The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is making waves in the family SUV market by merging rugged aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Gone are the days of uninspiring crossovers, as this new model showcases a bold and robust design reminiscent of a Land Rover, demonstrating Hyundai’s dedication to crafting a vehicle that not only looks tough but performs brilliantly too. With its striking aggressive stance and well-defined rectangular body, the Santa Fe maximizes interior space, making it an excellent choice for families who need both style and roominess, while successfully blending form and function.
Stepping inside the Santa Fe XRT, the cabin is just as impressive. Practicality reigns supreme, with well-thought-out storage solutions and a spacious environment designed for family use. The interior is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a similarly sized touchscreen infotainment system, ensuring that technology is within easy reach. While it’s not loaded with luxury features like its higher-end siblings, the XRT prioritizes functionality, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Notably, the Santa Fe XRT can accommodate up to seven passengers, thanks to its newly added third row. However, it’s important to note that the third row is best suited for children or shorter trips, as legroom is somewhat limited at 30 inches. Families looking for space will appreciate the 60/40 folding second-row seats, which provide additional flexibility for cargo and passengers alike. Despite some compromises in cargo space – with only 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row – the Santa Fe makes up for it with a total cargo capacity of 79.6 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT stands out as a family SUV that combines rugged looks with practical features, making it a compelling choice for those in the market for a three-row vehicle. While it does have some rough edges, such as power delivery and road noise, the overall package is one that many families will find appealing. This SUV is not just about getting from point A to B; it’s about enjoying the journey with your loved ones on board, surrounded by advanced technology and functionality designed for the modern family.
1. **Driving Dynamics**: The driving dynamics of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT are intriguing, to say the least. While it certainly has the rugged looks to match its capabilities, the driving experience can feel somewhat disjointed. The steering is relatively quick but lacks feedback, which is typical for large family SUVs. When maneuvering in tight spots or during parking, the Santa Fe holds its ground well, but the overall sensation behind the wheel may feel numb, leaving enthusiasts wanting a bit more engagement.
2. **Engine Performance**: Under the hood, this SUV is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that churns out 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. These numbers indicate a strong performance on paper, but the real-world experience tells another story. Acceleration off the line is hampered by noticeable lag, making starting from a complete stop a chore. However, once the Santa Fe XRT is in motion, it quickly gains speed and feels more potent, especially on the highway, where it showcases its robust power curve.
Fuel economy in the Santa Fe XRT presents a bit of a mixed bag for potential buyers. With city ratings of 19 mpg and 26 mpg on the highway, it doesn’t quite keep pace with some competitors in the three-row SUV segment, which can be attributed to its off-road-centric design and all-terrain tires that might generate extra road noise compared to standard all-season options. For those who prioritize fuel efficiency above all, exploring lower trims or other vehicle alternatives may be a wise choice.
Hyundai prioritizes safety with the Santa Fe XRT, as it comes fully equipped with an extensive range of advanced safety technologies. With standard features like blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, and highway driving assist, families can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their driving experience is supported by cutting-edge safety measures designed to protect everyone inside.
5. **Interior Comfort**: For families on the go, comfort is key, and the Santa Fe XRT does not disappoint in this area. The spacious cabin provides ample legroom, particularly in the first and second rows. While the third-row seating is a bit cramped, it is perfect for small children or short trips. The front seats are designed with long-distance comfort in mind, featuring supportive cushioning that can hold up during extended drives, making it suitable for family road trips.
One of the standout features of the Santa Fe XRT is its emphasis on practical storage solutions, which busy families will truly appreciate. The cabin includes a variety of thoughtfully designed storage compartments, including an impressively spacious center console that comfortably holds two smartphones side by side. Equipped with abundant cup holders and conveniently placed USB-C ports, this vehicle effectively caters to the needs of today’s families on the go.
Tech-savvy families will certainly enjoy the Santa Fe XRT’s infotainment system, boasting a sizable 12.3-inch touchscreen that is both user-friendly and intuitive. With seamless support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone integration is a breeze, while the digital climate control system adds a modern touch—though it may require a little adjustment for those accustomed to traditional physical knobs in their vehicles.
When taking the road less traveled, the Santa Fe XRT excels with its off-road capabilities. Fitted with all-terrain tires and an impressive 8.3-inch ground clearance, this SUV easily navigates various terrains. However, while it can handle light off-roading, it’s important to note that its primary design intention is for family use, so more extreme off-road adventures might be better left to specialized vehicles built specifically for such purposes.
In summary, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT emerges as a strong contender in the family SUV segment, successfully combining practicality with rugged aesthetics. Although it does have a few imperfections, such as power delivery and road noise, its spacious interior, comprehensive safety features, and impressive tech offerings position it as a versatile option for families looking for adventure. As Hyundai continuously refines its models, the Santa Fe XRT stands out as a family-friendly three-row SUV that blends utility with style, while still leaving room for improvement in performance dynamics.
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