Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade.

Its most recent deployment was on the back of a beefed-up new-generation Santa Fe concept previewing a flagship all-terrain version of the upcoming large SUV, fitted with aggressive tyres, roof racks, a spare wheel, rear ladder, side paniers, unique alloys and a mild lift-kit.

Hyundai has long insisted the new-generation Santa Fe XRT concept is just that – a concept – but the existence of the ruggedly-styled XRT portfolio in North America suggest it will probably make production at some stage, especially as the enhanced monocoque-chassis SUV niche continues to grow in popularity.

The local trademark applications – ‘XRT’ and ‘Hyundai XRT’ – were both filed exclusively under Class 2 (motor vehicles; motors, engines, parts, fittings and accessories) in late September by Hyundai Australia, as opposed to the global operation, suggesting there could be more afoot here than simple nameplate security.

A local Hyundai spokesperson denied any knowledge of an upcoming XRT rollout, but carsales understands there are in fact some local plans being formulated – and not necessarily just for one model.

The most likely candidate for the XRT make-over here is of course the new-generation Santa Fe, which is due on sale Down Under in the first half of 2024. Given the song and dance Hyundai made over the concept car though, there’s every chance it could also be applied to the Tucson and Palisade.

It would be especially fitting for the former because it would provide consumers with an unprecedented amount of choice between the standard trim, the sporty N-Line and rugged-looking XRT.

For reference, the American Tucson XRT wears exclusive body cladding and bumpers, exclusive black 19-inch wheels, roof racks, a black grille, mirror caps and window trim, side steps, tow hitch, black headlining and H-Tex seat upholstery, plus a whole heap of variant-specific standard equipment.

The same recipe is applied to the outgoing Santa Fe XRT and bigger Palisade XRT, though there’s no mention of a suspension lift as per the Kia Sorento X-Line, which rides 25mm higher than the non-X-Line variants.

What Hyundai Australia decides to do with the nameplate in our market ultimately remains to be seen, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the new Santa Fe does indeed get a suspension and tyre upgrade as part of the XRT makeover, given the huge local interest in the Subaru Wilderness portfolio.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au