2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: Rugged SUV Review

Alright, guys, let's dive into the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, a trim that's been turning heads and stirring up interest in the compact SUV segment. This review will cover everything you need to know, from its rugged design and off-road capabilities to its interior comfort and tech features. We'll explore whether the Santa Fe XRT truly lives up to its adventurous aspirations, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking a stylish and capable SUV. Get ready to explore the nitty-gritty details, because by the end of this review, you'll have a clear picture of what makes the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT tick and if it’s the right ride for your next adventure.

Exterior Design and Features

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT immediately distinguishes itself from the standard Santa Fe with its unique, rugged aesthetic. It's designed to appeal to those with an active lifestyle and a penchant for outdoor adventures. The XRT trim boasts several distinctive features that set it apart. First and foremost, you'll notice the aggressive front fascia with a more pronounced grille and a skid plate, giving it a bolder and more assertive appearance. The addition of dark-finish trim, including the side mirrors and door handles, further enhances its rugged appeal, creating a cohesive and purposeful design language. Guys, the XRT isn't just about looks; it's about functionality too.

The XRT comes standard with side steps, making it easier to access the roof for loading gear like bikes, kayaks, or extra luggage. The vehicle's raised ride height contributes to its off-road prowess, allowing it to tackle uneven terrain with greater confidence. The stylish, dark-colored alloy wheels are wrapped in all-terrain tires, providing enhanced grip and traction on various surfaces. Plus, the distinctive roof rails add to the vehicle's versatility, enabling the mounting of additional cargo-carrying accessories. Hyundai has really nailed the design here, creating an SUV that looks as ready for adventure as it is practical for everyday use. The XRT trim package doesn’t just make the Santa Fe look tougher; it equips it to handle those tougher conditions, guys. The attention to detail, from the matte-black accents to the rugged tires, really sells the outdoor-ready image. This is a car that makes you want to pack up and go!

Interior Comfort and Technology

Moving inside the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, you're greeted with a blend of comfort and functionality. The interior design reflects the rugged exterior, with durable materials and practical features. While the XRT trim maintains the core design elements of the standard Santa Fe, it includes exclusive touches that enhance its appeal. You’ll find unique upholstery and trim accents, often featuring a combination of materials that feel both sporty and hard-wearing, perfect for withstanding the rigors of an active lifestyle. The overall design is modern and well-thought-out, providing a comfortable and inviting cabin. Seriously, it's a great space to spend time in.

As for the tech, the Santa Fe XRT is packed with the latest technology to keep you connected and entertained on the go. The centerpiece is a large touchscreen infotainment system, usually measuring 8 or 10.25 inches, depending on the configuration. This system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Navigation is standard, with clear and intuitive maps to guide your journeys. The XRT trim also includes a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which boost safety and convenience. These systems may include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, adding an extra layer of protection on the road. The spacious cabin provides ample room for passengers in both the front and rear seats, making long road trips more enjoyable. The quality of the materials used in the interior, even though designed for durability, still manages to feel premium, giving the XRT a balanced feel of both ruggedness and comfort. The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT manages to strike a great balance between a comfortable, tech-filled interior and a rugged, adventure-ready exterior – it's a win-win!

Performance and Driving Experience

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offers a performance profile designed to meet the diverse needs of drivers. Under the hood, the XRT trim typically offers a choice of powertrains. A popular option is the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers a good balance of power and efficiency. This engine is usually paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive gear changes. The Santa Fe XRT also comes with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), further enhancing its capability to handle various road conditions and off-road adventures. The AWD system provides increased traction and stability, making it ideal for navigating slippery surfaces like snow and gravel, as well as tackling light trails.

On the road, the Santa Fe XRT delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections, providing a smooth ride even on rough surfaces. The vehicle's precise steering and responsive handling make it easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving situations. Guys, while the XRT is designed for off-road excursions, it's also a fantastic daily driver. The vehicle's raised ride height doesn’t overly affect its on-road behavior, so you can still enjoy a comfortable ride without sacrificing maneuverability. The XRT's all-wheel-drive system gives drivers confidence and control in various conditions. Overall, the Santa Fe XRT combines a pleasant driving experience with the capability to explore beyond the pavement. So, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend getaway, the Santa Fe XRT is designed to deliver a versatile and enjoyable driving experience.

Off-Road Capabilities

One of the key selling points of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is its enhanced off-road capability. This trim level is specifically designed to handle a variety of terrains, making it a great choice for those who love outdoor adventures. The XRT comes equipped with several features that significantly improve its performance off the beaten path. Its raised ride height provides increased ground clearance, allowing it to clear obstacles such as rocks, logs, and uneven surfaces more easily. The standard all-wheel-drive system plays a crucial role in enhancing off-road performance, distributing power to the wheels with the most grip. This ensures that the vehicle maintains traction even on loose or slippery surfaces like mud, sand, or gravel. The all-terrain tires further contribute to its off-road prowess, providing enhanced grip and traction on a variety of surfaces. These tires are designed with aggressive tread patterns, maximizing grip and minimizing the risk of slipping. The addition of skid plates provides crucial protection to the undercarriage, shielding vital components from damage when navigating rough terrain.

The XRT trim is more than capable of handling light to moderate off-road trails, providing a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. It's ideal for those who enjoy activities like camping, hiking, and exploring scenic routes. The Santa Fe XRT is not intended for hardcore off-roading, but it provides a significant upgrade over the standard Santa Fe. The XRT's combination of features makes it a versatile SUV that is well-suited for both everyday driving and weekend adventures. The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is the perfect companion for those looking to get off the grid and explore new horizons. It has the ruggedness and features to get you there in style and comfort. For people who enjoy outdoor activities and want a stylish, capable SUV, the XRT is a fantastic choice!

