Driving Impressions: 2024 Santa Fe XRT 2.5T AWD

By: Mark Moskowitz MD

Most everywhere I went during my eight days with the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, people were drawn to it. The XRT's presentation, especially in Rockwood Green Pearl, is simultaneously subtle and bold. All trim including the hood, side, and rear hatch identifiers were a shade of black, as were pillars, wheels, roof rack, bumpers, and wheel surrounds. The most common comment I received was that the Hyundai looked like a Land Rover Defender - an elevating comparison to a car typically costing twice as much or more. (A few shared that the front end looked like that of several Ford models, and I couldn't disagree.)

The off-road version which exists somewhere in the middle of the five-model line is more impressive than its predecessor.  All Santa Fe's are taller by 2 inches and their wheelbase and overall length have been stretched nearly the same amount. This allows outstanding foot room, comfort in the midsection, and space adequate for a pair of adults in the now standard third seats. Headroom abounds and 95% of US adults should have no problem with the same. 

The dashboard has been upgraded with an in-continuity gauge panel and touchscreen whose glossy surfaces measure 27 inches across. A bordering speaker on the driver's left enhances the length of the display.

Some looked at previous versions of the XRT as having merely cosmetics as their claim to off-road credentials. This year springs have been raised to affect a 1.3-inch increase in ground clearance. This is the only Santa Fe with a 4500-pound tow capacity (its hitch is a $450 option). The XRT is equipped with extra cooling ducts in the bumper and boasts a higher capacity radiator and a higher wattage fan than others in the line. And the $40,500 XRT comes standard with HTRAC All-Wheel Drive, an adjustable system* which costs an additional $1800 dollars in all other Santa Fe's.

The user experience was excellent. The console was wide enough to comfortably accommodate a pair of cell phones, as well as two drinks. Yet it allowed the driver's knees to be splayed out, should that be the desired driving position. Augmenting the 12.3-inch touch screen and other touch paneling were dials for climate control, and numerous buttons and dials to access an upgraded infotainment system. Voice recognition was exceptional.

Front seat occupants can access a pair of USB-C's. Those in the middle use USB-C's in the sides of the front seats. They also have some unique storage options as the console door swings both ways and there's separate access to a 6 x 9 x 6-inch storage drawer. Those in the third-row benefit from a 110V plug as well as separate air conditioner controls.

The cargo area is accessed by an automatic door, which opens to reveal a nearly 50-inch-wide threshold. Inside is a 12V plug as well as electronically activated releases which allow the middle seats to fold. The third row is released by straps. Beneath the floor is the jack; and the chassis houses a spare. which though not full-sized should be adequate to carry users to safety whether on or off road.

The drive was pleasant. The eight-speed shifted quickly whether controlled by paddles or left to its own programming. The first experience with the shifter stalk might be awkward for some, as it requires a twist to engage drive or reverse, but it's a skill easily mastered.

Several hundred miles behind the wheel brought great respect for the 18-inch Continental Terrain Contact tires, some of the quietest off-road capable rubber I have experienced. Acceleration was brisk. The 277-horsepower turbo-charged 4-cylinder turbo brought 60 miles an hour in seven seconds. Passing or accelerating onto an interstate was never a problem. No surprise in a tall vehicle, there was a bit of body lean, though never anxiety when speeding down or up a curving access ramp.

And kudos to the Hyundai Highway Driving Assist whose eye movement monitor allows long stretches of hands-free driving. If I missed anything in this car, it was the assistance of Hyundai's surround view system and Blind-Spot View Monitor – standard features in the more expensive Limited and Calligraphy models. Front and side views would seem useful adjuncts when going off-road. This writer feels that both systems should be universally mandated for all new cars!

Other mentionables include a front compartment sunroof in the XRT and fold down grab handles (facilitating roof rack access) in the B pillar. The Santa Fe continues to have a large space beneath the console to allow storage of a purse or package without compromise of seating space. The XRT's interior is attractive with durable faux leather seating and satin silver-colored accents. LED lighting is standard and it's here the brand is touted. Taillights and daytime running lights at grill edge are H-patterned.

The XRT has updated styling on a proven chassis and offers three-row seating and off-road flair. It achieves 26 mpg on the highway, short of FWD Santa Fe's 29 mpg, but still respectable mileage. It continues Hyundai's tradition of a 10-year /100,000-mile power train warranty and comes with three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary service. It's a credible entry and a recommended choice in a crowded 'mid-size' field.

*AWD Torque Distribution:

Snow: 80:20 to 50:50

Sand/Mud: 50:50

AWD Lock: 50:50

Drive Modes: Comfort/Eco/Sports/Smart with active torque distribution is available in FWD and AWD versions.

Photo credit: Mark Moskowitz MD

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