2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: The automotive landscape continues to evolve with manufacturers striving to create vehicles that serve multiple purposes without compromising on any front. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT stands as a testament to this philosophy, offering a compelling blend of rugged off-road capability and refined family comfort.
This latest iteration takes the already popular Santa Fe and elevates it to new heights with targeted enhancements that cater to adventure-seeking families who refuse to be confined by conventional roads.
A Bold New Design Language
The moment you lay eyes on the 2025 Santa Fe XRT, its purpose becomes apparent. Hyundai has crafted a visual statement that communicates capability without shouting it. The XRT trim builds upon the standard Santa Fe’s already imposing presence with a design language that speaks of purposeful ruggedness.
The front fascia features Hyundai’s signature parametric grille, now wider and more pronounced on the XRT, flanked by distinctive H-shaped LED daytime running lights that create an unmistakable light signature. These elements are complemented by a robust skid plate finished in a matte silver that subtly hints at the vehicle’s off-road aspirations while maintaining a premium aesthetic.
Moving along the profile, the XRT distinguishes itself with model-specific cladding around the wheel arches and rocker panels, offering both visual muscle and practical protection against trail debris.
The vehicle rides on exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels with a machine-finished face and matte black pockets, wrapped in all-terrain tires that strike an impressive balance between off-road traction and on-road comfort. The increased ground clearance – now at 8.3 inches – further emphasizes the XRT’s adventurous spirit without making entry and exit cumbersome for family members of all ages.
At the rear, the Santa Fe XRT maintains its distinctive character with a unique bumper design featuring integrated dual exhaust outlets and another silver skid plate that visually ties the package together. The H-shaped taillights mirror the front DRLs, creating a cohesive design that looks equally at home on woodland trails or in upscale neighborhoods.
Spacious Interior with Thoughtful Touches
Step inside the Santa Fe XRT, and you’re greeted by an interior that beautifully reconciles the seemingly contradictory demands of off-road adventure and family comfort. The cabin maintains Hyundai’s reputation for logical layout and quality materials while adding XRT-specific touches that remind occupants of the vehicle’s dual nature.
The seats deserve special mention – they’re wrapped in a durable yet comfortable combination of leatherette and water-resistant cloth with distinctive orange stitching that adds visual interest without becoming garish. The front seats offer heating and ventilation as standard on the XRT trim, while the driver’s seat includes 10-way power adjustment with lumbar support to ease long-journey fatigue.
Hyundai has clearly prioritized interior space, a crucial consideration for family vehicles. The second row provides ample legroom even for adult passengers, with the ability to slide and recline to maximize comfort or cargo capacity as needed. For 2025, Hyundai has introduced a clever storage solution beneath the second-row seats – perfect for stowing emergency supplies or keeping valuables out of sight during adventures.
The third row, optional on the XRT, remains best suited for younger passengers but has seen improvements in accessibility thanks to a revised one-touch folding mechanism for the second row. When not needed, the third row folds completely flat, creating a cavernous cargo area that can accommodate everything from camping gear to home improvement supplies with ease.
The panoramic sunroof – standard on the XRT – floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy, spacious feel that connects occupants with the outdoors even when the windows are up. This thoughtful touch significantly enhances the perception of interior space while adding a touch of luxury that elevates the overall experience.
Technology That Serves Purpose
The technological suite in the 2025 Santa Fe XRT strikes an impressive balance between cutting-edge features and intuitive usability. The centerpiece is the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, creating a cohesive digital environment that Hyundai calls the “Panoramic Curved Display.”
This system runs the latest version of Hyundai’s infotainment software, which has been refined to offer more responsive performance and an interface that requires minimal distraction from the road. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does a wireless charging pad conveniently positioned at the base of the center stack.
For 2025, Hyundai has introduced an enhanced version of its Bluelink connected car services, offering remote start, climate control, door lock/unlock, and vehicle status checks through a smartphone app. The system now includes a new “Adventure Mode” that can record your off-road journeys and save waypoints for future exploration – a feature that demonstrates Hyundai’s understanding of the XRT buyer’s lifestyle.
The premium Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers has been acoustically tuned specifically for the Santa Fe’s cabin dimensions, delivering rich, immersive sound that enhances long journeys. Multiple USB-C ports throughout all three rows ensure everyone’s devices remain charged, while a 115V power outlet in the cargo area allows for powering larger devices during outdoor excursions.
Perhaps most impressive is the new off-road specific technology incorporated into the XRT trim. The multi-terrain select system offers optimized drivetrain settings for snow, mud, sand, and rock, adjusting throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control intervention accordingly. The system works in conjunction with the upgraded all-wheel-drive system that can now send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels and distribute it between the left and right rear wheels as needed.
An additional trail camera system provides real-time views of terrain that would otherwise be obscured from the driver’s perspective – a feature borrowed from more expensive off-road specialists that significantly enhances confidence when navigating challenging obstacles.
Performance That Delivers
Under the hood, the 2025 Santa Fe XRT offers two compelling powertrain options. The standard setup is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque – numbers that provide more than adequate acceleration for daily driving and confidence-inspiring passing power on highways.
