The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT walks a confident line between family-friendly SUV and weekend adventure rig, blending rugged looks with everyday comfort in a way that feels genuinely thoughtful. Its squared-off design, raised stance, and chunky tires give it real trailhead energy, while a lively turbocharged powertrain, standard all-wheel drive, and adaptable drive modes make everything from rainy commutes to gravel backroads feel easy. Inside, the cabin surprises with generous room for people and gear, plus small but meaningful conveniences like dual wireless charging pads that keep everyone powered up on long trips. Still, it’s not without its quirks, as touch-based climate controls can be fiddly on the move, and hardcore off-roaders may scoff at its tough-guy image without the heavy-duty hardware to match. That tension is exactly what defines the Santa Fe XRT: a stylish, capable SUV built for adventure-minded drivers who want versatility without giving up comfort.
PRO: Rugged Functional Looks
The Santa Fe XRT looks like it was built for trailheads and muddy boots, with its squared-off body, dark cladding, and chunky tires giving it the confidence of something that actually leaves pavement behind. Details like the raised ride height and roof rails make it feel less like a dressed-up family hauler and more like an SUV that’s ready for kayaks, bikes, and spontaneous dirt-road detours.
PRO: Powertrain
The turbocharged engine in the Santa Fe XRT delivers lively acceleration whether you’re merging onto the highway or climbing a steep backroad, making the powertrain feel eager and confident. Its smooth, responsive torque lets you haul gear or tow with ease, so weekends packed with trailers, bikes, or camping supplies never feel underpowered.
PRO: Spacious
Inside the Santa Fe XRT there’s generous space for both passengers and cargo, so long road trips with friends and luggage don’t feel cramped. With roomy rear seats and a wide cargo area that swallows camping gear or grocery runs alike, everyone can stretch out without complaint.
PRO: Standard All-wheel-drive
The standard all-wheel drive in the Santa Fe XRT gives you confidence when the road turns slippery, whether that’s a rain-soaked highway or a gravel access road to your favorite trailhead. It feels reassuring to know the SUV is ready to grip and adapt, so you’re less worried about weather or terrain and more focused on the adventure ahead.
PRO: Drive and Terrain Modes
The Santa Fe XRT’s suite of drive and terrain modes makes adapting to different surfaces effortless, whether you’re cruising on pavement or tackling loose dirt on a forest road. Switching into Snow or Mud mode instantly sharpens traction and throttle response, so you feel more in control when the ground gets uncertain.
PRO: His & Hers Charging Pads
Having both his and hers wireless charging pads in the Santa Fe XRT means everyone’s phone stays powered up without fighting over a cable, whether you’re navigating or streaming music. It’s a simple convenience that makes road trips smoother, keeping devices juiced and within easy reach all weekend long.
CON: Touch Climate Controls
The touch-based climate controls in the Santa Fe XRT can be frustrating to use while driving because they lack the tactile feel of physical buttons, making it easy to miss the right spot and take your eyes off the road. In bright sunlight the screen can be hard to read, turning simple tasks like adjusting the fan or temperature into a guessing game.
CON: Off Road Enthusiasts May Gawk
Hardcore off-road enthusiasts may roll their eyes at the XRT’s trail-ready look, knowing it’s still more mall crawler than rock crawler when the terrain gets truly rough. It can draw the kind of gawking that comes with looking tough without having the locking differentials or low-range hardware that serious adventurers expect.