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality

Fuel efficiency and practicality are two crucial factors to consider when purchasing an SUV, and the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT generally delivers favorably on both fronts. The vehicle's fuel economy is competitive within its class, with specific figures varying slightly depending on the powertrain and driving conditions. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine typically offers a good balance between power and efficiency, delivering decent miles per gallon (MPG) ratings. These figures mean that the XRT can handle daily commutes and weekend adventures without putting too much strain on your wallet. However, be aware that driving habits and road conditions can influence actual fuel consumption.

In terms of practicality, the Santa Fe XRT offers a spacious and versatile cabin that caters to a variety of needs. The SUV provides ample cargo space, with the rear seats offering flexibility for both passengers and luggage. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more storage capacity, making it easy to accommodate larger items. The presence of roof rails and optional accessories, such as a cargo carrier, further enhances the vehicle's practicality, allowing you to transport items like bikes, kayaks, or extra luggage. The XRT also incorporates various storage compartments throughout the cabin, ensuring that you can keep smaller items organized and within easy reach. The vehicle’s practicality extends to its user-friendly features, which include a responsive infotainment system, convenient driver-assistance systems, and intuitive controls. The Santa Fe XRT is designed to make your life easier, whether you're navigating city streets or embarking on a road trip. The combination of fuel efficiency and practicality makes the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT a great choice for those seeking a versatile and cost-effective SUV.

Safety Features and Technology

Safety is a paramount consideration for any vehicle purchase, and the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features and advanced technologies designed to protect occupants and enhance driving confidence. The XRT trim benefits from Hyundai's commitment to safety, boasting a range of standard and available features that work to mitigate accidents and provide assistance to the driver. You’ll find that a key component of the Santa Fe's safety system is its structure, which is designed to absorb impact energy in the event of a collision. The vehicle incorporates advanced high-strength steel in its construction, which enhances its crashworthiness and provides added protection to passengers. Hyundai also offers a full suite of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to provide comprehensive protection in the event of a collision. Guys, these features are essential for a safe driving experience.

Beyond passive safety features, the XRT incorporates a variety of active safety technologies to help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. These may include a blind-spot monitoring system, which alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spot, and lane-keeping assist, which helps to keep the vehicle within its lane. Adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and forward collision-avoidance assist, which can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision, are also commonly featured. The Santa Fe XRT provides drivers with a secure and confident driving experience, supported by a combination of passive and active safety features. The technology seamlessly integrates to provide an extra layer of protection, making your journey safer. Safety and technology blend to create a driving experience that’s not just exciting, but incredibly secure. That's the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT typically comes as a single trim level, distinguished by its unique design and enhanced features for outdoor adventures. Pricing is competitive within its segment, offering excellent value for the features and capabilities it provides. However, exact pricing depends on the specific features and packages chosen. Buyers can often personalize their XRT with several options, such as premium paint colors, upgraded infotainment systems, and additional packages that include further enhancements to the vehicle's capability and comfort. Prices usually start in a specific range, with the final cost depending on the exact configuration and any added features. Guys, while the XRT offers a fantastic package, it’s worth comparing its price with other trim levels of the Santa Fe and competitors in the compact SUV segment to ensure the best fit for your budget and specific needs.

When considering the pricing, remember to factor in any potential incentives, rebates, or financing options that might be available. These can help make the XRT an even more attractive purchase. Hyundai frequently offers promotions, so it's a good idea to check with your local dealership to stay informed on the latest deals. Furthermore, consider the total cost of ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs, when making your decision. The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT delivers excellent value in the compact SUV segment. It provides a unique combination of rugged styling, off-road capabilities, and a well-equipped interior. So, take the time to compare prices, explore the options, and consider the total cost of ownership to determine if the Santa Fe XRT is the perfect SUV for you. That will ensure you get the best deal, so you can enjoy every adventure the XRT takes you on.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Rugged Design: The XRT trim boasts a distinctive and adventure-ready aesthetic. The rugged styling sets it apart from other SUVs.
• Off-Road Capability: Enhanced ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and all-terrain tires enable light to moderate off-road adventures.
• Comfortable Interior: The interior offers a blend of comfort and functionality, with modern design and durable materials.
• Tech-Savvy: Comes equipped with a range of advanced technology, including a user-friendly infotainment system and driver-assistance features.
• Good Value: Competitively priced, offering excellent value for the features and capabilities it provides.

Cons:

• Not a Hardcore Off-Roader: While capable, the XRT is not designed for extreme off-roading.
• Fuel Economy: While competitive, fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions and engine choice.
• Limited Trim Options: The XRT trim comes as a single configuration, with fewer customization choices compared to other trims.

Conclusion: Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Right for You?

So, after taking a deep dive into the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, what's the final verdict? If you're looking for a compact SUV that blends rugged style with everyday practicality, the XRT is definitely worth a look. The unique design, enhanced off-road capabilities, and well-equipped interior make it an appealing choice for those with an active lifestyle. Guys, it's perfect for weekend getaways and light off-road excursions, while still providing a comfortable and tech-filled driving experience on the road. The XRT excels at providing a balanced package, so you are not compromising.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the XRT is not designed for serious off-road adventures. If you're planning on tackling extremely rough terrain, you may want to consider other vehicles with more specialized off-road features. Overall, the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT delivers great value in its segment, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking a stylish and capable SUV. So, if you're looking for an SUV that stands out from the crowd and is ready for adventure, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is definitely a strong contender. The combination of its eye-catching design, comfortable interior, advanced technology, and enhanced off-road capability make it a great choice. With the XRT, you can embrace your love for the outdoors while enjoying a comfortable and convenient ride. Go get out there, guys, and enjoy the journey!