The Hyundai Santa Fe's dramatic 2024 makeover isn't exactly breaking news at this point, but the automaker has taken to Los Angeles to uncover more details on the U.S. model, along with an extra rugged XRT trim. While the latter isn't quite as extreme as the concept unveiled back in August, it does build on the SUV's boxy new looks with extra ground clearance and a set of chunky all-terrain tires.
While it's more rugged than the rest of the Santa Fe lineup, the XRT has been toned down considerably. Gone are the concept's huge BF Goodrich tires, as they've been supplanted with Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires. The production XRT does bolt on an additional 1.5 inches of ground clearance, and raises the SUV's max towing capacity to 4,500 pounds when the towing package is checked off. While its roof rails are fitted with cross bars, they're civilian compared to the concept's roof rack equipped with a spare tire and cargo carrier, tailgate-mounted ladder, and cargo boxes situated between the C- and D-pillars. A rugged variant like this isn't without some cosmetic changes, including darkened exterior elements and XRT badging inside and out.
As for the rest of the U.S.-bound Sante Fe lineup, a turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine is now the sole powertrain option across the lineup, though a hybrid variant is set to arrive later. The gas engine delivers 277 horsrpower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive will be standard on the majority of the lineup, though there's a chance that more expensive models like the XRT will come with all-wheel drive. As for the hybrid powertrain, it uses a turbocharged 1.6 liter inline-four engine that joins with the hybrid system to produce a total of 232 horsepower. Meanwhile, the fancier plug-in hybrid Santa Fe is dead for this generation.
Compared to the previous generation, the new Santa Fe is not only boxier on the outside, but it boasts much more space inside. Its new design, which was penned from the back forward to optimize cargo space, allows for the return of the third row option and features an excessively wide tailgate.
Hyundai says the gas-powered Santa Fe will arrive at U.S. showrooms in March 2024, while the hybrid variant is slated to launch later in the spring. Pricing won't be announced until closer to the model's release, but it should surpass the current model's starting price of $28,750.
Image Credits: Hyundai
Revealed
Nov 21, 2023
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2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Debuts For America With Rugged XRT Model
The new Santa Fe will be making its way to U.S. dealers in March 2024.
The Hyundai Santa Fe's dramatic 2024 makeover isn't exactly breaking news at this point, but the automaker has taken to Los Angeles to uncover more details on the U.S. model, along with an extra rugged XRT trim. While the latter isn't quite as extreme as the concept unveiled back in August, it does build on the SUV's boxy new looks with extra ground clearance and a set of chunky all-terrain tires.
While it's more rugged than the rest of the Santa Fe lineup, the XRT has been toned down considerably. Gone are the concept's huge BF Goodrich tires, as they've been supplanted with Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires. The production XRT does bolt on an additional 1.5 inches of ground clearance, and raises the SUV's max towing capacity to 4,500 pounds when the towing package is checked off. While its roof rails are fitted with cross bars, they're civilian compared to the concept's roof rack equipped with a spare tire and cargo carrier, tailgate-mounted ladder, and cargo boxes situated between the C- and D-pillars. A rugged variant like this isn't without some cosmetic changes, including darkened exterior elements and XRT badging inside and out.
As for the rest of the U.S.-bound Sante Fe lineup, a turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine is now the sole powertrain option across the lineup, though a hybrid variant is set to arrive later. The gas engine delivers 277 horsrpower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive will be standard on the majority of the lineup, though there's a chance that more expensive models like the XRT will come with all-wheel drive. As for the hybrid powertrain, it uses a turbocharged 1.6 liter inline-four engine that joins with the hybrid system to produce a total of 232 horsepower. Meanwhile, the fancier plug-in hybrid Santa Fe is dead for this generation.
Compared to the previous generation, the new Santa Fe is not only boxier on the outside, but it boasts much more space inside. Its new design, which was penned from the back forward to optimize cargo space, allows for the return of the third row option and features an excessively wide tailgate.
Hyundai says the gas-powered Santa Fe will arrive at U.S. showrooms in March 2024, while the hybrid variant is slated to launch later in the spring. Pricing won't be announced until closer to the model's release, but it should surpass the current model's starting price of $28,750.