Hyundai has revealed a more rugged XRT version of its new Santa Fe at the Los Angeles motor show, and its local division is interested.
“We take a keen interest in all future Hyundai product, and XRT would make a great addition to our all-new Santa Fe range, but at this stage nothing is confirmed,” a spokesperson from Hyundai Australia told CarExpert.
“XRT is currently only available to the North American market.”
The XRT adds mostly cosmetic updates including dark chrome and black trim elements and cladding on the exterior, plus a unique front bumper and grille design.
There are also black roof rails with cross bars.
It features 30-inch all-terrain tyre fitment with 245/60R18 tyres, which adds 38mm of additional ground clearance compared to other Santa Fe models. It can tow just over two tonnes (2041kg).
It’s unclear if Hyundai has made any changes to the suspension or engine output of the flagship model but says the “outdoor-focused sport model…is designed to handle adverse terrain”.
It’s expected the XRT in the United States will be available with a choice of either a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol which produces 207kW of power and 422Nm of torque, or a 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid with maximum combined outputs of 173kW and 367Nm.
The XRT sits atop the US-market Santa Fe range along with the posh-looking Calligraphy, and features a UV-C sterilisation compartment, dual wireless charging pads, dual 12.3-inch infotainment and instrument cluster screens, and “eco-friendly materials” on the seats and doors.
The dimensions for the XRT are unchanged with the exception of an increase in ride height to 1795mm.
The new generation Santa Fe is larger than its predecessor at 4830mm long and 1900mm wide. The 2815mm wheelbase is 50mm longer than before, which should help free up more legroom for rear passengers.
Claimed boot space is 725 litres with the second row in place, up 91L on the car it replaces.
A plug-in hybrid Santa Fe will be offered in Europe, and a non-turbocharged petrol will be offered in some corners of the world – but we’re expecting to see the 2.5-litre turbo and the 1.6-litre hybrid in Australia.
The 2024 Santa Fe range is set to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2024. While US-market models will come from the company’s plant in Montgomery, Alabama, our Santa Fe models are set to come from South Korea.
The Santa Fe isn’t the only Hyundai to get the XRT treatment.
Palisade XRT 
Santa Cruz XRT
In North America, the Palisade, Tucson and Santa Cruz can also be had in XRT guise.
Click an image to view the full gallery
MORE: Everything Hyundai Santa Fe
MORE: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe: Everything you need to know
