Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT review. If you're looking for an SUV that blends everyday practicality with a touch of off-road ruggedness, the Santa Fe XRT might just be what you are looking for. Let's get into what makes this ride stand out, covering everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value.

What is the XRT Anyway?

The XRT trim is Hyundai's attempt to inject a bit of adventure into the Santa Fe lineup. It's not a full-blown off-roader like a Jeep Wrangler, but it adds some visual and functional upgrades that make it more appealing for weekend warriors and those who like the tougher look. Think of it as the Santa Fe's outdoorsy cousin. The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is designed to stand out from the other models in the lineup with its dark exterior trim, exclusive body cladding, and unique wheel design, immediately catching the eye. These aesthetic enhancements contribute to a more aggressive and adventurous look, which appeals to buyers who want their SUV to reflect an active lifestyle. The XRT trim isn't just about looks, though. It also includes practical upgrades that enhance its functionality. The roof rack, for instance, increases the vehicle's cargo-carrying capacity, making it easier to transport bulky items such as kayaks, camping gear, or luggage. This added versatility makes the Santa Fe XRT a practical choice for families and individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. The XRT’s enhanced features cater to a specific niche within the SUV market: those who want a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures without sacrificing comfort or fuel efficiency. Its combination of style and utility makes it a compelling option for buyers who prioritize versatility and a rugged aesthetic. Compared to other trims in the Santa Fe lineup, the XRT offers a unique blend of features that set it apart. While other trims may focus on luxury or technology, the XRT emphasizes durability and practicality, offering a different value proposition. For example, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offer more premium features like leather upholstery and advanced driver-assistance systems, but they lack the rugged styling and enhanced utility of the XRT. This distinction allows Hyundai to appeal to a broader range of customers with different needs and preferences. By offering a diverse lineup of trims, Hyundai ensures that there is a Santa Fe model to suit virtually every buyer. Whether you're looking for a luxurious family SUV or a rugged adventure vehicle, the Santa Fe lineup has something to offer. The XRT trim, in particular, stands out for its unique combination of style and functionality, making it a compelling choice for those who want a vehicle that can handle anything life throws their way. The Santa Fe XRT distinguishes itself with a dark exterior trim, exclusive body cladding, and unique wheel design, presenting a more aggressive and adventurous look. These visual enhancements not only make the XRT stand out on the road but also hint at its enhanced capabilities beyond the typical family SUV.

Exterior Design: Ruggedly Handsome

The first thing you'll notice about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is its bold exterior. It's got dark trim, exclusive body cladding, and unique wheels that give it a more aggressive stance. It's not over-the-top, but it definitely looks more ready for adventure than the standard Santa Fe. The front grille features a dark finish, which complements the overall rugged aesthetic. The side profile showcases the exclusive body cladding that runs along the lower doors and wheel arches, providing extra protection and visual appeal. Around the back, the dark trim continues, and the rear bumper is designed to enhance the vehicle's robust look. The XRT also comes standard with a roof rack, adding to its practicality and adventure-ready vibe. Compared to other Santa Fe trims, the XRT's exterior design is noticeably more rugged. While the Limited and Calligraphy trims offer a more refined and luxurious appearance with chrome accents and sleek lines, the XRT goes in the opposite direction, emphasizing durability and a more utilitarian design. This contrast in design philosophies allows Hyundai to cater to a broader audience with different tastes and preferences. For those who prioritize a bold and adventurous look, the XRT is the clear choice. The dark trim and body cladding not only enhance the vehicle's appearance but also provide added protection against scratches and dings, making it ideal for those who frequently venture off the beaten path. The roof rack is another practical addition that makes the XRT more versatile, allowing owners to easily transport bulky items such as kayaks, bicycles, or camping gear. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT's exterior design is a well-executed blend of style and functionality. It manages to look both rugged and refined, making it an appealing choice for those who want an SUV that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The attention to detail in the design, from the dark trim to the body cladding, sets it apart from other trims in the Santa Fe lineup and gives it a unique personality. Whether you're drawn to its adventurous spirit or its practical features, the Santa Fe XRT's exterior design is sure to impress. The Santa Fe XRT distinguishes itself with a dark exterior trim, exclusive body cladding, and unique wheel design, presenting a more aggressive and adventurous look. These visual enhancements not only make the XRT stand out on the road but also hint at its enhanced capabilities beyond the typical family SUV.

