Hyundai Santa Fe XRT shows off-road intent
It’s only a concept for now, but make no mistake, Hyundai’s boxy new Santa Fe SUV is going wilder than everIf you thought the imposing new look of the incoming 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe was simply cosmetic, the Korean brand has used the official launch of the fifth-generation large SUV overnight to reveal a concept that shows its new-found off-road intent.
Dubbed the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, the concept points to a more capable Land Rover Defender-rivalling 4x4 that can go further off-road than any Santa Fe before it.
Hyundai says the XRT is built to “cater [to] diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts”.
“The XRT concept is designed to handle challenging terrains with confidence and ease, offering versatile utility for outdoor lifestyles,” the company said.
It comes equipped with a roof rack and spare tyre, a rear ladder, side paniers, what looks like a higher ride height and black alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres.
Cabin treatments haven’t been detailed, but it’s thought more durable materials have been used.
There’s also no word yet on hardware changes, but at the very least there should be a range of new dealer-fit accessories and modifications for those who plan to take the new Hyundai SUV off the beaten track.
Set to land in Australia early next year, the standard new-generation Santa Fe is bigger than its predecessor in all directions (other than width), measuring 4830mm long (+45mm), 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall (+50mm).
It also rides on a longer 2815mm wheelbase (+35mm).
Power comes from an array of new four-cylinder engines comprising a 2.5-litre petrol (143kW/246Nm), 2.5-litre turbo-petrol (207kW/422Nm), 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid (132kW/265Nm) and a 1.6-litre turbo plug-in hybrid (118kW/265Nm).
That’s right, no diesel.
Expect a mix of two-wheel drive and 4WD layouts across the range, with the latter obviously crucial for any XRT version that materialises.
Inside, Hyundai has followed Mercedes-Benz’s lead and combined twin 12.3-inch screens behind one screen for a clean, minimalist look.
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