Hyundai Santa Fe XRT 2023: Reviews, Specs, & More!

by Alex Braham 51 views

Hey guys! Thinking about diving into the world of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT? You've come to the right place. We're breaking down everything you need to know about this rugged and stylish SUV. From its performance and features to real-world reviews, let’s get started!

Overview of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT stands out as a versatile and adventurous trim within the Santa Fe lineup. It’s designed for those who crave a bit more ruggedness and distinctive styling without sacrificing the comfort and technology that Hyundai is known for. The XRT model bridges the gap between the standard Santa Fe and more off-road-oriented SUVs, making it an appealing choice for families and adventure-seekers alike.

Key Features of the XRT

  • Exterior Design: The XRT trim boasts a unique exterior that sets it apart from other Santa Fe models. It typically includes dark exterior accents, such as blacked-out grille, roof rails, and side mirrors, giving it a more aggressive and sporty look. The exclusive XRT badging further enhances its distinctive appeal.
  • Wheels and Tires: The XRT often comes with specific wheel designs and potentially more robust tires that complement its adventurous styling. These wheels are not only aesthetically pleasing but also designed to handle various road conditions.
  • Interior Comfort and Technology: Inside, the Santa Fe XRT maintains Hyundai’s commitment to comfort and technology. Expect features like a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, comfortable seating, and a range of driver-assistance features.
  • Performance: The XRT typically shares the same engine options as other Santa Fe trims. This usually includes a standard four-cylinder engine for efficient daily driving and an available turbocharged engine for those seeking more power. The ride quality is generally smooth, making it suitable for both city commutes and longer road trips.

Why Choose the Santa Fe XRT?

The Santa Fe XRT is perfect for buyers who want a blend of style, practicality, and a touch of adventure. It’s ideal for:

  • Families: With its spacious interior and numerous safety features, the Santa Fe XRT is a great choice for families needing a reliable and comfortable SUV.
  • Outdoor Enthusiasts: The rugged styling and available features make it suitable for light off-road adventures and weekend getaways.
  • Daily Commuters: Its comfortable ride and fuel-efficient engine options make it a practical choice for daily commutes.

Performance and Engine Options

When it comes to performance, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offers a balanced driving experience. Most reviews highlight that while it's not a powerhouse, it provides adequate power for daily driving and occasional adventures. The engine options typically include:

Standard Engine

Usually, the base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing around 191 horsepower. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s known for its smooth operation and decent fuel economy, making it a practical choice for everyday use. Reviewers often note that this engine is sufficient for city driving and light highway use, but it might feel a bit strained when fully loaded or going uphill.

Available Turbocharged Engine

For those seeking more power, the available 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a popular upgrade. This engine bumps the horsepower up to around 281, providing a noticeable increase in acceleration and overall performance. It also comes with the eight-speed automatic transmission, but often includes paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. Many reviews praise the turbocharged engine for its responsiveness and ability to handle more demanding driving situations, such as merging onto highways or towing small trailers.

Driving Experience

The Santa Fe XRT generally offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth experience for both the driver and passengers. While it's not designed for serious off-roading, the XRT's slightly more rugged appearance and available all-wheel-drive make it capable enough for handling gravel roads and light trails. Steering is precise and the brakes are responsive, contributing to a confident driving experience.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many buyers, and the Santa Fe XRT performs reasonably well in this area. The standard engine typically achieves around 25 mpg combined, while the turbocharged engine offers slightly lower but still respectable figures. Real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions and habits, but overall, the Santa Fe XRT is competitive within its class.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, you’ll find a cabin designed with both comfort and technology in mind. Hyundai has a reputation for offering a lot of features for the price, and the XRT trim is no exception. Let's delve into what makes the interior of this SUV a pleasant place to be.

Seating and Space

The seats in the Santa Fe XRT are generally comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. The front seats often include features like power adjustments and lumbar support, allowing drivers and passengers to find their ideal seating position. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, comfortably accommodating adults. The rear seats also recline, adding an extra layer of comfort for passengers on road trips.

Cargo space is another strong point. The Santa Fe XRT provides a generous amount of room behind the rear seats for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The rear seats can be folded down to create an even larger cargo area, making it easy to transport larger items. Many reviews highlight the practicality of the cargo area, noting its ease of use and overall spaciousness.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system in the Santa Fe XRT is user-friendly and packed with features. It typically includes an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim level. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with smartphones. Other features often include Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a premium audio system.

The touchscreen is responsive and the menus are easy to navigate. Voice recognition is also available, allowing drivers to control various functions without taking their hands off the wheel. Some models may also include a head-up display, projecting important information onto the windshield for added convenience.

Advanced Technology

  • Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital instrument cluster is available, providing a modern and customizable display for the driver.
  • Wireless Charging: A wireless charging pad is often included, allowing you to charge your smartphone without the need for cables.
  • Panoramic Sunroof: Available panoramic sunroof that allows natural light to flood the cabin, creating a more open and airy feel.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT distinguishes itself with a rugged and adventurous exterior design. This trim is specifically styled to appeal to those who want a more distinctive and robust look compared to the standard Santa Fe models. Let's explore the key elements that define the XRT's exterior.

