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Exploring the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: A Rugged Family SUV with Tech Savvy

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is turning heads in the family SUV market, combining rugged aesthetics with impressive technology. Gone are the days of bland, car-based crossovers! The new Santa Fe boasts a bold, square-jawed design that resembles a Land Rover, reflecting Hyundai’s commitment to creating a vehicle that looks as tough as it performs. The SUV’s aggressive stance and rectangular body not only enhance its rugged appeal but also maximize interior space, making it a practical choice for families who need room to breathe. The design strikes a balance, ensuring that functionality does not take a backseat to style.

Hyundai Santa Fe on Road in Mountains
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Pexels

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.

Modern Car Dashboard with Infotainment System
Photo by Kanat Kairatov on Pexels

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.

Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe – Wikipedia, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

Driving Dynamics
File:BMW i3 driving dynamics control 03 2022 4732.jpg – Wikimedia Commons, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

motorcycle, engine, screws
Photo by PIRO4D on Pixabay

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
Fuel Economy | I was filling the car up with gasoline this m… | Flickr, Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

3. **Fuel Economy**: The fuel economy of the Santa Fe XRT presents a mixed bag. With ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, it lags behind some competitors in the three-row SUV segment. This performance can be attributed to its off-road-oriented design and all-terrain tires, which may produce more road noise compared to traditional all-season tires. Consumers who prioritize fuel efficiency might want to consider the lower trims or alternative vehicles in the market.

driving, friends, roadtrip
Photo by Bertsz on Pixabay

4. **Safety Features**: Hyundai does not skimp on safety, as the Santa Fe XRT is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies. Features such as blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, and highway driving assist come standard. These technologies are designed to provide peace of mind for families, helping ensure a safe driving experience for all occupants.

car grill, perspective, cooler
Photo by Jan2575 on Pixabay

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.

When folded, the Dahon Matrix fits in the trunk of a medium-size car” by bousinka is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

6. **Practical Storage Solutions**: The Santa Fe XRT excels in providing practical storage solutions, a necessity for busy families. The interior boasts a multitude of cleverly designed storage compartments, including a massive center console that can accommodate two smartphones side-by-side. With plenty of cup holders and easily accessible USB-C ports, the vehicle effectively caters to the needs of modern families.

Infotainment System
Car Infotainment System large screen Free Car Picture – Gi… | Flickr, Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY 2.0

7. **Infotainment System**: Tech-savvy families will appreciate the Santa Fe XRT’s infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen that is user-friendly and intuitive. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring compatibility with smartphones for seamless integration. The climate control is also managed through a digital interface, which, while attractive, may require a slight adjustment for those accustomed to physical knobs.

Off-Road Capability
Free Stock Photo of Jeep Driving Through Narrow Canyon in the Desert | Download Free Images and Free Illustrations, Photo by freerangestock.com, is licensed under CC Zero

8. **Off-Road Capability**: When exploring off the beaten path, the Santa Fe XRT makes a strong impression. It comes with all-terrain tires and an 8.3-inch ground clearance that allows it to tackle various terrains with ease. However, while it can handle light off-roading, it’s important to remember that this SUV is primarily designed for family use, so extreme off-road adventures might be better suited to specialized vehicles.

hyundai santa fe xrt family suv
Hyundai Santa Fe – Wikipedia, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is a compelling contender in the family SUV market, combining practicality with rugged aesthetics. While it has its imperfections, like power delivery and road noise, its spacious interior, safety features, and tech offerings make it a versatile choice for families seeking adventure. As Hyundai continues to refine its offerings, the Santa Fe XRT stands out as an option worth considering for those in the market for a family-friendly three-row SUV, blending utility with style, but still leaving a little room for improvement in its performance dynamics.

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