Tougher Hyundai XRT 4x4 SUVs locked in for Australia

Hyundai Australia has confirmed it will introduce harder-core, off-road-oriented XRT versions of its popular SUVs – including Santa Fe, Palisade and Tucson – from later this year.

As the more rugged takes on the Hyundai Santa Fe, Palisade, Tucson and (US-market) Santa Cruz ute all debuted at the New York motor show today, a source from Hyundai Australia told carsales that the SUVs were headed Down Under.

Aussie pricing and specifications are still to be announced, but the XRT is likely to be offered as a pack along similar lines to the current N Line, although in this case the focus is on heavier-duty equipment such as a raised ride height, black 18-inch off-road-ready wheels, all-terrain tyres and other useful additions like a roof rack.

While the XRT models shown in New York are sourced from US factories, the vehicles we’ll get Down Under will be Korean-made and might be specified differently.

It’s also not yet known if the Australian-spec XRT models will come with local suspension tuning.

The first of the trio heading this way is expected to be the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, which boasts an extra 40mm of ground clearance compared to the regular SUV.

Speaking to carsales, senior Hyundai executives in the US claimed the XRT-equipped Santa Fe was perfect for those who drive on dirt, gravel and rutted roads.

They did not, however, confirm whether the production versions destined for Australia would come with a retuned stability control or different driving modes designed to enhance traction.

There’s also no word if under the skin the more capable Hyundai SUV will boast more underbody protection.

The US-spec Santa Fe XRT is equipped with the Sonata-derived 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 207kW/422Nm and combines with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Preparing the groundwork for the introduction of the more rugged Hyundai SUVs, the Korean car brand has already been caught filing trademark applications relating to the XRT nameplate with IP Australia.

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