For 2025, Hyundai has also introduced a hybrid powertrain option for the XRT, combining a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 227 horsepower. While this represents a decrease in outright power, the hybrid system’s instantaneous torque delivery actually enhances off-road capability in certain scenarios, particularly during low-speed maneuvers where precise power modulation is crucial.
Both powertrains are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that has been calibrated specifically for the XRT’s dual-purpose nature. In normal driving, shifts are smooth and unobtrusive, prioritizing efficiency and comfort. When more spirited driving is called for – or when the terrain selection system is engaged – the transmission adopts a more responsive character, holding gears longer and downshifting more eagerly.
The XRT-specific suspension tuning deserves particular praise. Hyundai engineers have achieved an impressive compromise between on-road composure and off-road articulation. The suspension maintains sufficient travel to absorb significant terrain variations while incorporating enough dampening to prevent the floaty, disconnected feeling that plagues some off-road-oriented vehicles on paved surfaces.
During testing on a variety of surfaces – from highway cruising to moderately challenging off-road trails – the Santa Fe XRT demonstrated remarkable composure. It lacks the ultimate capability of dedicated off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler, but it occupies a sweet spot that will satisfy the vast majority of adventure-seeking families who venture off pavement occasionally rather than as a primary pursuit.
Safety for Every Circumstance
Hyundai recognizes that a family vehicle must prioritize safety regardless of where the adventure leads. The 2025 Santa Fe XRT comes equipped with an impressive suite of advanced driver assistance systems under the Hyundai SmartSense umbrella.
Standard features include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. For 2025, Hyundai has enhanced these systems with more powerful processors and improved sensors that allow for smoother, more natural interventions when needed.
The XRT trim adds several safety features specifically designed for off-road situations. Downhill brake control automatically maintains a steady speed during steep descents, allowing the driver to focus entirely on steering. The hill-start assist system prevents rollback on inclines, a particularly useful feature when navigating technical terrain.
Perhaps most impressive is the new 360-degree camera system with enhanced off-road views. Beyond the standard overhead perspective, the system offers specialized views that show the terrain immediately ahead of and alongside the vehicle, complete with trajectory lines based on the current steering angle. This feature dramatically enhances confidence when navigating tight trails or positioning the vehicle precisely on challenging obstacles.
On-Road Manners
Despite its off-road enhancements, the 2025 Santa Fe XRT shines as a daily driver – a crucial consideration for its family-oriented target market. Highway cruising is particularly impressive, with minimal wind and road noise penetrating the well-insulated cabin. The all-terrain tires do generate slightly more noise than the touring tires found on lower trims, but the difference is negligible at normal speeds.
The electrically assisted power steering strikes an appropriate balance between ease of use and feedback. It lightens appropriately at parking speeds while providing adequate weighting and some road feel at highway velocities. The brake pedal offers progressive resistance and easy modulation, inspiring confidence in emergency situations without being overly sensitive during normal driving.
Fuel economy – often a concern with vehicles in this category – is impressive for an off-road capable SUV. The turbocharged 2.5-liter achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the hybrid pushes those figures to 31 city and 35 highway – numbers that will help ease the financial burden of family road trips to remote destinations.
Value Proposition
With a starting price of $44,795 including destination charges, the Santa Fe XRT positions itself in the heart of the midsize SUV market. While this represents a premium over the base Santa Fe, the additional capability, equipment, and unique styling elements justify the increase for buyers who will utilize the vehicle’s full potential.
Standard equipment is generous, leaving few desirable options on the table. The Technology Package ($2,800) adds the third-row seating, head-up display, and remote smart parking assist, while the hybrid powertrain commands a $1,500 premium over the standard turbocharged engine.
When compared to competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Bronco Sport, the Santa Fe XRT offers a compelling blend of on-road refinement, off-road capability, and value. While it may not match the ultimate trail prowess of the Jeep or the iconic styling of the Bronco Sport, it surpasses both in terms of interior space, fuel economy, and daily livability.
The Family Adventure Companion
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT successfully bridges the gap between rugged adventure vehicle and refined family hauler. It offers genuine off-road capability that will satisfy the needs of most outdoor enthusiasts while maintaining the comfort, technology, and safety features that families require for daily use.
Its thoughtful design – both inside and out – speaks to Hyundai’s understanding of its target market: active families who see vehicles as enablers of experiences rather than mere transportation appliances. The attention to detail throughout the vehicle, from the durable yet attractive interior materials to the terrain-specific technology features, demonstrates a holistic approach to product development that results in a cohesive, purposeful package.
While dedicated off-roaders may find its capabilities lacking in extreme scenarios, and those focused entirely on on-road comfort might prefer the standard Santa Fe trims, the XRT occupies a sweet spot that will appeal to a significant segment of buyers. It embodies the growing trend of vehicles that refuse to be pigeonholed into traditional categories, instead offering genuine capability across multiple use cases.
For families seeking to expand their adventurous horizons without sacrificing daily comfort and convenience, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT deserves serious consideration. It represents not just a vehicle, but a passport to experiences that might otherwise remain unexplored – and ultimately, that’s what makes it special.
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