Front Fascia

The front of the Santa Fe XRT typically features a unique grille design, often with a dark finish that adds to its aggressive appearance. The headlights are usually sleek and modern, with LED daytime running lights that enhance visibility and style. The bumper is also designed with a more rugged look, often including skid plate elements that suggest off-road capability.

Side Profile

From the side, the Santa Fe XRT showcases its adventurous character with dark-colored side mirrors, roof rails, and side cladding. The roof rails not only add to the aesthetic but also provide functionality for carrying cargo. The exclusive XRT badging is usually prominently displayed, further setting it apart from other Santa Fe trims. The wheel arches are often accentuated with black cladding, adding to the rugged appeal.

Rear Design

The rear of the Santa Fe XRT continues the theme with dark accents and a sporty spoiler. The taillights are usually LED, providing excellent visibility and a modern look. The rear bumper often includes a skid plate design element, mirroring the front and reinforcing the SUV's adventurous styling. The overall design is cohesive and well-executed, creating a vehicle that looks both stylish and capable.

Wheels and Tires

The wheels on the Santa Fe XRT are typically unique to the trim, featuring a design that complements its rugged aesthetic. The tires may also be more robust than those found on other Santa Fe models, offering better grip and durability for various road conditions. The combination of the wheels and tires enhances the overall look and performance of the SUV.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority for Hyundai, and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features. These technologies are designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Let's take a closer look at the key safety features.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): This system uses sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians ahead. If a collision is imminent, it can provide warnings and automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid the impact.
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): The lane keeping assist system helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. If the system detects that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane, it can provide gentle steering corrections to guide it back.
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA): Blind-spot monitoring alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots. It can also assist in preventing collisions by applying the brakes if the driver attempts to change lanes while a vehicle is in the blind spot.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): When backing out of a parking space or driveway, this system can detect vehicles approaching from the side. It can provide warnings and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid a collision.
  • Smart Cruise Control (SCC): Smart cruise control maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. It can automatically adjust the speed to maintain a safe following distance, making it ideal for highway driving.

Additional Safety Features

  • Airbags: The Santa Fe XRT comes standard with a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags.
  • Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent skidding and loss of control by applying the brakes to individual wheels and adjusting engine power as needed.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): TPMS monitors the pressure in each tire and alerts the driver if the pressure is too low.

Real-World Reviews and Owner Feedback

Okay, so what are people actually saying about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT? Real-world reviews and owner feedback can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day experience of owning and driving this SUV. Let's dive into what owners and reviewers are highlighting.

Common Praises

  • Styling: Many owners and reviewers praise the XRT's distinctive and rugged styling. The dark exterior accents, unique wheels, and exclusive badging are often mentioned as standout features that set it apart from other Santa Fe trims.
  • Comfort: The comfortable seats, spacious interior, and smooth ride are frequently cited as positives. Many reviewers note that the Santa Fe XRT is well-suited for long road trips and daily commutes.
  • Technology: The user-friendly infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and available advanced technology features are generally well-received. The intuitive controls and responsive touchscreen are also appreciated.
  • Value: The Santa Fe XRT is often seen as a good value for the money, offering a lot of features and capabilities for its price point. The comprehensive warranty and competitive pricing are also mentioned as attractive factors.

Potential Drawbacks

  • Engine Performance: While the standard engine is adequate for most driving situations, some reviewers feel that it could use more power, especially when fully loaded or going uphill. The turbocharged engine is a popular upgrade for those seeking more performance.
  • Off-Road Capability: While the XRT has a more rugged appearance, it's not designed for serious off-roading. Its capabilities are limited to light trails and gravel roads.
  • Fuel Economy: While the fuel economy is generally competitive, some owners have reported lower-than-expected figures in real-world driving conditions. Driving habits and conditions can significantly impact fuel economy.

Final Verdict: Is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Right for You?

So, is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT the right SUV for you? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you're looking for a stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped SUV with a touch of ruggedness, the XRT is definitely worth considering.

Who Should Buy the Santa Fe XRT?

  • Families: With its spacious interior, comfortable seating, and numerous safety features, the Santa Fe XRT is a great choice for families needing a reliable and versatile SUV.
  • Daily Commuters: Its comfortable ride, user-friendly technology, and available fuel-efficient engine options make it a practical choice for daily commutes.
  • Adventure Seekers: The rugged styling, available all-wheel drive, and practical features make it suitable for weekend getaways and light outdoor adventures.

Who Might Want to Consider Other Options?

  • Serious Off-Roaders: If you're planning on tackling challenging off-road trails, you might want to consider a more dedicated off-road vehicle.
  • Power Enthusiasts: If you prioritize performance above all else, you might want to look at SUVs with more powerful engine options.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see how it feels behind the wheel. Consider your specific needs and preferences, and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Happy car shopping!