Interior Comfort and Tech

Inside, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT doesn't stray too far from the standard model, but that's not a bad thing. You'll find a comfortable and spacious cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The seats are supportive, and the materials feel durable. Tech-wise, it's got all the essentials, including a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system is easy to navigate, with a responsive touchscreen and intuitive menus. The XRT also comes standard with a range of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features provide added peace of mind and make the Santa Fe XRT a safe and reliable choice for families. While the XRT may not have all the bells and whistles of the higher trims, it offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior that is perfect for daily commutes and long road trips. The focus is on practicality and usability, with features that enhance the driving experience without being overwhelming. Compared to other SUVs in its class, the Santa Fe XRT holds its own in terms of interior comfort and tech. It may not be as luxurious as some of its competitors, but it offers a good balance of features and value. The spacious cabin and comfortable seats make it a great choice for families, while the user-friendly infotainment system and safety features make it a pleasure to drive. The Santa Fe XRT's interior is designed with both comfort and practicality in mind. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The cabin is spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The materials used throughout the interior feel durable and well-made, adding to the overall sense of quality. The XRT also offers a generous amount of cargo space, making it easy to transport luggage, groceries, or other items. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more room, allowing you to carry larger items when needed. Overall, the interior of the Santa Fe XRT is a well-designed and comfortable space that is perfect for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The intuitive infotainment system in the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is a standout feature. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle's infotainment system. This makes it easy to access your favorite apps, music, and navigation features while on the go. The XRT also includes a range of other tech features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a rearview camera. These features enhance the driving experience and make the Santa Fe XRT a pleasure to drive. While it may not have all the advanced tech features of some of its competitors, it offers a good balance of features and value. The infotainment system is user-friendly and reliable, making it easy to stay connected and entertained while on the road. All essential tech features are included in the XRT, such as a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring a seamless and connected driving experience.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT typically comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It's not the most powerful engine out there, but it provides adequate acceleration for most driving situations. The ride is comfortable, and the handling is decent, making it a good choice for daily driving. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and efficient shifts. The Santa Fe XRT also comes standard with all-wheel drive, which enhances traction and stability in various driving conditions. While the XRT is not designed for serious off-roading, its all-wheel-drive system and increased ground clearance make it capable of handling light trails and unpaved roads. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, making it easy to maneuver the Santa Fe XRT in tight spaces. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT are well-suited for daily driving. It offers a comfortable ride, decent acceleration, and good handling, making it a practical and enjoyable SUV to drive. While it may not be the most exciting vehicle in its class, it provides a reliable and capable driving experience that is perfect for families and individuals alike. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers sufficient power for everyday driving, while the eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient gear changes. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability, making the Santa Fe XRT a capable choice for various driving conditions. The Santa Fe XRT is engineered to provide a comfortable and controlled driving experience. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and stable ride. The steering is responsive and precise, allowing you to confidently navigate city streets and winding roads. The XRT also comes standard with a range of driver-assistance features, such as lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, which enhance safety and make driving easier. Overall, the Santa Fe XRT offers a well-balanced driving experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable. It may not be the sportiest SUV on the market, but it provides a reliable and capable driving experience that is perfect for daily commutes and family road trips. The focus is on providing a smooth and stable ride, with responsive handling and a range of features that enhance safety and convenience. The Santa Fe XRT is a practical and enjoyable SUV to drive, offering a good balance of performance, comfort, and technology.

Fuel Economy

Let's be real, fuel economy is always a concern. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT gets decent gas mileage for its class. It's not going to win any awards, but it's not a gas guzzler either. Expect to get around 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Real-world fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. If you do a lot of city driving or have a heavy foot, you may not achieve the EPA estimates. However, if you drive mostly on the highway and maintain a consistent speed, you may be able to exceed the EPA estimates. To maximize fuel economy, it's important to drive efficiently, avoid excessive idling, and keep your tires properly inflated. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups, can also help improve fuel economy. Compared to other SUVs in its class, the Santa Fe XRT offers competitive fuel economy. It may not be the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, but it provides a good balance of performance and efficiency. The all-wheel-drive system can slightly reduce fuel economy compared to front-wheel-drive models, but it provides added traction and stability in various driving conditions. Overall, the fuel economy of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is acceptable for its class. It's not going to break the bank at the gas pump, but it's also not the most fuel-efficient option available. However, with proper driving habits and maintenance, you can maximize fuel economy and save money on gas. The fuel economy figures for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT are competitive within its class, offering a reasonable balance between performance and efficiency. Drivers can expect to achieve respectable mileage for both city and highway driving, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and long-distance travel. While the Santa Fe XRT may not be the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, its overall performance and features make it a compelling option for those seeking a versatile and capable vehicle.

Overall Value: Is the XRT Worth It?

So, is the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT worth it? If you value a rugged look, decent performance, and a comfortable interior, then the answer is likely yes. It's a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot for the money. However, if you're looking for serious off-road capabilities or a luxury experience, you might want to consider other options. The Santa Fe XRT is a great choice for those who want a stylish and practical SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions. It's perfect for families, individuals, and anyone who wants a vehicle that is both comfortable and capable. The XRT trim adds a unique touch to the Santa Fe lineup, making it stand out from the crowd. Its rugged exterior design and practical features make it a compelling choice for those who want an SUV that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures. Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offers a good value for the money. It provides a lot of features and capabilities for its price point, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. The Santa Fe XRT offers a compelling value proposition, blending rugged aesthetics with practical features at a competitive price point. Its unique design and enhanced capabilities make it an attractive option for buyers seeking a versatile SUV that stands out from the crowd. While it may not be a dedicated off-roader or a luxury vehicle, the Santa Fe XRT strikes a balance between style, functionality, and affordability, making it a worthwhile consideration for a wide range of drivers. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the Santa Fe XRT is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is a solid SUV with a rugged twist. It's not perfect, but it offers a lot of value for the money. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, the XRT is definitely worth checking out. It’s a good choice for those who want something a little different than the average family hauler. So, go ahead and give it a test drive – you might just be surprised! Remember to do your research and compare it with other vehicles in its class to make an informed decision. Happy driving! The Santa Fe XRT is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile and stylish SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions. Its rugged design and practical features make it a standout in its class, offering a unique blend of style and functionality. While it may not be the perfect vehicle for everyone, it is definitely worth considering if you are in the market for a mid-size SUV. The Santa Fe XRT offers a compelling value proposition, blending rugged aesthetics with practical features at a competitive price point. Its unique design and enhanced capabilities make it an attractive option for buyers seeking a versatile SUV that stands out from the crowd.